LADIES: Question about GYN procedures

breezymom81
breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello Ladies, I am hoping some one out there can help me with a choice or give me some insight! Yesterday my GYN gave me the choice between a tuabal ligation and uterine ablation or a hysterectomy (leaving ovaries) I am not having more children - extremly heavy periods and cramping like labor pains( I take oxy for them) Cramps last 3 weeks. I originally said tubal/ablation. Now I am having some second thoughts on this, I would hate to have to have hysterectomy in a few years when I could jsut get it all done now!!

My hubby says to do what I feel comfortable with - and none of my girlfriends have had either. Anyone on here have either of these and what were results??


Thanks :)
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Replies

  • pennyknipprath
    pennyknipprath Posts: 28 Member
    I'm quite a bit older than you are 49. However due to blood pressure issues I'm looking for a new Birth Control method.

    I haven't had a hysterectomy, but I did just look into the cost. It's over 2K after insurance, my funds are allocated elsewhere so I can't afford it. I'm not sure I would qualify for medical issues either so my cost may be $7,500.00 plus. Would I do it? Hell yeah! In a hot second. As long as they leave your overies so you don't go into early menopause.

    I have had my children, why must I still have periods? It's unnecessary to have them after children. Think of the money you will save on Tampons, Pads, Midol, Birth Control. Freedom all month. No soiled panties. No sitting by the pool unable to go in, because it's your time of the month. In my mind, "Hey my Uterous weights 1 maybe 2 lbs. more weight gone". :tongue: :tongue:

    Just be absoulutly sure your done having natural children. You could adopt! If you get that my babies are growing up to fast feeling.

    Just sayin... You asked! :flowerforyou: Penny
  • kvanderbeek1
    kvanderbeek1 Posts: 50 Member
    I know everyone is different but I started having very heavy cycles after my tubal ligation. Then I did an ablasion and I'm happy to say my period is close to non-existent. Again everyone different. t's only been few months but so far so good.
  • HeatherHitchen
    HeatherHitchen Posts: 9 Member
    I had a tubal ligation and mine got heavier. I wasn’t a candidate for ablation. I ended up getting an IUD. It was the best decision! I haven’t had a period for 5 years.
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    Only you can decide what is right for you but I had the tubal/ablation for the same reasons and I'm still having heavy bleeding every 2 weeks and horrible cramps. Will still end up with a hysterectomy probably with in the next year. Yet my friend who had the tubal/ablation is getting along wonderfully with only slight spotting every month but she does complain her cramping is worse then it was before. Good luck!
  • jeanzbeanz
    jeanzbeanz Posts: 64
    This may be TMI, but here goes.

    I was put in a similar position when I was about 38 due to endometriosis. I already had 3 children and spent 5 years dealing with super-heavy periods (horrifying-ly heavy), massive clotting, cramps - just a mess. My GYN recommended a hysterectomy because of all the issues and because I already had three kids.

    I held off because I was scared.

    Two years later, at age 40, I was doubled over in pain and had to go to the emergency room. Endometrial tissue was everywhere and they had to do a hysterectomy right away.

    Good news is that I still had one little pink ovary that was saved!

    So, I got the best of both worlds: no more periods, and one happy estrogen-producing ovary (no need for hormone replacement).

    People are a little taken aback when I say the hysterectomy was the best thing ever!
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    If they flick the bean, they're doing it wrong.

    Damn, this is a serious post. Do your research. Looks like they're leaving the ovaries either way, which I've heard is the good part because you can still then rely on them for hormonal balance. I have, however, heard that there can be some complications with having a hysterectomy and leaving the ovaries that are less common with tubal ligation. Just take some time and do a crap ton of research. Maybe get a second opinion. Do you have a women’s hospital available to you that you can go to for another opinion? I would think it’s sort of a big deal.
  • sds76
    sds76 Posts: 215 Member
    I was supposed to get the ablation(sp) a while back but couldn't get it scheduled. Everyone that I talked to that had it done, raved about it. They said they would do it again if given the choice.
    I no longer have health insurance but as soon as I do I will be getting it done. Wish I would have just made the time before.
  • breezymom81
    breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
    I'm quite a bit older than you are 49. However due to blood pressure issues I'm looking for a new Birth Control method.

    I haven't had a hysterectomy, but I did just look into the cost. It's over 2K after insurance, my funds are allocated elsewhere so I can't afford it. I'm not sure I would qualify for medical issues either so my cost may be $7,500.00 plus. Would I do it? Hell yeah! In a hot second. As long as they leave your overies so you don't go into early menopause.

