I’m currently pregnant, so I have time before this happens. However, I want to hear from moms who have had this done. I have endometriosis and have for years; it has caused a ton of issues, and now that we have a tiny army of children, I am talking to my OB about having my uterus removed after our son is born. They would leave my ovaries but remove my uterus from my understanding. I’m kind of nervous about it and don’t know anyone who has had their actual uterus removed. What was the surgery like? Did they cut open your abdomen, or is going through the cervix an option? I’ve had multiple DNCs and have been awake for all of them without pain medications (due to other health issues that make my body not process anesthesia and pain meds properly, so basically they’re useless to me anyway). And those don’t scare me or bother me anymore. But this is new, and my OB will not be the one performing the surgery if we can get it approved. She has to do a referral to a medical university for them to perform the surgery. Also, what is the healing like? I work and have small children. So I’m nervous and just do not know what to expect. As I said, it’s still months away. But I’m trying to find out as much as I can to start preparing myself for what to expect. I have a pretty good pain tolerance at this point, but it still makes me super nervous and anxious, not knowing what to expect. The only other option that we discussed was a tubal and endometrial ablation, but my doctor said that they don’t always work to get rid of the issues caused by my endometriosis. If you had a tubal and an ablation, what was your experience with that? Did it stop the bleeding and other issues from endometriosis? Thank you for any information you can give me on what your surgery/procedure was like! I’ve been googling both but would like real people’s experiences on these things. I’m leaning towards just having my whole uterus removed at this point just to get rid of the problem altogether.
I had this done 3 months after my daughter was born. I had a 3 month old baby and a 2.5 year old toddler. As long as you have a good support system at home you will be okay !! You won’t be aloud lifting. I didn’t get cut open they were able to do it vaginally. I didn’t keep on top of my pain meds which lead me to the hospital a few more times. But overall it was the best decision I ever made!
The recovery is long. You will need 6 full weeks of no heavy life into and sex. You have to listen to the no sex. You will probably need a C-section and do it that way. The scar is very low.
The only problem I had after mine is the one ovary I have left is not causing pain… But thats it.
I had mine done and it didn’t take long to recover I think maybe 4 weeks and had mine done vaginal and it was the best thing ever
I had a hysterectomy (uterus removal kept ovaries). It is a 6 week recovery with restrictions and following those is important for recovering right. For me (4 kids) it was absolutely the right and best decision due to endo and uncontrolled menses. I am 6 yrs out from mine and feel amazing now. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I had mine done via laparoscopy surgery. Left my ovaries and cervix, took uterus and tubes. Recovery was about 8 weeks for me. 1st week was rough, not too bad after. Mine was due to fibroids.
I had a partial hysterectomy 14 years ago because my periods were so heavy I kept needing blood transfusions (3). It was the best thing I ever did! The recuperation was nothing compared to my two c-sections.
I had it done laparoscopically about 8 yrs ago due to fibroids. Best decision ever. Recovery was about 4 weeks and I was in little to no pain. Kept ovaries cervix tubes just removed uterus.
I’ve had mine removed after constant period that lasted over a year. Honestly. Best decision of my life. I still have issues (pcos) but it’s not as extreme. I hav cramping but not like I use to and of course I don’t bleed.
It does take an emotional toll on you though. I had mine removed at 25. I have two kiddos and have had multiple miscarriages. It sometimes feels like I’m not a complete woman. If that makes any sense. Like my choice to have more kids is gone and sometimes that gets to me. But medically, if I was to carry another child the chances of us both surviving is slim. My two almost killed me and them. I’m lucky to have them.
It’s a big decision. I’m more happy then sad that I did it. I have my off days. But I’m really glad in the long run I did for my health.
Also. Recovery is ROUGH. The first week is horrid. Then it starts to ease up. Whatever you do. Don’t lift anything. I did and ruptured the stitches and that set me back a few weeks.
I had a complete hysterectomy 15 years ago due to bleeding fibroid tumors and ovarian cysts. They did the bikini cut on my abdomen. The recovery period was six weeks, but I was fortunate enough to have the sick time at work and plenty of help at home. It’s very important the first couple of weeks to NOT overdo it–just rest–or you can cause problems with the incision. I take hormone replacement therapy, the pills are cheap–but you may not need that if you keep your ovaries. I have not regretted having my hysterectomy for a single day.
How are you going to have it removed if you can’t have anaesthetic or pain meds?? I’m having it done in March, as well as additional repair work, but my youngest is almost 2. It’s a 6 week recovery with 2 days in hospital.
