I began menstruating at the tender age of 11, and by 12, my mother was consulting a pediatrician due to my heavy periods and excruciating cramps. By 14, I was trying continuous birth control to skip my periods entirely, but they still arrived at the most inconvenient times. Pain was a constant companion, yet doctors dismissed my suffering as normal. It became my reality.
At 20, I met a new OB-GYN who was more approachable. During our conversation, she asked, “If you’re only intimate with women, why are you on birth control?” I explained my struggle with heavy, painful menstruation. She suggested the Mirena IUD, which I had implanted a week later. The IUD largely eliminated my periods, aside from some sporadic bleeding, and life went on.
One February morning, after a Pure Barre class, I felt something was wrong. I went to brunch with a friend, but after one mimosa, I knew I needed medical attention. When I arrived at the emergency room, I was doubled over in pain. The triage nurse quickly noticed my distress and rushed me through. After several failed attempts with pain relief, I finally received medication that alleviated some discomfort.
A CT scan and ultrasound revealed I had an ovarian cyst, which wasn’t unusual for me. However, a transvaginal ultrasound caused an overwhelming amount of pain, leading to vomiting and bleeding. The on-call OB-GYN suggested exploratory surgery, which I agreed to.
Upon waking up in recovery, my family was there to inform me that I had lost my right ovary due to torsion and that endometriosis was present. This condition involves the growth of uterine-like cells outside the uterus, leading to painful lesions and scar tissue. I had experienced years of symptoms, but my concerns were often overlooked.
Despite leaving the hospital, my pain persisted. A few months later, another OB-GYN performed excision surgery on the endometriosis, but it was ineffective. Over the next year, I endured four surgeries and spent 63 nights in the hospital.
Determined for a solution, I reached out to one of my OB-GYNs after three emergency visits in five days. He referred me to a specialist who took the time to listen to my story. He suspected that I might have adenomyosis or severe adhesions, and after discussing my symptoms, he suggested that a hysterectomy could be the best course of action. I didn’t need to think twice. I texted my sister and my best friend, who both offered their unwavering support.
However, not everyone was so understanding. I was bombarded with warnings and regretful stories from women who had undergone the procedure. “You’re too young!” “You’ll regret it!” “A hysterectomy was the worst decision I made!” Yet, my mother, while hesitant, said she would support my decision as she always had.
After some contemplation, I scheduled the surgery. In the days leading up to it, I read numerous accounts from women who had undergone hysterectomies. Many expressed gratitude towards their uteruses, but I had no such feelings. My uterus had never cooperated with me, and I felt a sense of relief knowing I would soon be free from its burdens.
On the morning of my surgery, the anesthesiologist questioned my decision. I felt frustrated, but I remained confident. When my surgeon visited, he squeezed my hand and expressed concern about the state of my uterus. I felt a sense of foreboding but also a deep conviction that I was doing the right thing.
After the procedure, my surgeon explained that my uterus was fused to my abdominal wall and intestines due to adhesions. He called in a GI surgeon to assist in the dissection, confirming that my uterus was not only unhealthy but also incapable of carrying a pregnancy to term. Hearing this validated my decision; the hysterectomy was necessary.
Today, I wake up free of pain and no longer fear my sheets resembling a scene from a horror movie. My hysterectomy ranks as one of my best life choices, alongside attending a women’s college and living abroad. I may have lost my uterus, but I gained control over my health.
I passionately share my story with every woman I meet. Whether at the doctor’s office, in the grocery line, or over coffee, I want others to know that my hysterectomy was a positive choice. It’s important that women hear about good experiences, especially when facing decisions about their reproductive health. I can still become a mother through adoption, and my sex life has not been ruined. I am still the same woman I was before, just healthier and more empowered.
My life has changed for the better, and I want everyone to understand that a hysterectomy can be a life-altering and positive decision.
For those considering their own reproductive options, resources like March of Dimes provide valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in exploring options for starting a family, check out this guide on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, the insights from Modern Family Blog can deepen your understanding on this topic.
Summary
At 25, I underwent a hysterectomy after years of painful menstruation and misdiagnosed conditions. Despite mixed reactions from others, I found the procedure to be life-changing for the better. Now, I share my positive experience with women everywhere to empower them in their reproductive health choices.