    I have had my children, why must I still have periods? It's unnecessary to have them after children. Think of the money you will save on Tampons, Pads, Midol, Birth Control. Freedom all month. No soiled panties. No sitting by the pool unable to go in, because it's your time of the month. In my mind, "Hey my Uterous weights 1 maybe 2 lbs. more weight gone". :tongue: :tongue:

    Just be absoulutly sure your done having natural children. You could adopt! If you get that my babies are growing up to fast feeling.

    Just sayin... You asked! :flowerforyou: Penny

    That's kinda my thought, I am absolutly certain on the no more kids- I love the freedom of no more babies!! I would love to be free all month- as it is now I am not sleeping well b/c of cramps, cant work out b/c of them it is crazy how miserable I feel. The more I think the more I learn towards a hyst. And I hadn't even thought of 1-2 weight loss!!
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    I had a vaginal hysterectomy and have nooo regrets. The surgery was fast, I only had one tiny stitch in my belly button and I recovered quickly.
  • KristysLosing
    KristysLosing Posts: 683
    I've had problems with heavy bleeding. It's awful. We are giving baby #3 a try, and after that I'm going hysterectomy. It's the only way to cure me of the problem. I'm a little nervous, but looking forward to it at the same time!
  • breezymom81
    breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
    I had a tubal ligation and mine got heavier. I wasn’t a candidate for ablation. I ended up getting an IUD. It was the best decision! I haven’t had a period for 5 years.

    I have an IUD...they think that may be making cramps worse but I got these cramps before I had and IUD
  • saverys_gal
    saverys_gal Posts: 808 Member
    Been there done that...those kinds of cycles suck totally and really just ruin your life. I ended up have the balloon ablation done April last year...yeah it's 8 minutes of hell up there on the table having the lining of your hooha burned...but truthfully the pain was completely gone by the next day. It's almost a risk free procedure which is great-it can also be done in your GYNs office-it is pricey though. Almost a year and a half later I have my life back-heavy cycles are gone and they are a normal length again. The only issue I still have is cramps-not as bad as they used to be but every now and then I still have to take a muscle relaxer for them. You have to do what you feel is best for your life and body. :smile:

    ETA: I was 25 when I had it done...so it didn't stop my periods. There's also a good chance I'll need to have it, or something more drastic, done at a later date should my endometriosis grow back. It seems that the older you are, the better your chances of not needing it done again and it completely getting rid of your period.
  • KristysLosing
    KristysLosing Posts: 683
    I had a vaginal hysterectomy and have nooo regrets. The surgery was fast, I only had one tiny stitch in my belly button and I recovered quickly.

    If I may ask a super personal question, and if you are willing to answer...has it caused any issues in bed? We have a great sex life and I worry that the way I work will change.
  • kimad
    kimad Posts: 3,010 Member
    Depends what you are looking for .... If it is for birth control only, any would be ok. But if you want to curb those nasty periods, the hysterectomy is the only surefire way.

    Ablations and tubals may adjust your periods (worse or better) but won't take them away.

    Good luck!!!!
  • breezymom81
    breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
    This may be TMI, but here goes.

    I was put in a similar position when I was about 38 due to endometriosis. I already had 3 children and spent 5 years dealing with super-heavy periods (horrifying-ly heavy), massive clotting, cramps - just a mess. My GYN recommended a hysterectomy because of all the issues and because I already had three kids.

    I held off because I was scared.

    Two years later, at age 40, I was doubled over in pain and had to go to the emergency room. Endometrial tissue was everywhere and they had to do a hysterectomy right away.

    Good news is that I still had one little pink ovary that was saved!

    So, I got the best of both worlds: no more periods, and one happy estrogen-producing ovary (no need for hormone replacement).

    People are a little taken aback when I say the hysterectomy was the best thing ever!

    I am 31 and people are taken aback that I really am considering this!! Why should I be in pain 3 weeks out of 4? I don't need the crap anymore, baby days are done!!
  • KristysLosing
    KristysLosing Posts: 683
    I had a tubal ligation and mine got heavier. I wasn’t a candidate for ablation. I ended up getting an IUD. It was the best decision! I haven’t had a period for 5 years.

    I have an IUD...they think that may be making cramps worse but I got these cramps before I had and IUD

    I had one, but it was expelled in less than a year! VERY expensive failure. :sad:
  • kimad
    kimad Posts: 3,010 Member
    I had a tubal ligation and mine got heavier. I wasn’t a candidate for ablation. I ended up getting an IUD. It was the best decision! I haven’t had a period for 5 years.

