Hysterectomy at 35.

[CJ051176]

Hello, I am after some advice please. I have been recently seen my Consultant after being referred by my GP, and have been told that it is likely I will need to have a hysterectomy. I have a prolapsed womb and menstrual problems (Endometriosis).
Both of my daughters deliveries were extremely quick (1st = 1hr 30, 2nd = 30mins), so my husband and I decided not to have anymore children. About a year ago I noticed that things didn't seem right and that something was protruding from my vagina. As I have a prolapse and period problems a repair (although possible) is a short term fix and therefore could result in more surgery in 5-10yrs. I am worried about having a hysterectomy because I am only 35 - are there likely to be any risks to my health generally having such a major operation so young? I would be grateful for any feedback as I need to make a decision before seeing my consultant again on the 30th May xx

[CarolineN]

Hi there CJ - Welcome to Healthy Pages

Sorry to hear of your prolapse problem. The speedy deliveries may well have caused your prolapse - certainly not helpful! Personally I think surgeons are all to keen on chopping bits out without thought of the future impact it might have on one's body. How short-term is a repair? If it is done properly then why can it not last? (Reminds me of how even up to 70 years ago young women had all their teeth removed when they got married so they wouldn't be a burden on their new husband paying dentist fees!)

In your position I would be asking all sorts of questions. The person I would speak to if you are looking at natural health options, withot a doubt is Marilyn Glenville. She (or her team) will be able to advise you on all sorts, including endometriosis, prolapse and hysterectomy and how it will affect your body and so on. Her information is based on biochemistry research and Functional Medicine.

Wishing you all the best and let us know how you get on.

[Elensdottir]

Repairs often need to be re-done when you get older because as we age everything gets slack and sags, although I would say that 5-10 years is a very short time span; my mother-in-law, for example, had a repair (without hysterectomy) when she was about 30, and then needed further surgery about 20 years later. The problem of having a hysterectomy at an early age is that it will bring on an early menopause - even if you do not have your ovaries removed they are likely to stop working after a few years because the target organ (the womb) has been removed - then you will need HRT to prevent osteoporosis. Endometriosis is another issue, and having a hysterectomy will not necessarily help that. The only effective non-surgical treatment for a prolapse is to exercise the pelvic floor but, as the problem is already quite severe, you would need to be prepared to work very hard indeed to tighten your pelvic muscles. Having said all that, in my experience women who come back to the gynae clinic after having a hysterectomy because their lives have been made a misery by heavy bleeding, are always very grateful and say "I should have done it years ago".

[Mountaineer]

I couldn't agree more with what Caroline wrote. That's what I don't like about allopathic medicine, their 'our way is the only way' stance - and yes, a lot of them can be 'scalpel happy.'
There are always options and alternatives to be considered. They might work miracles for, they might not, but you do owe it to yourself to investigate every avenue and opportunity.
We have seen recently that a lot of women were found to have undergone mastectomies that were not necessary.

Good luck to you.