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19592380 tn?1480606612

Having a hysterectomy at age 23, need some input?

I'm 23 and have suffered very heavy periods with debilitating pain and symptoms since I began menstruating at age 11. I finally seen a gynecologist for the first time last year, found out I have endometriosis and went for a laparoscopy a few months ago to remove it. I know that it can grow back and I've told my gynecologist that I want a full hysterectomy. Some of you are probably asking 'why', but I have a few reasons. Ever since I was a young child, I remember telling my parents that I never wanted children, and to this day I still do not. My fiance and I have talked seriously about this decision and both of our families know that children aren't for us. I struggle with mental illness and having children is something that never seemed good for me. People always say "you'll change your mind", but I know in my heart that this is who I am, I've never once had a shred of doubt. I cannot take birth control to help lighten my periods due to my other health issues; my gynecologist says that it would create a high stroke risk for me and I have trouble taking well to a lot of medications.  Because of my health problems and the severity of my endo, she actually is standing by me and supporting my decision to go through with the procedure. She said that because I will be unable to take the hormone supplements they usually provide after a hysterectomy, she will be leaving one ovary. We talked about the fact that endometriosis could grow back if an ovary is kept and plan to deal with it as it occurs. I have to get a second opinion which is coming up in two weeks, only because a second opinion is apparently mandatory for women under a certain age in my area. I'm a little nervous because I know that a lot of other adults don't support my decision and I'm afraid that he will have a bit of a bias due to my age. At the same time, I get frustrated because I feel like I should be allowed to have this say in my health, especially when we pay so much for health insurance and care. I understand that they want what is in my best interest, but I don't want to be rejected just because of my age. I'd like to know if any of you have had a hysterectomy in your twenties and whether or not there are still other women out there who support the decision to have a hysterectomy at this age?
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Avatar universal
Well I recently had a hysterectomy but I'm older. I'm 48. I did keep my ovaries but worry because I had some endometriosis. I didn't know about it until after surgery. I went in for Adenomyosis and it was bad.

I think if your doctor agrees with you and you have weighed all your options and feel this is the best thing for your body, then have your doctor fight for you with the insurance company.

Don't let others scare you about all the negatives.

You will need to be careful with your vaginal cuff. Doctors use different terminology. When your cervix is removed they stitch the top of the vagina closed. It's function is to hold in your internal organs. You take it easy and don't lift more than 5lbs. Take little frequent walks.

I had no complications. The gas pains hurt. It did hurt to get up and down, but I only had to take Ibuprofen and Tylenol for the pain.

Everyone heals at a different pace. Your body will tell you when it's too much. You can have a normal life after hysterectomy.
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Avatar universal
I'm sorry you have endometriosis. I know it's a horrible disease with no cure. It seems excision surgery by a renowned / "true" endometriosis surgeon gives women the best possible outcome.  

I agree that it's your right to have a hysterectomy. However, it's critical that you understand the repercussions of the surgery. Although it's a common surgery and is marketed as "no big deal" after childbearing, it's a destructive surgery. I had one 10 years ago and have learned SO MUCH about the NON-reproductive functions of the uterus, ovaries, and tubes. They are critical for good health our whole lives.

My intent is not to scare you but to give you the information needed to go into this "eyes wide open." Unfortunately, the MANY women I've connected with since my hysterectomy 10 years ago were not told any of the following information. Be aware that some hysterectomy forums censor negative posts so you cannot completely count on those.

The uterus has anatomical, skeletal, hormonal and sexual functions. It is an "anchor" for the bladder and bowel and also separates them. The removal of the uterus causes them to fall leading to problems especially in the long-term - prolapse, incontinence, incomplete emptying, bowel obstruction (a medical emergency). It can also cause "celes" (rectocele, cystocele, urethrocele, enterocele).

The four sets of pelvic ligaments that suspend the uterus are like scaffolding for the midsection. That is why women's figures change after hysterectomy. The skeletal changes (spine compression, hip widening, descent of rib cage) also cause back, hip and leg problems and pain in the long-term.

The uterus, ovaries and tubes work together which is why it is common for women to go into a surgical type "menopause" even if one or both ovaries are left in place. Studies show that this is more likely to happen if only one ovary is left in place. Even if the ovary(ies) continue producing hormones, that production may be compromised. An INTACT woman's ovaries produce hormones her whole life. Ovary removal or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure is associated with many increased health risks and reduced quality of life. Overy dot org is a good website that has some "linkable" text, one of which goes to a list of 500+ citations about the repercussions of loss of ovarian hormones.

Last but not least regarding the uterus, it is key to sexual function for many women. Even many women who do / did not have uterine orgasms report a loss of desire and ability to orgasm and enjoy sex after hysterectomy even if their ovaries continue to function. Since the vagina is shortened, there is a risk that it will be shortened too much which can cause a problem with penetration and result in painful sex which you are likely trying to "fix."

The loss of an ovary or ovaries or their function is a whole other mess as spelled out on the above mentioned site. The younger a woman is at the time of ovary removal or loss of ovarian function, the greater the health problems and risks.

I was 49 when my organs were removed. Almost immediately, I lost my basic "joy" for life... the "pep in my step." I felt disconnected from everyone. And then within a couple months, the rapid aging started - my hair fell out at an alarming rate and over half of it was gone by 4 months post-op, the front turned completely gray, it became extra fine and frizzy (I call it 70+ YO hair!). I lost a LOT of skin volume (collagen, subcutaneous fat) causing it to sag and wrinkle. I basically changed from someone who looked to be late-30's to 60-something in a matter of months. I became a recluse... did not want anyone to see me nor did I care to see anyone. Social situations were extremely distressing.

I couldn't sleep for more than 2 hours at a time... woke up feeling like my body was on fire (like a severe hot flash). Depression set in quickly and became SEVERE... very dark thoughts 24x7. Other problems - scary memory loss (couldn't remember what someone said minutes ago, earlier in the day, etc.), could not focus or think straight, constant anxiety, loss of appetite, absolutely no motivation or energy. I lost my daughter's high school years because I was such a basket case. I hung onto my job by a thread because I couldn't function in my pre-hysterectomy capacity on any level.

If you still think you want to proceed, do yourself a favor and spend some time reading other women's experiences. Keep in mind that some sites censor posts so there are even more negatives than what you read. Obviously, once it's done, there's no going back.

Best of luck to you!
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