Women who've had their uterus removed

I was in the hospital with women whose average age was 50-53. They weren't particularly worried about this issue. The only thing I know is that the doctor told them it wouldn't affect their sex life. How old are you, and do you have children?

I was also in the hospital with women who underwent such surgery. Their ages: from 45 upwards. The main reason was large fibroids. Only one of them was very anxious because she wasn't prepared for the surgery and wanted to wait another year. Thankfully, they didn't let her go home. Her abdominal cavity was already full of blood :(

Everything about age is correct. If everything goes well, it doesn't affect anything. That's me. I had a fibroid.

My friend had her uterus removed at the age of 18 due to a malignant tumour. It has no impact on her sex life now.

My aunt had hers removed at 32, I believe, and she looked so much prettier and fresher afterward. If there are medical indications, then it should be done.

Are there periods after removal?

Sex life is fantastic! No worries about getting pregnant.

I'm already 43 years old and have two grown children. But I still don't want this operation: I'm afraid I'll change a lot in appearance, I'm afraid my husband will find out, and I think he won't take it in my favor. And I'm generally scared of the operation: it's abdominal surgery, it's frightening. Although the fibroids, pain, and bleeding have already cornered me...

Author, you're really acting like a child. They're not planning to remove your uterus for no reason, are they? If you feel the treatment isn't right, then consult another specialist, spend the time and money on an accurate diagnosis. This topic has been raised a hundred times on this forum, look in the archives. I've written about myself in all these threads, and I'll repeat it for you. I had mine removed at 29, the pain and bleeding stopped—how could removal change you for the worse? They're not removing your ovaries. Besides, you have two grown children, you weren't planning on having more, were you? Sorry, but you could die from heavy bleeding in an unexpected place—what if you're alone somewhere and no one can help? Also, yes, it's an abdominal operation, but you should have laparoscopy done; that's three tiny stitches you won't even find in two months. I don't know where you are, but if in Russia, it's definitely better to go private. In Moscow, it's around 2-2.5 thousand dollars.

My mother had her uterus removed due to fibroids at the age of 48. Surprisingly, this had a positive effect on her appearance—she started looking younger. On the downside, menopause began after the surgery and it was quite unpleasant. As for the uterus, as her doctor explained, it's essentially just a pouch for carrying a baby. This organ plays no other significant role in the body. If the ovaries are preserved, there shouldn't be major changes. However, if the uterus is removed along with the ovaries, it will be more challenging due to hormonal issues.

And at 48, many women begin menopause even without a hysterectomy, and there is such a thing as Hormone Replacement Therapy, so why suffer through menopause? One cannot be so ignorant about their health.

Yulia, you explain everything well and correctly, but why are you so impolite?

Not true, I was being accurate; it's better to be overly cautious than not cautious enough. I was so harsh so that the author understands this is a game with death. If she refuses now, the next plan will most likely be Zoladex for six months, which is a drug after which women aged 43-45 typically do not resume their periods, meaning early menopause, and it's not certain that the fibroid will shrink. Moreover, the effects of the drug itself are worse than cancer medications, according to the patients' own experiences. More than one doctor has told me this, and I've personally undergone not just one course, so I know exactly what it's like. That is, you won't be capable of even the slightest activity, with depression coupled with a lack of strength and a very sharp drop in immunity. The author wanted real help, in my opinion, not what "the neighbour" said.

Anonymous 18 - there's no need to be so cruel. I'm frightened by this. It could happen to anyone.

Tell me, does the absence of a uterus affect sex? I would really like to know.

I support Yulia. Honestly, I'm scared about the post on the 18th.

And do orgasms occur after removal?

You know, I recently went through a few days of sheer terror. There was a suspicion of a cervical pregnancy—not just a suspicion, but they outright said that was it. Nothing could be done; the uterus had to be removed. I was horrified. Then, just before the surgery, I had another ultrasound and spoke with the doctor. She explained to me that the uterus is just a muscle whose function is to carry a baby. After that, it's not needed at all. Meaning, you remain a normal woman (the ovaries, etc., are all in place; you just don't have this muscle that can only cause extra problems). It has ABSOLUTELY no effect on your sex life whatsoever! In the end, it turned out that I just had an abortion in progress, meaning the fetus was developing in the uterus and had descended, getting stuck in the cervix. I got off with just a scare. If it's important for your health, remove it and don't think about the negatives!