They are removing it through my vagina. I have no idea how that works, but I’m told it does lol
I had it done. Was supposed stay 7 days in hospital I left on the 4th morning I can heal at home. They dont want you to lift anything for a few weeks and take it easy. Best thing I ever did.
They removed mine vaginally and couldn’t pick up anything heavy for a month to 6weeks but I didn’t have hardly any pain after. Only missed 3 weeks of work and felt like going back after a week but my doctor wouldn’t release me.
I had a hysterectomy----removal of uterus. due to fibroids that should have shrunk or stopped growing after I hit menopause…but they didn’t, they cont to grow & get larger. Best decision I ever did . Down time 3 wks. Very little pain afterwards 
My ovaries are still there
Best thing I ever did for myself…!
I had a tubal and my stuff is 10x worse I didnt even think it was possible to be worse but it is! Everyone is different though
I had 2 c-sections, 17 yrs apart for kids. Severe endo, with terrible periods. I did tubal with last, no avail to periods. Had uterus removed by c-section, and it was the best thing I ever did! I kept my ovaries to keep from taking hormones, and I have been fine. I would have done it sooner if I’d know how much better I would have felt after! But everyone heals differently! Remember that!
I had it done in 2010 bc of all the problems I had with my period from the beginning and it was worth it…I was sore for several weeks but like with any surgery comes recovery
I had this done almost a year ago after a failed ablation. I had 3 small incisions in my abdomen and I was back to work in 2 days. Best decision I ever made. No more pain and non stop bleeding from my endometriosis. Just be sure you’re truly done having children before making this decision.
I would find an Endo specialist. Most Obgyns are not trained enough to deal with endo. I’ve never had my uterus removed, however I do suffer from stage 4 endometriosis; and I have taken it into consideration, despite my age. Please do your homework on a hysterectomy and endometriosis, as a hysterectomy IS NOT a cure; contrary to common belief. Endometriosis can grow anywhere internally, and removing your uterus won’t stop it from spreading. I honestly just recomend Laparoscopic excision and ablation. The key is both. Excision removes it, and ablasion only burns it, but is better for more sensitive areas (bowl, ovaries, stomach, etc.). I think you have a lot of research to do, and some phone calls to try to find a specialist. Ultimately the plan between you and your specialist will be what’s right for you (hopefully).
I had mine removed at 25 it fell caused 2 hernias on my bladder so I have it removed vaginally and my bladder repositioned with two hernia repairs . Was in the hospital about week cause my bladder was in shock came home with a catheter for a week. Afterward I was fine
Sort of like healing from a C section. But If they can do it by laparoscopy that is easier.
I’m having mine done the 26th. 4 small incisions on belly. 6 weeks recovery. No lifting. No sex.
I had full hysterectomy, uterus and ovaries removed. Best decision to do all of it. Same issues as you. I was out of work for 3 months. Had complication and had to put in a bladder sling. I now have incontinence but mine is manageable with medication. I couldn’t lift more that 5 lbs and nothing for the first 4 weeks. My OB did mine vaginally under anesthesia.
I had a partial hysterectomy almost 17 years ago! Best decision I ever made. Although mine was supposed to outpatient laparoscopic. The surgeon cut my udder and I ended up with a horrible 6 inch scar and a week in the hospital so my recovery was much longer.
Best thing I ever did It gave me my life back. I had fibroids that ripped my uterus pain was unbearable I was better in about a week
I had a tubal done in 2010 wehn I had my daughter via c-section. I had to get the ablation done in 2017 (maybe 2018 lol) and I have not had a monthly since. The doctor told me there was an 80% chance it would work and so far so good. I was in extreme pain that first night home (in and out the hospital in one day) honestly it was worse than both c-sections to me. They essentially burn your uterine walls so that sucks but recovery was a lot faster than the c-section. 2nd day was painful but not as bad. By the 3rd and 4th day I was good. I cannot remember complete recovery time for the ablation though
Natalie Miller I told you women with this condition can still have babies.
I had mine done last April at the age of 41. It was done by Davinci robot. Everything gone but my ovaries. In the hospital overnight. The first couple of weeks I was very sore. After that it was smooth sailing. Follow Drs orders to the letter. My restrictions were to lift nothing heavier than a gallon of milk, no housework, especially sweeping, mopping and vacuuming. Nothing that you’ll have to bend and stoop for. I was back to doing dishes and light cooking, ECT by the 2nd week. And definitely no sex or anything in the vagina for the full 6 weeks! Edited to add: best thing I have ever done for myself!
