Updated December 30, 2014.

If you've been diagnosed with endometriosis, you may be considering a hysterectomy. While non-surgical treatments are available for endometriosis, in many cases, a hysterectomy is the used to bring the pain under control. While endometriosis after a hysterectomy does occur, steps can be taken to minimize that result.

This is an interview with Sheila, a Chicago travel editor who is married with two adult sons and experienced severe endometriosis.

In addition to being open about her need for a hysterectomy, Sheila teaches us about the world with her amazing travel stories at Travels With Sheila.

How old were you at the time of your hysterectomy surgery?

Sheila: 44

Why was surgery recommended for you?

Sheila: Severe endometriosis.

What kind of symptoms were you experiencing?

Sheila: Excruciating cramps monthly that incapacitated me for one day at least, passing huge “liver size” chunks during bleeding.

If you had the hysterectomy for endometriosis, were you ever told that a hysterectomy may not cure the problem?

Sheila: No, this was 1985, and the doctor knew it would cure the problem.

Were any alternatives to a hysterectomy offered?

Sheila: Medication.

Did you try any alternative procedures or therapies prior to surgery?

Sheila: No.

Did you feel like you were being “pushed” toward a hysterectomy?

Sheila: No, on the contrary, my doctor kept saying “let’s wait a while.”

Did your surgeon discuss the option to retain your ovaries, so that menopause would happen naturally, rather than immediately after surgery?

Sheila: Yes and I did keep one ovary.

If your ovaries were removed, were you well-prepared by your physician for menopause to begin during your recovery?

Sheila: Only one was removed. Surgery Guide: Leaving one ovary prevents the onset of menopause immediately after surgery and allows it to start when it would naturally occur.

Can you tell us about your recovery?

Sheila: I was and am a very active person and an extreme runner in 1985. I went out and ran a marathon four weeks before surgery and kept myself in the best possible shape to hopefully ensure an easy recovery.

I had a 5-day hospital stay (remember, 1985) and forced myself to walk farther and farther down the corridors everyday to build up strength. It still took a good 6 weeks, even with all that, for all the tiredness to vanish and my strength to fully return.

Did you worry that you would feel less womanly or sexy due to the surgery?

Sheila: Never.

Did you worry that having a hysterectomy would alter your sex life?

Sheila: Never.

Most women say that their sex lives are as good, or better than, before the surgery. Would you agree?

Sheila: Yes, because you don’t have to worry about birth control.

Did the hysterectomy improve your symptoms?

Sheila: Absolutely.

How is life after hysterectomy?

Sheila: Fabulous, never having to worry about getting a period, excessive building, cramps, carrying Tampax around, etc.

If you could make the decision over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?

Sheila: Nothing.

If a good friend was considering a hysterectomy, what advice would you offer?

Sheila: Do it! I’m so sorry I wasted years of monthly debilitation because of all the articles telling women that hysterectomies are unnecessary, etc. All that pain and agony for what.

What do you wish you had known before surgery that you now know?

Sheila: How easy life became without carrying massive amounts of Kotex Pads for the first three days of extremely heavy bleeding, and Tampax for two lighter days, no painkillers, no worrying about planning for travel, parties around when I was going to get my period, no more bloody sheets, life is wonderful.

When I did go through menopause, I took Estrace for the symptoms which made menopause a snap. My mother used to say, “Sheila dear, aren’t you afraid that while you are running your uterus will fall out?” Wouldn’t that be a wonderful solution to our problems...but until that lucky day, have a hysterectomy!

More Important Hysterectomy Information: All About Hysterectomy

Editor's Note: This is a personal account of this individual's experience. Your experience with hysterectomy may be different, and the decision to opt for surgery is something that should be based on your particular situation and doctor's advice.