Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Woman Left Medically Infertile After Seven Surgeries For Endometriosis That She Did Not Have

At the age of 28, Courtney Paton realized she could never have children. She was medically infertile. This was after years of repeated surgeries, a total of seven, for 'suspected' <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/endometriosis">endometriosis</a></span>, due to which Dr Simon Gordon, Melbourne-based gynecologist removed both her ovaries and eventually her uterus. 

Her story came to light through an investigation by the <em>Australian Broadcasting Company</em> or <em>ABC'</em>s <em>Four Corners</em>, an investigation that looked at the treatment she received from Dr Gordon. 

Courtney says she trusted the doctor completely. Now she says that trust has been shattered. “I feel completely betrayed by not only Simon Gordon, but by Epworth, by the healthcare system,” she told the program.

<h2>A Wrong Diagnosis That Led to Repeated Surgeries</h2>

Courtney first had laparoscopic surgery in 2018 with another surgeon, which confirmed she had endometriosis. The condition affects about one in seven Australian women and can cause severe pelvic pain and fertility problems.

Still struggling with pain, she began seeing Gordon in 2019 when she was 21.

Over the next several years she underwent seven surgeries with him. Gordon told her the procedures were necessary to treat severe endometriosis. Courtney and her family paid more than 32,000 Australian dollars for these surgeries alone.

But when investigators asked her to obtain her pathology reports, the results told a very different story. The tissue tests from most of her surgeries showed no evidence of endometriosis.

Despite this, operation reports written by Gordon continued to describe findings consistent with the disease.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/a-woman-lost-her-ovary-to-endometriosis-surgery-after-receiving-an-ultimatum-from-gynecologist-article-153674159" data-type="tilCustomLink">A Woman Lost Her Ovary To Endometriosis Surgery After Receiving An Ultimatum From Gynecologist</a>

In 2021 Gordon removed one of Courtney’s ovaries, saying it was stuck to the pelvic wall. Later he removed the second ovary as well.

Independent specialists who reviewed the pathology for the investigation said the ovary appeared normal and there was no clear justification for removing it. One expert described the treatment as “unbelievable” after reviewing the medical records.

Medical guidelines generally advise caution when removing ovaries from young women who may want children in the future.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/this-is-endometriosis-a-short-film-on-debilitating-health-condition-wins-bafta-award-2026-know-more-article-153757181" data-type="tilCustomLink">This Is Endometriosis, A Short Film On Debilitating Health Condition Wins BAFTA Award 2026, Know More</a>

Despite losing both ovaries, Courtney continued to experience pelvic pain. Gordon later advised that she should undergo a hysterectomy.

Concerned, she sought a second opinion from another gynecologist who said the procedure was unnecessary and suggested non surgical treatments.

But after years of pain and repeated surgeries, Courtney says she felt desperate for relief and trusted the doctor who had treated her for so long. Her uterus was removed in 2023 when she was just 25.

Again, pathology results found no evidence of endometriosis.

Courtney is now pursuing legal action through a medical negligence claim. The case has also drawn attention from regulators, with investigations underway into Gordon’s conduct.

Australia’s federal health minister Mark Butler described the allegations as “physically sickening”.

For Courtney, the emotional impact remains overwhelming.

“No woman should ever have to endure what I’ve endured,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to have a family taken away from me.”

Health Conditions A-Z

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Woman Left Medically Infertile

misdiagnosis leads to removal or ovary and uterus

woman ovaries removed for wrong diagnosis

woman got hysterectomy for wrong diagnosis

endometriosis

dr gordon smith

health and wellness

women health

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At the age of 28, Courtney Paton realized she could never have children. She was medically infertile. This was after years of repeated surgeries, a total of seven, for 'suspected' endometriosis, due to which Dr Simon Gordon, Melbourne-based gynecologist removed both her ovaries and eventually her uterus. Her story came to light through an investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Company or ABC's Four Corners, an investigation that looked at the treatment she received from Dr Gordon. Courtney says she trusted the doctor completely. Now she says that trust has been shattered. “I feel completely betrayed by not only Simon Gordon, but by Epworth, by the healthcare system,” she told the program.A Wrong Diagnosis That Led to Repeated SurgeriesCourtney first had laparoscopic surgery in 2018 with another surgeon, which confirmed she had endometriosis. The condition affects about one in seven Australian women and can cause severe pelvic pain and fertility problems.Still struggling with pain, she began seeing Gordon in 2019 when she was 21.Over the next several years she underwent seven surgeries with him. Gordon told her the procedures were necessary to treat severe endometriosis. Courtney and her family paid more than 32,000 Australian dollars for these surgeries alone.But when investigators asked her to obtain her pathology reports, the results told a very different story. The tissue tests from most of her surgeries showed no evidence of endometriosis.Despite this, operation reports written by Gordon continued to describe findings consistent with the disease.Read: A Woman Lost Her Ovary To Endometriosis Surgery After Receiving An Ultimatum From GynecologistRemoval of Both OvariesIn 2021 Gordon removed one of Courtney’s ovaries, saying it was stuck to the pelvic wall. Later he removed the second ovary as well.Independent specialists who reviewed the pathology for the investigation said the ovary appeared normal and there was no clear justification for removing it. One expert described the treatment as “unbelievable” after reviewing the medical records.Medical guidelines generally advise caution when removing ovaries from young women who may want children in the future.Read: This Is Endometriosis, A Short Film On Debilitating Health Condition Wins BAFTA Award 2026, Know MoreA Hysterectomy At 25Despite losing both ovaries, Courtney continued to experience pelvic pain. Gordon later advised that she should undergo a hysterectomy.Concerned, she sought a second opinion from another gynecologist who said the procedure was unnecessary and suggested non surgical treatments.But after years of pain and repeated surgeries, Courtney says she felt desperate for relief and trusted the doctor who had treated her for so long. Her uterus was removed in 2023 when she was just 25.Again, pathology results found no evidence of endometriosis.Investigation and Legal ActionCourtney is now pursuing legal action through a medical negligence claim. The case has also drawn attention from regulators, with investigations underway into Gordon’s conduct.Australia’s federal health minister Mark Butler described the allegations as “physically sickening”.For Courtney, the emotional impact remains overwhelming.“No woman should ever have to endure what I’ve endured,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to have a family taken away from me.”

woman left medically infertile after seven surgeries for endometriosis that she did not have

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