Yes, easy removed vaginally
I had a hysterectomy (uterus and tubes removed) 8 months ago recovery was 6 weeks but I kind of didn’t listen and was put back on bed rest at about 4/5 weeks post but it was the best thing I ever done and wish I had of done it sooner to be honest
I had it done, it was for the best… but Things have been really hard
Thank you guys. This is my post. I already have 6 living children, 7 losses and I’m pregnant again (around 16 weeks with our 3rd son). And while we aren’t 100% sure we are done having children, we both agreed we could adopt later if we feel our family is incomplete still. I’m really glad to see that pretty much everyone who has commented has said they don’t regret it and it has helped them a ton. We have the two options to try and help since our other treatment option attempts have failed me. I am leaning towards having my uterus removed because my OB said that there is a chance of having a tubal and ablation done and it not working and then me ending up needing my uterus removed anyways in the long run. So it sound like the better option to me is to just have my uterus removed completely. By the time this all happens we will have 7 children, so I’m pretty confident that I will be okay with no longer having my uterus as we do already have a pretty large family, but as I said if for some reason that changes later we do still have the option to foster or adopt or both. Pregnancies have been hard on my body anyways, and Especially this pregnancy has made me miserable. All of our children are ages 11 and under so we do have our hands quite full already. I just feel like now is the right time to finally go thru with it and take control of my own health so I can be the best mom and wife I can be without having to suffer constantly from my endometriosis. I really appreciate everyone’s help in making me feel a little bit less anxious about it. So thank you all 
Endometriosis will complicate the surgery since your insides are full of scar tissue but you will feel better once you recover. The scar tissue left behind might give you problems later. It’s a glommed up mess in there!
Straight after birth of my 2nd child, I was told it was too dangerous to have any more pregnancies and as had endometriosis too, I was to have a total hysterectomy (everything removed) at age 30. I went on hormone replacement therapy for 20 years and have never truly regretted it. Stopped all problems and allowed me to be a better person not crippled with pain twice a month. Was done under a general anaesthetic and only paracetamol after (allergic to most pain meds) and took a month to recover fully. Good luck with your decision.
Do not do the tubal and ablation. I had tubal after me last baby and ablation years later for heavy periods. Although I have hardly any bleeding monthly the cramps are horrible. Sometimes lasting 7 days. If I forget taking ibuprofen before bed I wake up between 1-3 am with terrible cramps that last at least an hour before meds kick in. My doctor said next step is hysterectomy but I am putting it off because I’m in my mid 40’s and am hoping menopause kicks in soon
I needed mine removed shortly after I had my daughter. It was done through the vagina, cervix also is removed. I was knocked out for it. It is considered major surgery. I had discomfort for a few days. Good luck
They cut the abdoment
Hi…
Just like you I’ve had many years of problems, and couldn’t decide what to do.
I finally decided to go with the endometrial ablation it was in 2017.
Operation was a success… the only problem I had was day 5 my insides felt like it was on fire, I had an infection…
My monthly was less from 10 days down to 3 days…
About 2 months later till now I only have a 2 hours if any thing at all
Sounds like a partial hysterectomy.
They dont cut you open, they usually go through your vagina. No more bleeding, pain is gone 90%
Recoop time depends on how you take care of yourself- you dont overdue it then it shouldnt be long recovery.
I don’t like being the one to deliver this BUT endo never goes away. They say that helps and pregnancy,but it is temporary. I’m stage 4 and I have unfortunately had to research the crap out of everything. There is a new medication just for endo out there though
I have had a ablation but for other reasons. The procedure itself is fairly quick and the pain isnt bad and heals fairly quickly. I am not sure how it works with endometriosis but it stopped all my bleeding
I had key hole surgery an had my tubes cervix and uterus removed when my youngest was 8months old an needed help for a week an was back to doing it on my own taking it very easy
I’ve had several friends have their uterus removed including my mom and I haven’t heard anything negative about it , I want to have it done as well
Hysterectomy and then hormones then you get fat. My experience.
There are several ways to do a hysterectomy, through the abdomen or vaginally. Both have different healing times and restrictions. Talk to your surgeon to see what kind they have planned but keep in mind that if they do the “less invasive” vaginal surgery they could get in there and it could change. Either way, it is not considered a minor surgery and you will have lifting restrictions for several weeks.
