# I want a hysterectomy **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 5, 2002, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448 "2002-08-05T17:12:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dragongirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b38774/32.png) [@dragongirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragongirl)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/1 "2002-08-05T17:12:53Z")
Can I get one ? There is nothing wrong with me or my uterus. I just don’t want anymore children and I hate getting my period. Is it possible for me to just get it done ? ---
**Author:** ![dublos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f08c70/32.png) [@dublos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dublos)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/2 "2002-08-05T18:32:45Z")
Yep. The hard part is finding someone that will perform the operation. Have you thoroughly researched the health risks of having one? As it’s a much more invasive surgery than a vasectomy I would guess you’ll have an even more difficult time finding a doctor that will perform the operation, and convinving your insurance company that they need to pay to have this done. And considering the most recent research into hormone replacement therapies, you might want to think about alternative permanent birth control options and putting up with your period. If you’ve already done your research, feel free to skip the rest of this message. [http://www.hersfoundation.com/effects.html](http://www.hersfoundation.com/effects.html) is an organization that lists adverse effects from having one, though note the sample size is only 621, and they do not mention whether people came to their site and took the survey or if a random sampling was obtained in some way. [http://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/](http://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/) lists itself as committed to providing impartial information to women who are contemplating a hysterectomy to enable them to make appropriate decisions for their long term health. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/3 "2002-08-05T19:04:32Z")
Wow. That’s a huge decision to make just to avoid periods, dragongirl. Even if they leave your ovaries in, (more common nowadays to keep natural hormones flowing) your body can undergo major, unpleasant changes. It isn’t as though hysterectomy = menopause. Not to mention the fact that it is major abdominal surgery, and carries all the same risks. ---
**Author:** ![dragongirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b38774/32.png) [@dragongirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragongirl)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/4 "2002-08-05T19:55:47Z")
Well, it goes a little beyond periods. I’ve tried all types of birth control pills to try and help with PMS with no luck. My OB/GYN says that I’m a slave to my hormones and I will probably have no problem at all with menopause, but I’m only thirty and have a long way until that happens. My Doctor says that she will not perform a hysterectomy on me, so I was just wondering if I could demand it or something. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/5 "2002-08-05T20:16:51Z")
To Dragongirl: If you got money, sure, you can “demand” all you want. But if you are looking to the insurance company, you will be forced to be a slave to the HMO as well as your hormones. Basically, you are talking about mutilating a healthy body. The insurance company sees your request along the lines of: “I have ten fingers, and only need eight; how do I get those darned pinkies chopped off?” ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![SylverOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@SylverOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SylverOne)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/6 "2002-08-05T20:40:42Z")
Your OB/GYN is probably concerned with the legal ramifications of perfoming an unnecessary, _in her opinion,_ procedure at your request. I can’t say that I blame her, in that respect. Don’t expect your Dr. to change her mind either, you will probably have to find another gynecologist. Next, find a lawyer. You may need to have some type of waiver written up, explaining the risks, possible side effects, and long term consequences involved in undertaking this type of radical solution. Keep in mind that the cure may be worse than the problem. I understand your want for this type of remedy though. I’m 26 years old and have been doing the round of infertility doctors and drugs for over two years. While I’m a long way from giving up, I also understand that there may come a time when I’m told for one reason or another that I can’t have any children. Why should I have to sentence myself to 20 (or so) more years of monthly reminders? My uterus isn’t doing what it was designed and intended for in the first place, why bother keeping it, and the hassles that go along with it. I don’t have all the information to establish a basis for comparison, but if it turns out that having a hysterectomy could possibly make life more difficult, I won’t do it. Lastly, IMHO, your doctor usually knows what’s best. A hysterectomy is not considered a form of birth-control, and I think you will be hard pressed to find a doctor who would disagree with that statement. Good Luck Syl ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/7 "2002-08-05T20:42:08Z")
My friend had it done for health reasons, but she says it’s great not having her period. Her ovaries are still there. She says that once a month she has a little bit of a feeling that something is different, but of course there’s no period, no cramps, etc. Good luck finding a doctor. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/8 "2002-08-05T21:44:07Z")
Have you tried Depo Provera. A shot every 3 months, and no periods anymore. I have friends that haven’t had a period in years. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/9 "2002-08-05T22:02:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Joey P \* > \*\*Have you tried Depo Provera. A shot every 3 months, and no periods anymore. I have friends that haven’t had a period in years. \*\* Like the pill, this doesn’t work for everyone. Some people would rather have a monthly period than sudden spotting (random bleeding without warning) and a constant bloating feeling. ---
