Rectovaginal endometriosis

[Lizziem20]

I had a subtotal hysterectomy due to a fibroid 3 months ago, keeping my ovaries and cervix.I have just found out that during the surgery, that my surgeon found that I have rectovaginal endometriosis as my rectum is fused to the back of my cervix.

Due to gynaecological abnormalities my cervix wasn't removed as it could have caused more damage, potentially leaving me atleast temporarily incontinent.

I didn't know that I have endometriosis and at the age of 43 it looks like I'm going into menopause as well so it has come as abit of a shock.

Until 4 years ago I had contraceptive implant nexplanon so I don't know if this control the symptoms of the endo.

Could this kind of endo cause problems with me going through menopause as I'm just concerned that the endo could spread to my bowel or bladder?

[Loriiim]

Hi, sorry you're going through this, I'm sure it must've been a bit of a shock. Rectovaginal endometriosis is classified as severe by NHS England due to the complexities involved. It should only be treated in a BSGE centre by an endo specialist, so your surgeon was right to leave it. If it's not causing you symptoms, you can choose to leave it. Menopause doesn't stop endo from progressing, as the tissue creates its own hormones. For this reason it is recommended that you have continuous combined HRT (progesterone & estrogen) rather than just estrogen, should you choose to start any, which can help prevent it spreading (but doesn't always). You can find your closest BSGE centre here if you wanted to ask your gynae or GP for a referral. You'll need to provide evidence of your rectovaginal endo diagnosis. bsge.org.uk/centre/category...

There's also a group on Facebook called Endometriosis Guidance & Information Resource UK which is amazingly helpful for information, advice & correct treatment pathways. They've also got files of information & diagrams explaining rectovaginal endo in detail. Hope that's helpful!