I haven’t experienced a period since December 2020, and honestly, it feels amazing. No, I’m not expecting a baby — in fact, I no longer have a uterus. I underwent a partial hysterectomy (keeping my ovaries) at just 26 years old.
Initially, my mom and some friends expressed their concerns. “You’re too young for this,” they said. “What if you want more kids?” they cautioned. But here I am, living life freely, even in white pants!
Imagine the sheer joy of wearing white or light-colored clothing without the constant anxiety of checking for period stains. I can now rock white underwear and have pristine white sheets that don’t need to be relegated to “period sheets.” Honestly, if my kids weren’t so messy, I might even splurge on a white couch just because I can.
These might seem trivial to those with regular periods, but for me, it’s liberation from a monthly ordeal I’ve dealt with for 15 years. My periods were long, heavy, and often painfully uncomfortable. While I didn’t typically suffer from cramps, I experienced a relentless tugging pain that radiated from my lower abdomen to my back, hips, and legs. It was no picnic.
Reflecting on my menstrual history, I realize it dictated much of my life. I didn’t understand how much it was taking from me until it was gone. Even with menstrual discs (which I preferred over tampons), I often bled through. Financially, I couldn’t afford to ruin clothes, sheets, or mattresses, which only added to my stress.
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided to go through with the surgery, but after bleeding for nearly two months straight, I reached my breaking point. I had a moment of clarity in my bathroom when I realized I was content with my four kids. I had explored all other options and knew my uterus was no longer beneficial. It was time for it to go.
The people who had heard my struggles over the years ultimately supported my decision. To lighten the mood, my friends even named my uterus — let’s call her “Diana.” They organized a cleaning day for me before my surgery, ensuring my home was ready for my recovery.
As I was prepped for the procedure, I felt a mix of emotions. There’s an undeniable grieving process that follows such a significant surgery. The realization that I would never have more children, rather than choosing to stop, brought up a whirlwind of feelings.
Post-surgery, I found myself feeling a mix of happiness and sadness when I saw photos of a friend’s newborn. It hit home that my days of nurturing infants were over. I partly attribute my emotional meltdowns to hormonal changes, but I now recognize that much of it was grief. However, this didn’t mean I regretted my decision.
When I received my biopsy results, it confirmed my choice. I was diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition where the endometrial lining grows into the uterine wall, and I had every symptom listed for it.
Nowadays, I no longer dwell on the sadness. Instead, I feel incredibly fortunate. I had a doctor who took my concerns seriously, allowing me to avoid unnecessary delays for a surgery I needed. This is how it should be, but unfortunately, it’s not always the case for many women.
Above all, I am grateful that my monthly suffering has ended. Choosing to have a partial hysterectomy at 26 gave me back my life (and my white pants). Goodbye, Diana — I won’t miss you.
If you’re interested in more insights on this topic, check out this related post. For additional resources on fertility, consider visiting Make a Mom or Progyny, which provide excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary
At 26, I made the life-changing decision to undergo a partial hysterectomy, freeing myself from the burdens of painful and heavy periods. My experience has taught me the importance of listening to one’s body and making informed choices about health. With the support of friends and a compassionate doctor, I embraced my new life — one filled with freedom, white pants, and gratitude.
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