Too Young For Hysterctomy?

calibriintx · June 2013

I'm 31 and have one little. She's 3.5 and it took about that number of years to get pregnant. We always wanted at least 2 kids, but I've had no desire to add to our family. Our little is perfect - okay, she has her moments, like every kid, but she's seriously awesome - and the joy of my life. I feel like our family is complete. DH has been pushing to start trying for another since she was born, but he recently said that he's happy with our family just the way it is. He'd be happy if something just "happened" but he doesn't want to try again. < Totally thrilled with that news b/c I've felt really guilty that he's been wanting to add to our family and I've been squashing it. Anyway....I don't think I'm going to want more kids. And even if I do, DH is 10 years my senior and in a couple years, he definitely won't be interested.

Sorry, so here's my question. Is 31 too young to have my uterus removed? I'd like to keep my ovaries, but I'd like to ditch my uterus b/c I have PCOS and the irregular cycles are causing a lot of anxiety for me about unintended pregnancy. I don't want to be on the pill b/c it kills my sex drive. We're using other methods to prevent, but it doesn't make me freak out any less when I'm 50 days into a cycle, taking pregnancy tests every few days just to make sure.

I know it's a personal choice. Just looking for feedback and things I might not be considering.

ETA: Obviously this would be a choice DH and I would make together. But before I take it to him, I want to be sure that I even want to consider a permanent method at this point.

jade2112 · June 2013

Why don't you just get your tubes tied? I don't think you're going to find a doctor to remove your uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Cadori · June 2013

My mom had a complete hysterectomy at 31. It caused a lot of hormonal issues going through menopause so suddenly and so young.

Would uterus removal help your PCOS or would it just alleviate the uncertainty? If it's just the uncertainty I would think your husband getting a vasectomy or you getting your tubes tied might be a better solution.

ETA: And I hear ya on the pill. I haven't taken it for years. We use other methods also, but I have a regular cycle. I know how worrisome a day or two late can be, so I'm sure the irregular cycles make it awful...I'd be testing every day too!

calibriintx · June 2013

I think my doctor would agree to it as a preventative measure b/c going a long time without a period increases your chances of uterine cancer. She has said that once we're done having kids, I may want to go that route, rather than having to take hormones to induce a period. They're hard on my body and emotionally.

The pill would is the obvious fix but when I'm on it, I really couldn't care if I ever have sex again. :sad: I can't go back to that. Not healthy for me or my marriage.

Obviously I'll talk to my doctor some more about options and see if there's another solution. Just wanted some opinions on permanent birth control during childbearing years.

cwilliams080676 · June 2013

I had one at 35. BEST thing EVER. I swear that's what helped my weight loss too. I take estrogen as they took my ovaries. I had severe PCOS, cyst on both ovaries and precancer in my cervix.
Do I think it's to young, no but you must be sure you do not want any more kids ever.

calibriintx · June 2013

Would uterus removal help your PCOS or would it just alleviate the uncertainty? If it's just the uncertainty I would think your husband getting a vasectomy or you getting your tubes tied might be a better solution.

I'd still have other symptoms since I want to keep my ovaries. It would mainly alleviate the uncertainty, keep me from having to take yucky meds to induce a period, and eliminate the very slim, but still increased chances of uterine cancer.

cwilliams080676 · June 2013

And the only way to relieve PCOS is ovaries and uterus removal. FYI

Cadori · June 2013

I think my doctor would agree to it as a preventative measure b/c going a long time without a period increases your chances of uterine cancer. She has said that once we're done having kids, I may want to go that route, rather than having to take hormones to induce a period. They're hard on my body and emotionally.

The pill would is the obvious fix but when I'm on it, I really couldn't care if I ever have sex again. :sad: I can't go back to that. Not healthy for me or my marriage.

Obviously I'll talk to my doctor some more about options and see if there's another solution. Just wanted some opinions on permanent birth control during childbearing years.

In that case I would view it the same as those with a high predisposition for breast cancer who get a mastectomy. If you are facing a higher likelihood for cancer and you want to do it, I am all in favor of preventive measures.

Yeah, don't go on the pill. I think sex is hugely important in a marriage. Plus, it's awesome. So don't take that nonsense.

