are the emotional risks of having a hysterectomy worth it?

Answer 1

I agree with dodgelovngal. I also wanted to let you know about my experience.

I had been having horrid, painful, extremely heavy periods for many, many years (since they first started as a young teen). I would have one every 6 months, then it would be soooooooooo bad that I was in bed for 2-3 days, horribly sick like I had the flu. I got sick and tired of it, and even went to the doctor to find out what was wrong, but no one could find out anything. I told my doctors that I wanted a hysterectomy. My doctors (endicrinologist and ob/gyn) both talked with me about it endlessly to be sure it was what I wanted (my endocrinologist didn't think I should have one). I was adament that I have one. So, I got one. When I woke up, and I was no longer groggy, both of my doctors saw me at different times. My ob/gyn said that she couldn't believe what she found when she got inside. My left ovary had been attached to my colon and when they lifted it to take it out, it just crumbled. It had been soooooooooo ridden with cysts that it was destroyed. The right one has a few cysts, but not bad enough to be taken out, so I at least have that left. When my endocrinologist (diabetes doctor, by the way) came in to see me, he said 'I guess you did need the surgery.' He didn't say anything more about it.

I say, considering my personal experience, that having a hysterectomy is worth it IF you aren't going to have anymore children or if it is definitely needed. This is something that you really need to talk thoroughly with your doctor, and to think about yourself. I have been soooooooooo much happier since I had the surgery. I no longer have any pain of any kind, am not sick from periods all the time, etc. I was able to stand straight up the day after my surgery (most woemn can't do that unless they have it done vaginally) because I no longer had any pain.

Only you can make this important decision. Good luck.

Answer 2

That depends on so many things...do you want more children? Would you feel like less of a woman? What are the benefits of having the operation (treating for cancer, bleeding disorder?) Are you having a total or partial hysterectomy?
I can only answer from my experience, and from those of close friends and family members. I personally do not regret my choice to have a partial hysterectomy. I'm thankful for being able to keep my ovaries because I do not have to be on hormone replacement therapy. At first I thought I would be less of a woman, and yearned for more children. I got over that very quickly. The same goes for all the other women I known that have been in the same situation. I didn't realize how badly I physically felt until the operation. And now that I don't have to worry about the problems that led to the surgery in the first place, I have a lot more freedom to plan whatever I want to at any time of the month!
These were all personal factors for me. Everyone is different. It doesn't make you any less of a person unless you let it.

Answer 3

I think that really depends on why you are getting it and if you want to have your own kids.

I am fairly young (37) and had a "radical" hysterectomy in October of last year (uterus, both ovaries and my cervix were removed). From the age of about 17, I had suffered thru extremely painful, at times debilitating cramps that would start the week before my period. Along with that was heavy bleeding and frequent periods that would last 7 days.

After a series of failed attempts of getting it under control and damn near destroying my liver with the amount of ibuprofen I was taking and developing allergies to viccodin and other pain killers I finally had a dr. who said enough is enough and we scheduled the surgery.

I had endometriosis and fibroids all thru my uterus. Though I did struggle for a while with feeling less of a woman and dealing with the fact that I couldn't have kids....that was all before the surgery. Words cannot describe how much better my life is now. And being a woman means so much more than having a uterus :0)

Answer 4

This is my personal opinion. If your dr. has suggested a hysterectomy then he/she probably has a good reason. Your physical health may be at risk. My sister had one after having 3 children. She wanted more kids, but is happy to be able to be here and healthy for the ones she had. Whatever your decision, I hope all turns out well for you.