Can I request an optional hysterectomy?

Due to medical reasons (me: depression, diabetes; boyfriend: neurofribromatosis), we have decided against having children. PMS and my period makes my depression (bipolar, diagnosed for 10 years) ten times worse, putting me into an emotional and physical hell. I'm wondering if I can ask a doctor for a hysterectomy and get it? I'm 31 now and, like I said, do not want children.

Due to medical reasons (me: depression, diabetes; boyfriend: neurofribromatosis), we have decided against having children. PMS and my period makes my depression (bipolar, diagnosed for 10 years) ten times worse, putting me into an emotional and physical hell. I'm wondering if I can ask a doctor for a hysterectomy and get it? I'm 31 now and, like I said, do not want children.

Also: my period has only been regular for the last year, with no medicinal help. I also get several symptoms of early menopause, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances and lowered libido.

You should ask your OB/GYN about it, but I'm not sure whether or not they will do it. I definitely know how you feel about wanting a hysterectomy though. I'm 23 years old and for over a year now I have been bleeding heavily almost constantly (pretty much like having my period 24/7 for over a year) and I've had severe pelvic pain. I have had many procedures done and been on 5 different BC pills in the past year and my doc still doesn't know what's wrong with me. I have also thought a lot about having a hysterectomy because I can't see myself living like this. There's not much else I can say to help you, but I just wanted to let you know that there's someone else out there who knows how you feel. Good luck!!

If your doctor agrees to it, just have your uterus removed. Keep your ovaries if they are healthy because you'd go into menopause and it's horrible. You'll have hot flashes and night sweats and the estrogen isn't good for you and most likely you'd need it. And make sure they take the cervix too. You won't have to be concerned with cervical cancer which is so common.

Your uterus is a large muscular organ. Without it....your bladder has less support as does your lower back. Without your ovaries you would go into surgically induced menopause which wouldnt do your hormonal issues a favor. Any reputable surgeon would not do a major procedure like this upon request. Insurance would not cover it and it is not medically necessary. I also suggest a tubal ligation and some hormone therapy for your PMS. Good luck to you
Karen RN

You can talk to your doctor about it, but I'm pretty sure they won't do it. It's a very invasive proceedure, and not one they just do willy nilly. You might consider getting your tubes tied and finding hormonal treatments for the mood swings.