Lena Dunham Undergoes Hysterectomy To Fight Endometriosis

Lena Dunham had a total hysterectomy to fight her endometriosis. A hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus and cervix — women who have the procedure can no longer carry children, but the 31-year-old said she is determined to have kids and will pursue surrogacy and adoption.

"In addition to endometrial disease, an odd hump-like protrusion, and a septum running down the middle, I have retrograde bleeding, a.k.a. my period running in reverse so that my stomach is full of blood. My ovary has settled in on the muscles around the sacral nerves in my back that allow us to walk." Dunham stated to Vogue. “Soon I’ll start exploring whether my ovaries, which remain someplace inside me in the vast cavern of organs and scar tissues, have eggs. Adoption is a thrilling truth I’ll pursue with all my might.”

The writer and television star has been hospitalized for endometriosis several times over the last few years. She’s said it’s the “worst physical pain” she's ever experienced. Her decision to undergo the elective procedure comes after “years of complex surgeries.”

About 176 million women globally suffer from endometriosis. In the U.S., one in 10 women have this condition — it can cause chronic pain and fatigue, urinary and bowel disorders and fertility issues.

With the procedure behind her, the “Girls” creator is focusing on a new HBO series.