Considerations: My Life Since My Hysterectomy

Back in late 2018, my doctor and I together made the decision to take the next step in dealing with my endometriosis. While a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis, we felt like there was a chance that it could help me.

When my battle started

It is believed that I started my battle with endometriosis when I started my periods. I never experienced what could be defined as ‘normal’ period.

My period pain was always extremely bad and I had a very heavy flow. In a matter of 30 minutes, I could bleed through the largest tampon and pad.

I knew the likelihood of me being able to conceive was small. When we started dating, I made sure my partners understood this risk.

At the time of my hysterectomy, I was married. He had four kids already and was not necessarily looking for more kids. We had many conversations with my doctor about being sure we were ready for taking such a big step.

Navigating relationships

As things sometimes happen, our marriage did not work out. That leaves me as a woman in my early 30’s who has had a hysterectomy and does not have kids of her own. I expected this to affect my dating life drastically.

Despite my fears, it has not affected me like I thought it would. I did briefly date one person who did want kids but he understood that being with me would mean not having them.

This is something that he accepted. Now I am dating somebody who is in his 40’s. Neither of us have kids and we are content with that life.

Dealing with curiosity

Summertime can bring some unwanted questions. My hysterectomy was done the old-fashioned way, instead of laparoscopically. I have a scar that runs vertically from under my bellybutton downward.

If I am in a top that shows my stomach or a swimsuit, the first question I get is about how many kids have I had.

I have tried explaining my situation in the past before, and people simply do not understand. In most cases, women cannot understand having a hysterectomy without having several kids.

Sadly, there are so many people who are still uneducated about endometriosis. I have started simply saying that I have female issues and have had surgery.

Endometriosis and hormone replacement therapy

As I mentioned previously, a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. I had several years of endometriosis pain relief, which for me was a miracle.

Due to being in surgically induced menopause, I have started hormone replacement therapy, known as HRT. It took some time to get my HRT perfected.

I am on the hormone patch that I was on previously. It is a low-dose estradiol patch that I change twice a week.

Additionally, I take a medication called Osphena. It helps with symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness.

My endometriosis did reoccur. Luckily for me, it has not been near as bad as it was prior to my hysterectomy.

Making a life-changing decision

The major question: If I did my life over again, would I still have a hysterectomy? Yes.

A million times yes. For me, it changed my life. I have lived with endometriosis longer than I have lived without it.

But I feel like my life did not really start until after my hysterectomy. My endometriosis flares are nowhere near as extreme as they used to be.

Have you had a hysterectomy or have you considered having one? Please share in the comments.