Most of my friends that have opted for permanent BC in their 30s opt for vasectomies. It's less invasive than getting tubes tied. But again, if uterus removal lowers cancer risk, go for it!

Nikki31104 · June 2013

I am 34 and I have been trying for a hysterectomy for years. I have 3 kids and had my tubes tied ten years ago. But I also have PCOS and have severe cramps with almost every cycle. My doctor flat out refuses to do the surgery. He told me I am way too young to go through menopause which is highly likely. Both of my ovaries are covered in cysts but my right one causes me quite a bit of pain the week before my period comes. I have been told to find a different doctor but I really like him so I am reluctant to leave his care. I have read up on hysterectomies and I am starting to see why he is reluctant. I think I am going to keep myself intact for a while longer.

Edited to say that I take Metformin which has helped with some of the symptoms of PCOS including the missed periods. Try talking to your doctor about it. See what she says.

Ivyzmama · June 2013

I recommend the Mirena IUD; it stops 95% or more of the period flow, and it lasts for 5 years. I have not seen any research that stopping one's period contributes to uterine cancer. I think that's an old-fashioned myth, the idea that the uterus needs to be "washed out" monthly. Historically and in many poor parts of the world today, women rarely or never have periods because 1. they breastfeed each child for years, usually until after the next child comes along, 2. they are frequently pregnant and 3. their body fat percentage is low. The natural state of women is not to have a monthly period. Historically only nuns would have a period every month, and nuns have an almost 0% rate of gynelocigal cancers. Most gynelogical cancers seem to be related to STD exposure, smoking, and environmental pollutant exposure.

Good luck on whatever treatment option you decide. I wish we had more birth control options; everyone needs to pick what's right for them. I hate the Pill, personally, there's no way I can remember to take a pill every day, and I did get pregnant once after I forgot to take a pill one day. (I also got pregnant on Norplant, the rods that were implanted in the arm. I am happy to report that I have not gotten pregnant on the Mirena IUD at least!)

You can always try the Mirena IUD and if it doesn't help your symptoms, they can take it out and throw it away anytime you want.

iWillGetCrowSomeday · June 2013

Removing your uterus and not the ovaries won't keep your ovaries from becoming cystic.

cwilliams080676 · June 2013

Removing your uterus and not the ovaries won't keep your ovaries from becoming cystic.

This.. I said this as well..

Mama_Jag · June 2013

Sounds like your main reason is birth control. That is not what that (major) surgery is for.

(I had one at 23 due to cancer, I am 33 now.)

michellechawner · June 2013

Maybe I'm just the odd one out here in regards to the pill - I'm on it and it never decreased my sex drive. I've been on 3 different ones over 8 years, and It never messed up my sex drive. Yes I do get moody when it's time, which I know is hormones, but it only lasts about 3-4 days. It keeps me perfectly regular too (Every 4th Tuesday between 9AM and noon, It'll be there).

In regards to the Uterine removal, If it's to prevent cancer I'd say do it. Obviously have a serious discussion with your doctor, and hubby before making such a big decision. And remember, if you do decide you want another one in a year or two, there is always adoption.

cwilliams080676 · June 2013

The major surgery point is valid. I was in extreme pain for 2 weeks. It took about 6 weeks for a full recovery and to surgery a day without loratabs.

lithezebra · June 2013

Have you tried different versions of the bc pill? They can have dramatically different effects on your mood.

Buff2022 · June 2013

Sounds like your main reason is birth control. That is not what that (major) surgery is for.

(I had one at 23 due to cancer, I am 33 now.)

I had one last Oct. due to fibroids and constant bleeding. It was my lifesaver as it was yours. But I agree just for bc ...no not an option.

fiberartist219 · June 2013

I would try an IUD before I'd have an organ removed. I have the Paragard, and it's awesome. No worries about pregnancy. I agree that you should look into the Mirena if you have bad periods. The Paragard one makes them a bit worse, but the Mirena makes them a lot lighter.

cuterbee · June 2013

I've known people who got 'em younger. With PCOS, you have a valid reason, plus you have a child so most surgeons won't object to your youth. See an endocrinologist first, though, if you haven't already. Some women get relief from PCOS symptoms with medication.

