Taking Charge of My Reproductive Health: My Hysterectomy Journey

“Maybe I should consider getting a hysterectomy,” I suggested, looking directly at my doctor. She remained silent, making me chuckle nervously, “I mean, I have no plans to have more children.” I sensed she only partially believed me.

“I believe this could resolve the entire issue,” I added. Her quick agreement shocked me, but it provided the affirmation I needed to pursue this path. The issue at hand was my persistent uterine fibroids, which have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. They have complicated my reproductive journey and have defined my experience as a woman.

During our consultation, my doctor presented various alternatives to a hysterectomy, but none resonated with me. By the time I left her office, I had decided on a partial hysterectomy, opting to remove my uterus and fallopian tubes while keeping my ovaries. This decision aimed to alleviate a lifelong struggle, one that has caused me everything from severe menstrual complications to issues with bowel movements. Just recently, I underwent surgery for a hernia, which was more challenging to recover from than my previous c-section.

The same doctor who performed my c-section also advised me on the hernia removal, which had been a constant reminder of my twin pregnancy. She was the one who ultimately guided me through my pregnancy journey, helping me carry my twins to 36 weeks before my planned c-section. C-sections are the most common surgical procedure for women of childbearing age in the U.S. According to the CDC, I was part of that statistic because I needed a c-section after having abdominal surgery to remove uterine fibroids. During that lengthy myomectomy, my gynecologist removed over fifteen benign growths from my uterine lining, increasing my chances of a successful pregnancy.

As I began my journey towards motherhood, I faced numerous challenges, including the fear of infertility. After my first in-vitro fertilization attempt failed, I was filled with anxiety. As a lesbian, the process of getting pregnant involved careful planning, finding a queer-friendly clinic, and selecting the perfect donor. Alongside those tasks, I had to ensure that my body was fit to carry a child while managing the complications caused by fibroids.

Typically, the occurrence of fibroids increases as women age. I was diagnosed with them in my twenties, experiencing heavy bleeding and a life of discomfort. Even after I finally became pregnant in my early thirties, I was still burdened by the presence of fibroids. Now, at nearly forty, I look forward to a new chapter—life liberated from fibroid complications.

After a thorough discussion with my doctor, I learned about various options, including embolization of my fallopian tubes and birth control pills to shrink the fibroids. In the United States, over 500,000 women undergo hysterectomies annually, making it the second most common surgical procedure. I never expected to be part of this statistic.

I faced many health challenges during my pregnancy, including preeclampsia at 30 weeks, which led to a five-day hospital stay. I also had to accept that I couldn’t deliver my twins vaginally due to my previous surgeries and the fibroids that had expanded during pregnancy. The hormonal treatments I underwent to assist with pregnancy only fueled the growth of my fibroids.

As I prepare for my partial hysterectomy, I hope this will be my last surgery concerning my reproductive health. I’ve come to realize that life is too short to endure discomfort and pain. Choosing to have this procedure is a way for me to prioritize my reproductive health, even if it means saying goodbye to the organ that helped bring my daughters into the world. It didn’t fail me then, and now it’s time to let it go.

For further insights into the world of reproductive health, check out our other blog post on home insemination. If you’re looking for resources on fertility, Make a Mom is an excellent authority on the topic. For comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination, visit Mayo Clinic’s resource.

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In summary, my journey toward a hysterectomy has been filled with challenges, but it represents an important step in taking control of my reproductive health. As I navigate this transition, I embrace the opportunity for a new chapter in my life, free from the burdens imposed by fibroids.

Keyphrase: Hysterectomy and reproductive health

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