If had this done and omg no more pain I’m 110%happy with my decision they did mine with only five really small incisions on my belly I healed up perfectly and I no longer have severe pain nothing
My friend had to have this done. Recovery was about 6 weeks. She is doing well.
I had a partial hysterectomy after my son. They only took my uterus, nothing else. I only have one biological child but total 3 great kids 
they make three tiny incisions,one on each side of your belly and one below your belly button. I was asleep and about 4 hours after i woke up i was sent home. You can’t drive after. And literally i felt like i had been stabbed about 6 times in the stomach. I was down and out for about 3 days, then started feeling better. Best choice EVER. No more periods, no more issues and since they left my ovaries im not going through menopause.
I had a hysterectomy because of fibroids. I had a 6 pound fibroid and I chose to have everything removed. I didn’t want to worry about ovarian cancer. I had 3 c-sections in the past, so actually the surgery was easier for me as I had no uterus to heal. The healing is about 6 to 8 weeks. I went to work at 7 weeks and it was still a little tender. I might have waited 8 weeks in hindsight before returning to work.
I had my uterus removed when I was 43 - ovaries stayed. I had to have surgery as my only child was delivered via c-section and the scar tissue was the issue. It cause my urterus to expand which caused more heavier and painful periods. I couldn’t take it anymore and when to my doctor. Anyway, have your mom, sister, mother-in-law (another woman) come stay at your house after surgery. You will need help and your huband will be working and taking care of kids. You will need some care at home. Not going to lie it is not a walk in the park but, once you do feel better about 4 weeks depending on surgery, you feel lighter, you feel like the tears you were constantly holding back have dried up. The first month passes without a period is literally the best thing ever. Good luck
I had everything taken out do to this problem never felt better
i had a partial histerectomy in 2012. next to having my sons, it was the best thing to ever happen to me! no more periods! i’d had my tubes tied in 2003 when having a c- section with my youngest son. mine was done vaginally, & was an outpatient surgery, but my dr kept me overnight to monitor my pain. i was fully recovered after a week & only took ibuprofen. i have a pretty good pain tolerance, but the pain was equivocal to bad period cramps.
Do it!!! Best decision I made. Mine was done laparoscopicly. I had some minor complications but I was asleep so by the time I woke up all was fine! LOL. Pain free for over a year!!!
I had mine vaginally everything but my ovaries taken out
Having a hysterectomy was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I had fibroids not endometriosis though.
I had a partial hysterectomy and it is the most amazing thing is I’m not in pain anymore I do not bleed constantly. They left my ovaries in so that I wouldn’t go through menopause right away. It’s the best thing I ever did
At this point it depends on how old you are that they would even allow it to be done because I have it endometriosis I’ve had several surgeries and I’m 36 and my doctor is against it I’ve had a tubal ligation done with an ablation in 2007 the worst thing in the world that I am done the periods are constant and very painful
Had just my uterus removed at 30. Best surgery EVER! They were able to do so vaginally (no visible scars) I had it done on a Wednesday and was out shopping the following Monday!!
I had a full hysto leaving ovaries 7 years ago. Mine was done using the Davinci robot. I had 5 small incisions and uterus was removed vaginal. I was put under and it took 3 hours for my procedure. I was only given norco and only took those for 3 days then it was tylenol extra strength.
I would look carefully into whether this would actually resolve the issue or not. I too suffer with endometriosis and I have come across a lot of conflicting opinions on this topic, based on other people’s experiences, as to whether a hysterectomy or partial hysterectomy actually resolves the problem.
I found other ways to manage the pain instead of going down this route such as marina coil and mini pill contraception. Good luck with whatever path you choose!
Recovery from a hysterectomy was the easiest of any surgery I’ve ever had.
I had a hysterectomy 10 yrs ago and have never once regretted it… If you are all set with kids go for it. I had 1 ovary left so no full blown menopause for me…
I just had a total hysterectomy and was only able to keep one ovary. I had 4 small incisions and my uterus was removed vaginally. It has been 4 weeks and I go back to work Monday. The first week or 2 i was pretty sore and had lifting restrictions but after my first check up i could start slowly getting back to my regular routine. I get tired easily now but i am not in any pain and am happy i had it done.
Best decision I ever made was my hysterectomy
I’ve had a partial hysterectomy and I’ll tell you…it changed my orgasms, in 3 yrs later, prolapse bladder and vaginal vault has fallen too and had to get surgery to correct,but due to all my other surgeries in this area, my vaginal vault could not be fixed due to how thin my vaginal walls are, never has felt my bladder has felt corrected since, still uncomfortable and don’t sneeze corrected since surgery, if I had a chance to go back in time, no way I’d have it done. I wish I was informed better even though I asked many questions, he didn’t tell me any other possible issues that could arise afterwards.