Oriole15 · June 2013

You do know one of the frequent adverse side effects of a hysterectomy is loss of libido right?

salladeve · June 2013

It's your body, your choice. It doesn't matter what age you are if this is what you want and you're sure. Reproduction decisions are very personal to each and every person/couple. If you have decided on a course of action, find a doctor that will respect you decision.

I had two very difficult pregnancies when I was 17 & 22, with a miscarriage just 6 months after the last birth. We decided that I would not be able to handle another pregnancy, and did not want to take the chance of another unplanned pregnancy, so we decided on a vasectomy for my husband who was 24 at the time, which seem the least invasive choice at the time. We went to several different doctors, 2 flat out refused to even exam him, said they would not consider it, as he was too young to make that decision. The 3rd doctor, interviewed us together after examining my dh, and I walked out of that interview after the doctor ignorant remarks infuriated me. He turned to my dh and said "how would you feel if in 10 or 15 years you two are split up and a hot young babe wants to have your baby?" Yes, he seriously said that! I stood up and told the doctor that "if he ever wants to touch THIS hot young babe again, he will have the surgery!" and walked out. We found a 4th doctor that agreed to do the surgery, and we have been very happy with that decision ever since.

This is a personal decision for you and your husband to make and no one else, make the choice that is right for you.

jennifershoo · June 2013

:noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway:
Never, ever do that!!!! That is going to mess your hormones soooo badly!!!
If you think the birth control pill is bad, wait for all the side effects of he other fake hormones pills you'll have to take.

JTick · June 2013

I am 23, and am already possibly moving to a hysterectomy in the (very) near future due to medical problems. I had the Mirena put in 7 weeks ago as a last ditch effort to fix my problems and save my uterus...but with all the issues I'm having with the Mirena I'm about to say screw it and just have the surgery.

As someone who suffers from medical problems, I am all for hysterectomies at any age to put medical problems to rest. However, as just a means to birth control, I think there are other options out there.

lithezebra · June 2013

:noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway:
Never, ever do that!!!! That is going to mess your hormones soooo badly!!!
If you think the birth control pill is bad, wait for all the side effects of he other fake hormones pills you'll have to take.

Maybe you've had a bad experience, but this is not true for everyone.

calibriintx · June 2013

Thanks for the feedback, ladies. :flowerforyou: As I said in the OP, I have NO interest in having my ovaries removed, so reduced libido, early menopause, etc. shouldn't be an issue as I understand it. That's why I would want to keep them if I went this route.

I do understand that keeping my ovaries means keeping PCOS symptoms that are unrelated to TOM. I'm not worried about that. My other symptoms have greatly improved with weight loss and based on my own experience, I expect them to pretty much resolve once I'm down another 10 lbs or so. Unfortunately, my cycles have never been completely regular.

As far as irregular periods and cancer being a myth...I think that's completely inaccurate. I'm not here to change anyone's mind, so I'm not going to provide a bunch of studies, but PCOS can mean anovulation, which causes women to produce estrogen, but not progesterone. Without progesterone, there's no period, and the endometrium can grow too much and undergo atypical cell changes, AKA endometrial hyperplasia. If left untreated, it can result in cancer. This really shouldn't be compared to women who spend a lot of time being pregnant. Not the same thing.

^This is NOT my reason for considering having my uterus removed. It's just the reason that I know my doctor would be on board with it.

Anyway. I've tried the mini-pill, Yasmin, Yaz, Ortho-tri, and Nuvaring. All over the last decade, so it's not like I haven't given them a chance...and they all kill my sex drive.

I guess I never really thought of a hysterectomy as major surgey just b/c they can do it vaginally now, but it is an organ, so yeah, I guess that's pretty major.:laugh:

^That part does give me something to think about. It's quite possible that they'd get in there and for some reason need to switch to an old school hysterectomy, which I wouldn't want to go through without a better reason. :noway:

I think I'll talk to my doc about other BCs to try in the meantime, and see what happens as I lose a little more weight. Maybe I'll luck out and have regular cycles once I'm down a bit more. If not, and if I can't find a pill that I like, I guess I'll cross that bridge when it comes.

maiaroman18 · June 2013

I had a partial hysterectomy at 27. My ob/gyn and I discussed it when I was 23, and I was going to have it done then, but I ended up pregnant the next month. It's heartbreaking knowing I will only have one kid, but it's the best thing to happen to me (besides my kid, of course)!

