My Endometriosis, My Choice

Ever since I publicly announced I had decided to have a hysterectomy, I have found myself being extremely defensive over it. I received so many messages of support, but they were drowned out by the few masked as helpful but wholly unsupportive messages that I also received.

These comments were well intentioned, I suppose. However, they were filled with assumptions that myself and my doctor, along with others who have also made the choice to have a hysterectomy (whether it be for endometriosis or other reasons), were not informed.

My body, my choice

... I kept repeating. I wrote social media posts, shared others stories and perspectives in defense of this life-changing choice I had made. I stated time and time again that I wasn't having a hysterectomy for my endometriosis. I was informed! This was my choice and mine alone!... But what I forgot is that, hey, it's OK if you did make the decision to have a hysterectomy for your endometriosis.

I know there are horror stories out there of young women being told their only option is a hysterectomy, them going ahead with it only to find it did nothing and their chances of motherhood are gone forever. I was told the same.

I was 21, living with my parents and in a dead-end relationship. I was told to "have a hysterectomy or get pregnant". Like it was that simple! I wasn't informed. In fact, recently diagnosed and very fresh on the endometriosis block, I barely knew anything about the disease. But I made the choice to continue trying other things. I wanted to at least have the option of having children at some point. But that was my personal choice. I'm not certain I would have chosen that path had I not wanted children.

There is no cure for endo, but...

While I continue to shout it from the rooftops that there is no cure for endometriosis, those stories I have read of others experiences prior to having a hysterectomy are all so similar. We have all had our fill of this disease. We have all tried everything we can. And we have all come to the end of the line in terms of suggestions. We all share the same desperation for relief.

Every one of us has different experiences of life with endometriosis. The pain is different for every one of us. The disease manifests itself in a variety of ways for us all. I have no idea how the next person is feeling because of it. So why should I have any say over what that person chooses to do in order to find relief? Why should I have any say in what that person chooses to do with their own body?

Let us continue to advise that a hysterectomy isn't a cure for endometriosis, but come on, let's lay off those who make the choice to have one. Let's not assume they are brainless beings, but support them in their choices - whether those choices are in line with our own beliefs or not.