How a Hysterectomy at 26 Restored My Life

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Since December 2020, I haven’t experienced a period, and honestly, it feels incredible. No, I’m not expecting. In fact, I no longer have a uterus. I underwent a partial hysterectomy (keeping my ovaries) at just 26 years old.

Initially, my mom and some friends urged me to reconsider. “You’re too young for this,” they said. “You might regret it later.” “What if you want more children?” they added. But look at me now — I can wear white pants without a care in the world, truly living my best life.

Can you imagine the joy of slipping into white or light-colored pants without the constant worry of potential leaks? Not having to cover up with a cardigan just in case? I can even wear white underwear! And my sheets? They can stay pristine and bright instead of being designated as “period sheets.” If my kids weren’t so messy, I might even splurge on a white couch just because I can.

These may seem trivial to those with regular periods, but for me, it represents liberation from a monthly struggle I endured for 15 years. I’ve dealt with long, heavy, and painful periods for as long as I can remember. While I didn’t experience cramps, the severe pulling pain radiated from my lower belly to my back, hips, and legs.

My life revolved around my menstrual cycle, and I didn’t realize how much it dominated my existence until it was no longer a part of my life. Despite using menstrual discs (which are far better than tampons) and pads, I would frequently bleed through. It was costly and devastating to ruin clothes, sheets, and mattresses.

The tipping point is hard to pinpoint. My doctor had approved the surgery a year before I actually went through with it. After bleeding almost continuously for two months, I had an epiphany in my bathroom: I was content with the four children I already had. I had tried every other non-surgical remedy. My uterus was just not beneficial anymore; it was time for it to go.

In the end, the people closest to me, who had listened to my struggles over the years, were genuinely happy for me. They supported my decision to part ways with an organ that held sentimental value. My friends even organized a deep cleaning of my house a week before my surgery, turning it into a welcoming space for my recovery.

After the procedure, I returned home, and I realized that saying goodbye to my uterus involved a grieving process, regardless of how ready I was. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to have more children instead of choosing not to have more brought about a tidal wave of emotions. The situation was compounded by a family friend who welcomed an adorable baby shortly after my surgery. I cried, feeling a mix of happiness for them and sadness for myself, recognizing the finality of my decision.

Initially, I thought my emotional turbulence post-surgery was due to hormones, but I can now see that I was grieving. However, that doesn’t mean I doubted my choice to undergo the hysterectomy.

When the biopsy results came back confirming adenomyosis, a condition that caused my endometrial lining to grow into the muscular wall of my uterus, it validated my decision. I had every symptom associated with it.

Today, I mostly feel gratitude. I’m thankful for a doctor who listened to my concerns and acted promptly. I didn’t have to endure unnecessary delays because I’m a woman who “might change her mind.” He provided his expert opinion and left the decision to me, which is how it should be.

Ultimately, I’m grateful that my monthly suffering has ended. Choosing to have a partial hysterectomy at 26 gave me my life (and those white pants) back. Goodbye, Diana — I won’t miss you.

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Summary

At just 26, I underwent a partial hysterectomy, ending years of painful periods and giving me my life back. Initially met with skepticism from family and friends, I ultimately found freedom in my decision. While I experienced a grieving process, my doctor’s validation of my symptoms reinforced that it was the right choice. Now, I celebrate the joy of living without the burdens of menstruation and enjoy the little things, like wearing white pants without worry.