**Author:** ![artemis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@artemis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/artemis)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/10 "2002-08-05T22:32:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dragongirl \* > \*\*Well, it goes a little beyond periods. I’ve tried all types of birth control pills to try and help with PMS with no luck. My OB/GYN says that I’m a slave to my hormones and I will probably have no problem at all with menopause, but I’m only thirty and have a long way until that happens. My Doctor says that she will not perform a hysterectomy on me, so I was just wondering if I could demand it or something. \*\* There are several potential problems with your proposed solution. If you undergo hysterectomy WITHOUT removal of your ovaries, you STILL may experience PMS from your continuing monthly hormonal cycles - you just won’t have menstrual bleeding anymore. If you have your ovaries removed too, you’ll need to go onto hormonal replacement therapy, which will probably cause the same sorts of side effects you experienced when taking the birth control pills. Without hormone replacement therapy, you’d go into premature menopause, which is something you REALLY don’t want to experience at the age of 30 - you’d be at greatly increased risk for both heart disease and osteoporosis. (FYI - women’s risk of heart disease increases drastically following menopause, and heart disease, not cancer, is actually the number one killer of women in the Western world, although too few women are aware of that fact.) Also, hysterectomy can sometimes decrease sexual pleasure (although most women don’t experience this side effect of the procedure). And it’s major surgery, with all the risks that major surgery entails. I’d talk more with your gynecologist to see if there are other possible treatments for your PMS symptoms before even considering hysterectomy. ---
**Author:** ![Rhapsody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9de0a6/32.png) [@Rhapsody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhapsody)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/11 "2002-08-05T22:54:17Z")
a hysterectomy will not change your hormonal problems at all. It can also lead to other problems like prolapse of the bladder and other internal structures. The uterus does not have anything directly to do with hormones. It responds to hormones it doesnt produce them. Usually problems like PMS and other hormonal reactions can be better treated with a proper diet and exercise. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/12 "2002-08-06T00:01:19Z")
What’s wrong with a tubal litgation? (is that how you say it?) ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/13 "2002-08-06T00:10:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Guinastasia \* > \*\*What’s wrong with a tubal litgation? (is that how you say it?) \*\* I believe it’s tubal ligation, and is the rough equivalent of a male’s vasectomy, though move complex and invasive. It _is_ a recognized surgical method of birth control, that is damn near 100% effective. IANAMD, but as I understand it, it severs the tubes between the ovaries and the uterus, so sperm will never reach an ova, and the ova will never reach the uterus. I don’t think your GYN would have any serious moral or legal qualms about this procedure. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/14 "2002-08-06T00:33:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rhapsody \* > \*\* The uterus does not have anything directly to do with hormones. It responds to hormones it doesnt produce them. \*\* Well, it actually does, but removing the uterus would probably remove the effect of the hormone it produces. From: [http://www.thewomensclinic.org/health/common.html](http://www.thewomensclinic.org/health/common.html) “During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus produces a hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone causes the uterus to contract, often painfully. Women with severe cramps may produce higher than normal amounts of prostaglandin, or may be more sensitive to its effects.” (I know…it says the _lining_ of the uterus–not necessarily the utrus itself.) I’m not aware of any other hormones the uterus produces, but a doctor should be along soon. Good luck, whatever you decide. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/15 "2002-08-06T00:35:56Z")
Feel free to insert an “e” in my last post anywhere you feel appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![Ins\_Outs\_What-have-yous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8797f3/32.png) [@Ins\_Outs\_What-have-yous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ins_Outs_What-have-yous)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/16 "2002-08-06T03:38:13Z")
I’ve heard that the proper artical to precede the word “historical” is “an” …such as… “an historical (insert noun here)” so is it “a hysterectomy” or “an hysterectomy”? I mean the first syllable in “historical” and “hysterectomy” do sound the same. ---
**Author:** ![VDarlin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e56c9b/32.png) [@VDarlin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VDarlin)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/17 "2002-08-06T03:58:09Z")
A tubal ligation is a very standard elective surgery, and I don’t know of any doctor who would deny a woman the right to one, and most insurance companies do cover it. Doctors do tend to have quite a discussion with women who ask about it. My OB/GYN says that he strongly urges his patients, who are under 27 years of age, away from it, just in case they change their mind about wanting kids, later on, but he will do it, if they are determined. You’ll still get your period, though. I’ve been saying that I’d like an elective hysterectomy for about a year and a half now, mostly joking, as I know that it is not really an option. I said that to my mom once, and I swear, she’s the one who jinxed me. I said, “I’m done having kids, I hate having a period, why do I need the thing? The factory is closed”, and she responded with, “You never know”…and BAM - six months later I was pregnant again. ~V ---
**Author:** ![fallom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a88e57/32.png) [@fallom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fallom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/18 "2002-08-06T04:56:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ArchitectChore \* > \*\*I’ve heard that the proper artical to precede the word “historical” is “an” …such as… “an historical (insert noun here)” > > so is it “a hysterectomy” or “an hysterectomy”? > > I mean the first syllable in “historical” and “hysterectomy” do sound the same. \*\* “H” is a consonant, so it’s “a historic,” and “a hysterectomy.” ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/19 "2002-08-06T05:05:06Z")
Fairly important to note that a recent study concerning hormone supplements for post-menopausal women was just terminated because of increased risk of breast cancer, heart ailments and other nasty stuff. The benefits of reduced osteoporosis was judged not worth the risk of the side effects. So you want to keep your natural supply of hormones going as long as you can. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448/20 "2002-08-06T07:05:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by fallom \* > \*\* > > “H” is a consonant, so it’s “a historic,” and “a hysterectomy.” \*\* Or, to be slightly more specific, the “h” in historic is pronounced (in the US) so it takes “a” as its article. Unlike word likea word like hour, in which the “h” isn’t pronounced, which takes “an” as its article because the first sound in it is a vowel. So unless you pronounce the words 'istoric and 'y[i?]sterectomy you should stick with using “a” for their articles. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-hysterectomy/122448.md?page=2)