Elective hysterectomy?

Hi!

I was told I should come to HysterSisters to post this question. A little backstory:

My mom had her uterus removed (ovaries left in) vaginally a few years ago due to pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. We both were blessed with HORRIBLE periods (very heavy bleeding, extreme lower back pain, etc). As a result, I've been on OCP's since I was 15 to control my periods. I'm 27 now.

I recently had my first abnormal pap (LSIL), and it got me thinking...Do I really need a uterus/cervix? I know I never want children, for various reasons. I can't get off birth control because my period would negatively impact my life (missing work, pain, etc), and I also don't want to be pregnant. As a result, I'll need to be on birth control from age 15-menopause, and I'm at risk for HPV/cervical abnormalities/cervical cancer. As far as I'm concerned, I don't need a uterus, since I've never wanted children (this does not mean I don't have sympathy for those of you who do, but can't). Would removing it (but keeping the ovaries) be a ridiculous request? I get the feeling a doctor wouldn't take me seriously, especially considering that I'm 27 and have never had a child.

All in all, I can think of multiple reasons to have my uterus/cervix removed, but pretty much zero to keep it. Am I wrong here?

Thanks!

Ill be interested in hearing replies. I am a little similar to u. I am 34...don't want kids. I had heavy periods I thought due to IUD, but when they got scary dr found fibroids. Took out IUD and put me on NuvaRing thinking it would stop the bleeding. It didnt so now I take progesterone too. Dr thinks I'd have to be on this forever and we don't know how long it's gonna work. I just had surgery on a cyst 2 weeks ago...dr thinks my body is heeling and bleeding will stop. If not I'm calling him in a month and scheduling hysterectomy. I also have hpv and he suggests getting cervix out too if I have hysterectomy. He told me I could live like this till menopause but I refuse and will kinda be electing surgery.

A hysterectomy is generally an option to pursue when all efforts to address a health issue impacting the uterus, cervix, and/or ovaries have not been successful.

The uterus's benefit goes beyond providing a vehicle for childbirth. Our systems are very complex and there can be a hormonal or other long term impact to removing a healthy organ.

It sounds like you do have a lot of issues going on. Have you discussed the causes with your doctor?

Perhaps there is a less invasive solution that can address the heavy bleeding without being so permanent.

First step really should be diagnosing the root cause of your heavy periods and pain, then discuss all of your options from least invasive on.

A hysterectomy isn't always a quick easy solution. If you review the threads here, there are women who have had challenging recoveries. It's hard to predict the outcome. What sounds like a fabulous solution sometimes results in trading one set of problems for another.