ETA apparently I can't spell today

artsycella · June 2013

My mother had a hysterectomy for medical reasons at 33, and it was not great for her. She's been on synthetic hormones ever since, it changed her metabolism greatly and she gained a ton of weight... all that not-fun stuff. She had her ovaries removed, too, though, and this was almost three decades ago now, so that may only be tangentially relevant to your question.

I did want to put in another good word for IUDs as a birth control method. I, too, had a terrible time with hormonal birth control. I tried probably half a dozen options and just had loopy responses, from gaining 20 lbs in a month to a never-ending period to severe depression. Blegh. Hormone pills are not my friends.

I ended up deciding to try the Paragard IUD because it has no hormones at all. I've had it about 8 years now (it has a 10 year lifespan) and I love it. I was a little nervous because I do have cramps and generally bad periods, but after the first couple of months they haven't been any worse than they were before. It's also an incredibly reliable birth control method, and requires no maintenance or daily pills or that sort of thing. The only way I could be happier is if they invented a male birth control method.

Mama_Jag · June 2013

Mine was done vaginally, and still a big deal. Also, consider pelvic structure. I am at risk for prolapse of other organs. Hope I won't need a bladder sling down the road. Also, my ovaries were spared, so I still get cysts and those lovely symptoms.

freebirdjones · June 2013

I would use google as your asset. People have their stories on websites for why they got it, how healing was, and how life is today. A lot of women I know have trouble with their bladders, it holds it up so some have trouble on trampolines with their kids or doing a whole day shopping trip or long hike. Also with prolapse having a uterus is an asset, I would ask if they ever needed to put your bladder and colon back in place would they have to use mesh because it is not safe. Google it all even prolapse, see what will happen when you are an elderly woman with no uterus as well. Every one has a different story, and also be very careful of the doctor you choose.

southpaw211 · June 2013

I'm 38, and after a botched Essure job (no one should ever get that, ever) and tubal ligation, I now have endometriosis that has been wreaking havoc in my life for the past 5 years. After an ovary removal did not stop the pain, I started birth control continuously. I gained 20 pounds from Jan - April when I finally stepped on the scale to figure out why none of my jeans fit.

So yeah, I'm definitely considering a hysterectomy just to be done with it. Totally worth HRT and whatever else comes my way, just to not deal with the endo anymore. I definitely get where you're coming from! Most of the women I've spoken with who have had complete hysterectomies have said it's the best thing they've ever done.

Ultimately you've just got to weigh out which you want to live with - the devil you know or the devil you don't know.

Good luck!

__Di__ · June 2013

I'm 31 and have one little. She's 3.5 and it took about that number of years to get pregnant. We always wanted at least 2 kids, but I've had no desire to add to our family. Our little is perfect - okay, she has her moments, like every kid, but she's seriously awesome - and the joy of my life. I feel like our family is complete. DH has been pushing to start trying for another since she was born, but he recently said that he's happy with our family just the way it is. He'd be happy if something just "happened" but he doesn't want to try again. < Totally thrilled with that news b/c I've felt really guilty that he's been wanting to add to our family and I've been squashing it. Anyway....I don't think I'm going to want more kids. And even if I do, DH is 10 years my senior and in a couple years, he definitely won't be interested.

Sorry, so here's my question. Is 31 too young to have my uterus removed? I'd like to keep my ovaries, but I'd like to ditch my uterus b/c I have PCOS and the irregular cycles are causing a lot of anxiety for me about unintended pregnancy. I don't want to be on the pill b/c it kills my sex drive. We're using other methods to prevent, but it doesn't make me freak out any less when I'm 50 days into a cycle, taking pregnancy tests every few days just to make sure.

I know it's a personal choice. Just looking for feedback and things I might not be considering.

ETA: Obviously this would be a choice DH and I would make together. But before I take it to him, I want to be sure that I even want to consider a permanent method at this point.

Have you considered sterilisation OP or your husband having a vasectomy?

You definitely need to do something, because reading the bit I have bolded, is showing you are getting disturbed at the thought you could be pregnant and that can be bad for your mental health, you will end up making yourself ill with worry.

Too Young For Hysterctomy?

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