I had a consultation with an endocrinologist. I have a small nodule in my thyroid. So, she told me that I shouldn't remove my uterus because it could worsen my thyroid problems, and my mastopathy probably wouldn't like it either. There's a heap of advice, but I have to make the decision myself. What should I do?

Orgasms vary, and uterine ones are no exception, but what about after a hysterectomy?

Lost in thought, it's not entirely clear to me – do you consult with different doctors separately? What about undergoing a comprehensive full-body check-up? Essentially, weighing the pros and cons of the outcomes in both scenarios? Ideally, that should be done by specialists... Of course, the decision is yours to make, but you can't assess the full picture on your own, can you?

****Also, I'm a bit confused about what you mean by being afraid that your husband will find out about the surgery?? Please don't take offense, I'm not aware of your situation... but what kind of husband is it that you don't trust? Shouldn't he, on the contrary, help you with this difficult decision and support you in any situation?! Or are you planning to hide it from him altogether?..

When I was 20, they removed it during childbirth (15 years ago) or else they wouldn't have saved me. At first, I was a bit upset, but then I even forgot about it. I don't know, everything's fine, so what if there are no periods? I have a child; some people with a uterus don't have more than one anyway. I get my hormones, and no issues with my husband or lover. As for menopause, the doctors told me not to worry—it will happen in due time, whether it's there or not, without any hormonal medications, just have more sex and that's it.

The uterus and one ovary were removed about five years ago, and I haven't taken hormones since then. Menopause started bothering me a year ago, so the doctor prescribed a hormonal patch. I haven't gained weight, but the hot flushes and other symptoms have disappeared. My sexuality is completely normal. The doctor explained that using the patch for a year should keep everything fine. I apply the patch to a soft area once a week.

Anonymous, how do you physically feel the absence of the uterus? What are the sensations during intimacy? What does the husband feel? There is a risk of breast cancer. I have been scheduled for such an operation due to the inability to stop the bleeding.

People, speak up, how do you live with this? How have you come to terms with it? I'm urgently awaiting your responses.

Hello everyone! A year ago, I had both my uterus and ovaries removed. When I first heard about the surgery from my doctor, I was in shock, but she explained to me that the uterus is just a pouch for carrying a baby and that its removal doesn't cause any complications for sexual life. The doctor advised against delaying the surgery because there was a large fibroid and bleeding could have started. During the operation, it turned out that my ovaries were terribly cystic, so they removed them too to avoid the risk of them turning into cancer. So, at 46, I ended up without my female parts. At first, I was in shock, thinking about what would happen next. But now it's all behind me, I feel fantastic, I take hormones and I'm flying high—nonsense when people say hormones cause facial hair and weight gain! The removal hasn't affected my sex life at all; in fact, I think it's become more intense!!! Greetings to all, and I invite everyone to visit me in Riga!

Larisa, how many millimetres was the fibroid? What type was it? Submucosal, subserosal? How did it bother you? By what method was the uterus removed? Was it an open surgery? Are there any stitches left? How is intimacy? Do you personally feel the absence of the uterus? How did your partner react? I have a hundred more questions; if you answer these, I'll ask more.

My fibroid was dreadful, almost 20 weeks in size, and it bothered me immensely with heavy bleeding. My gynaecologist had reassured me (two years before the surgery) that once menopause started, it would dissolve. So I waited... only to let it grow to such proportions. They performed an open surgery on me, explaining that laparoscopy was too complicated due to its large size. They made a very careful incision above the pubic area, a cosmetic scar that healed quickly. If only you knew the relief I felt after its removal—no more pressure or interference! I didn't tell my husband they were removing my uterus; the doctor advised me not to, supposedly to spare his male psyche, and said they were taking out an ovary instead. We resumed our sex life after two months, and everything is just as it was before the surgery!! Moreover, I'll tell you, I've even taken a lover who didn't even question the scar or why it's there. So don't be afraid of anything; everything will be wonderful!! Just trust your doctor!!!

