“Perhaps a hysterectomy is the right choice for me,” I suggested to my doctor. She looked at me, silent but contemplative. “After all, I’m not planning on having more children,” I added with a light laugh, though I sensed she had her doubts. “I believe this will resolve my issues.” To my surprise, my doctor quickly concurred, providing the reassurance I needed to move forward with the decision for a hysterectomy. The underlying issue? Uterine fibroids, which have been a constant presence in my life.
These fibroids are a defining part of my reproductive journey, complicating my ability to conceive. Together, my doctor and I explored various alternatives to a hysterectomy, but none felt suitable. By the time I left her office, I had resolved to undergo a partial hysterectomy—removing my uterus and fallopian tubes while keeping my ovaries intact. This procedure promised to address a long-standing problem. I had endured complications ranging from heavy menstrual bleeding to gastrointestinal issues. My last surgical experience was quite recent, and I had sworn off further operations, yet here I was, preparing for another one.
According to a study by McLeod Health, a nonprofit organization in the Carolinas, 25% of African American women are diagnosed with fibroids by age 25, and by age 50, the figure rises to 80%, compared to 70% of white women. For me, surgery was my only viable route to pregnancy. Earlier this year, I had a hernia repair, which turned out to be more challenging than my recovery from a cesarean section. The same OBGYN who delivered my twins was the one who advised me to address the hernia—an unwelcome reminder of my twin pregnancy.
I had always envisioned being a mother, and this doctor played a crucial role in my journey, helping me carry my twins to 36 weeks before my planned c-section. In the U.S., c-sections are the most common surgery among women of reproductive age, as reported by the CDC. I required one due to my medical history, including a previous myomectomy where over fifteen benign fibroids were removed from my uterine wall. This lengthy surgery significantly increased my chances of a successful pregnancy, which was crucial, especially since my doctor warned me that the fibroids could return within two years.
After a failed IVF attempt, I experienced anxiety about my ability to conceive. As a lesbian, the process of getting pregnant required meticulous planning, from finding a queer-friendly clinic to selecting a suitable donor. I had to ensure my body was ready to carry a baby while grappling with the complications posed by fibroids. Diagnosed with them in my twenties, I dealt with prolonged and heavy periods, as well as chronic constipation. Even when I finally became pregnant in my early 30s, the presence of fibroids lingered, leaving me with persistent bloating.
Now, at nearly 40, I’m looking forward to a new chapter—one free from the burden of fibroids. My doctor presented me with various options, from embolization and birth control pills to a partial or full hysterectomy (which she advised against due to my age). Each year, around 500,000 women in the U.S. undergo hysterectomies, making it the second most common surgical procedure. I never anticipated being part of this statistic; I had hoped for a straightforward pregnancy but faced preeclampsia at 30 weeks, leading to a five-day hospital stay. I also learned I couldn’t deliver my twins vaginally due to my past surgeries and the growth of fibroids during my pregnancy.
After my partial hysterectomy, I hope it will be my last surgery related to my reproductive health. I’ve come to realize that life is too short to endure discomfort or delay what I know is necessary. Choosing to have another surgery signifies my commitment to prioritizing my reproductive health, even as I bid farewell to the organ that helped bring my daughters into the world. It served me well, but now it’s time to move on.
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Summary:
The author discusses her journey toward a partial hysterectomy as a means to manage the complications associated with uterine fibroids. After years of struggling with reproductive health issues and unsuccessful attempts at natural conception, she arrives at the decision to undergo surgery, viewing it as a necessary step for her well-being. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by women, particularly those of color, in dealing with fibroids and emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps in reproductive health.
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