    I have an IUD...they think that may be making cramps worse but I got these cramps before I had and IUD

    I have considered an IUD but I know many people it didn't take their periods away. I use extended use bcp, so I only get a few a year, this way I atleast feel I have some control. Glad the IUD worked for no periods!
  • Alex_is_Hawks
    Alex_is_Hawks Posts: 3,499 Member
    I had the tubal...with the idea that an ablation would follow if my cramps didn't lessen...

    which they did...but that may have been due to weight gain I am learning, because in the past two months, my cramps have come back SO bad I've had to get painkillers at the hospital walk in ....it feels like someone's stabbing me in the stomach with a dull spoon and using my spine for a zipper...it's horrible.

    so I may end up doing the ablation yet.

    but I've had no problems with my tubal whatsoever....none.
  • trishgrace
    trishgrace Posts: 279 Member
    I have had a tubal and an ablation (NovaSure) it helped with the bleeding but didn't stop it. If they would have told me they would take my uterus out (he wanted to try this first) I would have.
  • bethc370
    bethc370 Posts: 41 Member
    I had a tubal and then a year later I had an ablation done. The ablasion was the best thing I ever did! I haven't bled in almost 3 years. I do still get cramps sometimes, but not as bad. I am no longer anemic from the amount of bleeding I did each month.

    That said, I have recently found out that I have a fibroid, and my ovaries are quite enlarged from being poly cystic, so I will be perusing a total hysterectomy. (mainly to treat pain)

    The tubal and ablation will have the shortest down time for you, so I suggest starting there. My life was vastly improved until the fibroid and ovary thing came up.

    Good luck!
  • Eisskween
    Eisskween Posts: 84 Member
    I had the radical hysterectomy at 43, where they took everything including the ovaries. It threw me straight into full-blown menopause, but has been the best thing that's ever happened to me. I had experienced a lot of what you are, and then some.

    They said they will keep your ovaries. That's great because you won't have to deal with any of the hormonal issues. They don't last forever anyway and I did it without the hormone replacement therapy.

    They say it's a six week recovery after the surgery. I was ready to go back to work in three, but the doc wouldn't clear me. LOL

    Good luck to you, which ever you choose. Just wanted you to know of my experience and I that I am glad of the choice I made.
  • BSchoberg
    BSchoberg Posts: 712 Member
    If your GYN is willing to clear you for the hysterectomy as medically necessary (covered by insurance), do it! I know too many woman who have more conservative doctors who have to do tubal ligation THEN uterine oblation THEN finally the hysterectomy.

    I am peri-menopausal myself and while my flow may come or not (I'll skip 3 months), the CRAMPS! Holy cow! It's like someone is stabbing me - never in my life have they been so bad. I am so ready to be done with the whole mess and would give my left boob for a hysterectomy. Well, maybe not that, but I'd give a lot... :laugh:
  • Alex_is_Hawks
    Alex_is_Hawks Posts: 3,499 Member
    Depends what you are looking for .... If it is for birth control only, any would be ok. But if you want to curb those nasty periods, the hysterectomy is the only surefire way.

    Ablations and tubals may adjust your periods (worse or better) but won't take them away.

    Good luck!!!!

    true enough, it doesn't take your period away, but for the most part statistically they lessen them....

    i don't mind having a period as long as it's not hell....that's all...i don't need hell.
  • pogojr
    pogojr Posts: 83 Member
    I had a tubal ligation after my last child (6 years ago) and my monthly friend has been heavier compared to before the last pregnancy.
  • kariberi84
    kariberi84 Posts: 186 Member
    Hello Ladies, I am hoping some one out there can help me with a choice or give me some insight! Yesterday my GYN gave me the choice between a tuabal ligation and uterine ablation or a hysterectomy (leaving ovaries) I am not having more children - extremly heavy periods and cramping like labor pains( I take oxy for them) Cramps last 3 weeks. I originally said tubal/ablation. Now I am having some second thoughts on this, I would hate to have to have hysterectomy in a few years when I could jsut get it all done now!!

    My hubby says to do what I feel comfortable with - and none of my girlfriends have had either. Anyone on here have either of these and what were results??