It's very important to trust the doctor who will be performing the surgery. I actually ended up with my surgeon by chance; she was substituting for another doctor at the clinic that day, and after the verdict for surgery, she managed to instill trust in me with the words, "EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE!!!" So I went under her knife, despite all my friends saying I was a fool for going to the first surgeon I came across. But I believed in her, and indeed, everything turned out well!!!

Larissa, about hiding it from your husband – that's a wise decision. But I've already informed him about this possibility, though I could say that a fibroid was removed. I'm interested in how quickly YOU recovered, how long the pain lasted? How did you come to terms with the very idea of it? I can't accept it because I don't have the indications for it. The fibroid is only 20 mm; they removed one part of it, and the remaining part has been bleeding for three months now. Instead of removing the second part, they're suggesting cutting out the uterus. And how many millimetres is 20 weeks? Was the operation paid for or free? At this level, have the sensations during intimacy changed? What about orgasm? They say it becomes dulled. I really value all these sensations, so perhaps that's why they're depriving me of these joys.

I recovered very quickly; I was up and walking the day after the surgery and was discharged from the hospital on the sixth day. I wasn't troubled by pain, and the stitch ached a bit but not for long. The operation was private, as we don't have any other options here since I live in Latvia. As for sensations, I'll repeat, there have been no changes, if anything, they've become more intense because you don't have to worry about getting pregnant and can fully relax. And the uterus is essentially just a pouch for carrying a baby; it plays no role in orgasm, and its absence hasn't affected my libido at all! If you're suffering from heavy bleeding, definitely have it removed, as my doctor told me—sooner or later it will have an impact, especially in the pre-menopausal age. How old are you? If you have more questions, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to answer.

To my husband, it's indeed better not to tell the truth; who knows how he'll react? They say many men start overthinking and then avoid approaching women altogether! So, lie about something, like they removed a second fibroid piece.

Oh, Larisa, I wish I had your confidence. I'm 42 years old. I wanted to have another child; my husband and I want a baby. How much does the operation cost in dollars or euros? I'm also facing a paid one.

Right now, I'm so confident, but a year ago, I was also tormented by doubts about how things would turn out. I dug through heaps of literature and online information until I went through it all, suffering and doubting. And now I can say with certainty—it's all nonsense; the main thing is the relief you feel when it's all behind you. If you want to have another child, what's stopping you, and what do the doctors say about it? After all, there's a reason for the belief that after giving birth, a woman gets rid of many illnesses, including fibroids? I paid $300 for the surgery, plus various gifts for the doctor and nurses. Don't be afraid, everything will be fine!!!

Larisa, how has the recovery process been going, how have you been sleeping?

Good morning!! I've already mentioned that I recovered quickly and was discharged home promptly. At first, I experienced dizziness and weakness, but that also passed within a week of returning home. To regain strength and boost immunity, they recommended taking Wobenzym, though you need to take at least 200 tablets, and it's not exactly cheap—though perhaps it's less expensive in Russia. It was difficult to sleep on my stomach, which is how I'm used to sleeping, but I managed to find a comfortable position, so sleep went on as usual. Once again, I say—don't be afraid of anything!! And why aren't they suggesting laparoscopic removal of the uterus if the fibroid isn't very large?

Larisa, I am absolutely against removal. My bleeding is caused by them leaving part of the fibroid. Why not remove it? I will insist on this.

Larisa, please get in touch. They want to remove my uterus and ovaries too. How do I get through this? How do I come to terms with it?

Larisa, have you been to see a psychologist? Or did you manage to handle the situation on your own?

My friend is training to be a nurse. She did her internship in gynaecology. It so happened that one of the nurses was undergoing surgery. They were only removing a fibroid. She enlightened us that this is almost always possible, but doctors don't want to do it—it's more hassle. Don't agree to removal. Every organ is necessary, and there are no superfluous ones. FIGHT FOR IT.

