Trying to decide

Hi, I'm new here!
I'm having trouble making a decision to go forward with a hysterectomy or not. I have a long history of menorragia and have multiple fibroids.I've had a myomectomy (no relief afterward), currently in 3rd month with a Mirena with little/no relief. Doc suggests ablation, but the stories scare me. I'm wary of the assurances of the doctors because nothing else has worked so far. Of course a hysterectomy WILL work.

My dilemma is that I'm 41 with no children. Logically I know I'm getting to the point where pregnancy isn't a great option. I'm also not completely sold I want kids. I'm single and afraid of closing the door permanently on the option of children.
When I think of the freedom that a hysterectomy would give me, it is a VERY attractive option. I've got full on, have to wear a Depends, mess up clothes periods. Not that painful but passing clots which is painful. Have to limit going out during that time and when I go to the restroom it looks like a murder scene (sorry for the TMI).
I can't shake the "what ifs". What it Prince Charming shows up and wants a kid? What if I develop a strong desire for a kid?
Thoughts? Thanks for listening!

In your situation, having another myomectomy might be the best course of action. An ablation is not recommended for fibroids because ablation only treats the lining of the uterus (not deeper where the fibroids can be).

The jury is still out on whether it's safe to have UAE/UFE if you might want to get pregnant someday, as there is a very remote chance that your ovaries could be damaged. I have had two UAEs and continue to have normal periods, and there are definitely many women who have UAEs and go on to have healthy pregnancies.

Either way, you can always have a hysterectomy later, but there's nothing you can do if you have one and then decide you want to give birth.

My mom had my youngest brother when she was 45 and my sister in law had her last child at 46. Of course that's not ideal, but you are far from your window of opportunity closing!

If I were you, I would try to avoid hysterectomy for now. I got immediate relief from the myomectomy and UAEs and my periods are normal now and they used to be hellish - just as you describe yours. And now it's panty-liners most days and on the "heavy" days it's a Regular tampon changed out every 4 or 5 hours and I sleep through the night with no flow.

Good luck! Be sure to get a second opinion if you're not getting the openness you need from your gynecologist!

It's tough to decide on a hysterectomy if you think you might want kids. Yeah, you're less likely to start a family in your 40's, but people do it. I have a long-term partner who has two kids already, and I have never especially wanted kids of my own. It wasn't a tough decision to get the hysterectomy. I'm 12 days post-op and still not having any regrets, but it's a weird thing to think that I am now completely incapable of carrying a child, so I can see how it is a very emotional decision for you.

A second opinion might be a very good thing, and if you can, possibly talk to a counselor who specializes in women's health issues to help you make a decision based on what YOU need physically and mentally.

Best of luck!

I forgot to mention... depending on the size of your fibroids, the Mirena can get pushed out of the way.

I had Mirena about 6 months after my 2013 myomectomy.... it takes several months to start working to reduce your periods (eventually after maybe a year I barely had a period at all - just spotting - my sister has zero periods on Mirena). But for me, unfortunately new fibroids grew after my myo and grew big enough to push the Mirena out of position in early 2015, so it had to be removed and then I had another UAE. So far so good, fibroids are still shrinking and my periods are normal now so that's great ... but sadly I can't get another Mirena.

You might just wait a little to see if the Mirena kicks in to reduce your periods - if you've only had it for 3 months it's probably not long enough to see if it will work for you. However, your fibroids might eventually interfere with your ability to get pregnant, so having a myo now would remove the fibroids and let you body heal in time for any baby plans you may have down the road.

My good friend and an aunt had myos and went on to have healthy babies. A myo plus Mirena might just resolve all your issues and still give you an opportunity for kids down the road. You can always have a hyst later if that ship sails and your bad symptoms return.

Good Luck!

Check out Acessa porodure to see if it is for you. Good luck