    Thanks :)

    I have a friend that has had sever ablations and they only lasted so long. She ended up having a hysterectomy and loves it. As a matter of fact, I suffer from dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Its horrible, gross, and I have labor like cramps. I got the Mirena last December and have been in heaven with it... until last weekend when it came out on its own. I managed to convince my dr to let me have another one because that is the only "treatment" that will allow me to have another child in the future. My friend is trying to convince me to have a hysterectomy... but I'm only 28 and I want more kids. My suggestion, go with the hysterectomy. The tuabal ligation and uterine ablation are not 100%, but the hysterectomy is. Good luck!
  • jlapey
    jlapey Posts: 1,850 Member
    I will be 42 next month. I had a hysterectomy in March of 2009 and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself.

    My periods were heavy, extremely painful, erratic and the pain was becoming constant, not just during my periods. So many times my boss would send me home from work because I was doubled over, crying in pain. I couldn't just enjoy my life. I found out I had uterine fibroids. 5 of them, very large. My GYN said my uterus was the size of a 5 month pregnancy. We tried 'shrinking' them with birth control pills but the pills made me bat-**** crazy. I was hormonal enough without them. When I asked her what she would do if she were me (not planning on having more kids) her exact words were, "I'd take the mother out" So I did. 4-6 months of discomfort and pain so well worth the rest of my life being pain and period free. I do still have my ovaries but now they function properly and I am no longer a basket case.
  • breezymom81
    breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
    I had the radical hysterectomy at 43, where they took everything including the ovaries. It threw me straight into full-blown menopause, but has been the best thing that's ever happened to me. I had experienced a lot of what you are, and then some.

    They said they will keep your ovaries. That's great because you won't have to deal with any of the hormonal issues. They don't last forever anyway and I did it without the hormone replacement therapy.

    They say it's a six week recovery after the surgery. I was ready to go back to work in three, but the doc wouldn't clear me. LOL

    Good luck to you, which ever you choose. Just wanted you to know of my experience and I that I am glad of the choice I made.
    .


    What type of hysterectomy did you have? Abdominal or vaginal? From what I hear the vaginal one is much less painful and fast recovery, I am waiting to hear back from him on what type he would do.
  • jeanzbeanz
    jeanzbeanz Posts: 64
    This may be TMI, but here goes.

    I was put in a similar position when I was about 38 due to endometriosis. I already had 3 children and spent 5 years dealing with super-heavy periods (horrifying-ly heavy), massive clotting, cramps - just a mess. My GYN recommended a hysterectomy because of all the issues and because I already had three kids.

    I held off because I was scared.

    Two years later, at age 40, I was doubled over in pain and had to go to the emergency room. Endometrial tissue was everywhere and they had to do a hysterectomy right away.

    Good news is that I still had one little pink ovary that was saved!

    So, I got the best of both worlds: no more periods, and one happy estrogen-producing ovary (no need for hormone replacement).

    People are a little taken aback when I say the hysterectomy was the best thing ever!

    I am 31 and people are taken aback that I really am considering this!! Why should I be in pain 3 weeks out of 4? I don't need the crap anymore, baby days are done!!

    You are younger than I was and w/slightly different issues. If I had known, I would have done mine before age 40. I tried to tell myself that the heavy periods weren't that bad and I could deal with it - as they continued to get worse and ruin my life. The term 'hysterectomy' competely freaked me out. My mom had one (early 70's) and they took everything including her appendix and left her on hormones with a massive scar across her tummy! But, my GYN was excellent, he explained everything that would happen, gave me options for other treatments and told me he would leave all healthy organs -specifically the ovaries.
  • breezymom81
    breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
    If they flick the bean, they're doing it wrong.

    Damn, this is a serious post. Do your research. Looks like they're leaving the ovaries either way, which I've heard is the good part because you can still then rely on them for hormonal balance. I have, however, heard that there can be some complications with having a hysterectomy and leaving the ovaries that are less common with tubal ligation. Just take some time and do a crap ton of research. Maybe get a second opinion. Do you have a women’s hospital available to you that you can go to for another opinion? I would think it’s sort of a big deal.

    It is and I have done research- both can have some serious complications!! An ablation is 3rd degree burns over your entire uterus!!! Unfortunaly only one hospital here will even do tubals- the other is cathloic and will not allow it!
  • scrdofbugs
    scrdofbugs Posts: 37 Member
    I had a hysterectomy due to cancer 2 yrs ago at the age of 36. My dr was going to do ablation (however you spell it) becuase of heavy periods and clotting but he did a biospy during my pap which came back cancer. The hysterectomy was the BEST thing ever as far as not having to deal with all that. I can not take hormones due to the type of cancer I had. THey got all the cancer and I am loving not having my friend each month. I was cut pretty big due to the size of my uterous. I have had very little menopausal symptoms some hot flashes that were not bad at all.

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