I had the same problem three years ago when I was 38. The fibroid was growing rapidly, and there was a risk of it becoming malignant. During the surgery, everything was removed, with the explanation that it was to prevent issues with the adnexa (such as cysts). Now I'm on hormone therapy. Psychologically and physically, it wasn't too hard to endure because the fear of a malignant disease was so overwhelming that there was no room for overthinking. Although, admittedly, it felt very unpleasant at first, as if I had been stripped of my femininity. But I got used to it. It's not as frightening as it seems. It hasn't affected my sexual sensations at all; I didn't tell my partner, and he hasn't noticed anything.

Arina!! And what hormonal medication are you taking, how long have you been on it, how often, and do you take breaks? My doctor prescribed Estrofem, but this medication isn't available in Russia (I live in Riga), so it would be interesting to know what you're taking.

Question! (Sorry, I don't know your name), I haven't seen any psychologists; I've managed everything on my own. I agree with Arina, the fear of cancer outweighs all other worries. If the doctor recommends removing everything, they know what they're talking about. If you don't trust them, seek a second opinion at other clinics. The main thing is not to obsess over what comes next; everything will be fine in the end!!

Larisa! Initially, I was prescribed a patch, but it didn't help. I consulted another doctor who said that a patch at my age is insufficient and prescribed Livial. I've been taking one tablet daily without breaks for three years now. It costs about 1000 rubles per month. It's well tolerated, although the leaflet lists many side effects. I haven't felt any signs of estrogen deficiency so far. There are changes in my breasts on the ultrasound (less glandular tissue, mostly fatty, but I'm not breastfeeding after all). And the mammologist said that the risk of breast tumours is now lower. Strangely enough, my breasts even look better externally. Generally, a normal sex life and physical exercise are very important. Without these, no hormones (including "natural" ones) can prevent premature ageing. Larisa, what does your doctor say about the duration of hormone therapy? Mine says as long as I want, even for life. I'd like to hear another opinion.

Larisa, I don't trust the doctor. They want to remove my uterus just because of bleeding. And now there's the tumour marker at 48 against a norm of 36. I'm going to the oncology clinic in a few days. But they've already told me over the phone that this isn't an indicator.

Lost in thought, I truly sympathise with you being in such a situation where you have to make a choice but can't bring yourself to decide. It's all very tough because it's serious. I'm in Germany and I know several acquaintances who have had their uterus removed. These women don't have any problems related to that. Here, the uterus is often removed when it starts to prolapse or even when it's already prolapsed. One of my acquaintances had her uterus removed and now she's on some medication permanently.

Let me reiterate: "Many women begin menopause around 48 even without a hysterectomy, and there is such a thing as Hormone Replacement Therapy—why suffer through menopause? We shouldn't be so ignorant about our health." Yulia, you reason this way precisely because it hasn't affected you yet. My menopause started even before 48. I suffered for years without knowing the cause, and doctors were baffled, saying it was too early for menopause. Here in Germany, when I could no longer bear the "joys" of menopause, my doctor told me I wouldn't get through the suffering without hormones. I hesitated for a long time, but she persuaded me. Some time passed, and the doctor took my blood for tests. When she got the results, she called me at home: "Go to a mammologist urgently—elevated cancer cells have been detected in your blood."

Just like that! You can't even imagine the shock I went through with the suspicion of breast cancer. The call came right before the weekend. Waiting until Monday nearly drove me insane. Naturally, the same doctor immediately stopped all my hormone treatments. And you say, "we shouldn't be so ignorant." Thank God, everything turned out to be fine for me, but I had to run around to so many doctors, getting blood tests every three months, and even now I'm always on alert. So, don't judge others.

Author, yes, "tumour marker 48 with a norm of 36" doesn't indicate anything yet. It turns out that in some people, these levels are always elevated and that is normal for them. Do you know for sure that yours used to be below 36? If not, don't worry prematurely. Everything will be fine.

Lavender, I'm not worried. Lately, there have been so many health issues that I've learned to detach myself; I don't believe a single word the doctors say. Too many mistakes have been made with me. I'm calmly waiting for my oncology appointment. And as for what my test results were, I don't know—I've never been interested in anything, completely trusting the doctors.

Well done, that's the way to do it!