Do it. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I had fibroids and they did it through my abdomen due to my uterus being too large. I too have issues with anesthesia so, they did it with an epidural. I was awake the whole time. I still have my ovaries, no periods and my recovery was easy for me. Good luck
Hysterectomy was the best thing I have ever chosen to do. Recovery was about a week.
I had a full hysterectomy at 45 due to severe endo and it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.
Had hysterectomy and cervix removed was fine after a week best thing ever they went in vaginally quicker healing.
I have had endo for over 15 years. I also had a hysterectomy in 2010 and although it is not a cure it was the best thing I could have ever done. I very rarely have pain anymore and can function like a normal productive human being. It is different for everyone though.
They went through my vagina. Removed my cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Recovery was 4 weeks. No more pain or bleeding. Best decision I ever made.
I had a partial hysterectomy several years ago after ablation only worked for a month. I had mine done vaginally. My down time was very minimal. I had issues since I started menstruating and was told that it would get better after I had children, It did NOT. I have never felt better physically
I had total hysterectomy. Had .endometriosis .
My Dr said leaving ovaries can cause it to spread , cause the ovaries feed it. So I chose to remove all. I had bikini cut, low on my belly. Can’t see scar now.
Best thing I ever did
I had a full hysterectomy in July & I had no problem whatsoever,good luck
I had a hysterectomy in 2002 they left one ovary. They did through vagina and it was good. I had bladder surgery at the same time and it caused me more issues than the hysterectomy did. I will say. and no one told me this by the way, my hormones were all kinds of weird like after having a baby. I cried for no reason stuff like that. But it subsided and healing was pretty easy. My restrictions were the same as when you have a baby for 6 weeks after.
I had it done in 2008 my OB went in vaginally so no cut or scars just removed uterus I still have my ovaries no bleeding no problems a little bloated feeling for a few days was off work a few weeks don’t lift over so many pounds your doctor will tell you their recommendations it was a blessing! I had endometriosis as well and have had zero issues now. Never felt better best of luck to you
Having a hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did…no more pain no more periods
Yes about 4 years ago… they did it by the robot. Only 4 small incision. Healed within a month. I was in at 8am out at 430pm able to walk n all the next day. Recovery is gonna depend on your body. I had 1 tube 1 ovary removed 2 years prior due to cancer. I’m not sure how they do it all at once talk to doc. Use robotic if you can
If that was the opinion of your ob I think it would be better for you but if you are still in doubt and worry then go ahead and ask for other doctor’s opinion. Better to consult other doctor for whatever opinions they have rather that asking people you don’t even know about your problems. Doctors have studied so many years and have a lot of experiences about this matter. Please ask for other doctor’s advice before going on with the procedures.
Best thing ever for me, felt like a totally new woman. Nil complications, new lease on life. Xx
Full Hysterectomy via vagina or Tummy either way the. Best decision
I agree with all these ladies. It was the best thing I ever did and feel like a new woman after I had a full hysterectomy. Although menopause now but I’m on hormone replacement. I had a severe case of endo and in so much pain I could hardly walk. You will feel wonderful after just follow doctors orders after surgery.
I had a total hysterectomy, cervix included, tubes and ovaries too. Best thing I ever did.
I had hysterectomy for endometriosis. Best thing I ever did.the recover was pretty easy I went back to work after 3 weeks
The pain was minimal.they do robotic surgery now which is less painful and healquicksr ask your surgeon about it
I had endo 5 times. They end up removing my overaies. And a cest on my right overary. This was when I was 32. I had my tubes tied at age 21. I just had both tubes , ovaries and a huge cest removed. Now I’m 58 . They should have just took it all at one time like I wanted. I had a boy and a girl. That’s all I wanted. Then I met my husband and he had 4 boys. I got more after all. Love them all.
I am surprised that if your endometrosis is that bad how did your fetus attach yo carry. You are nor dropping down eggs while pregnant. Your OBGYN is a moron…pregnancy or putting the body into menopause taking the estrogen away from female is a CURE for endro. Get away from doctor find new female doctor that just graduated from medical. Not some money hungry greedy doctor. Now of you aren’t married and have 6 kids already just get STERILIZED real simple…non evasive or it won’t throw you into premature meno for, forever
I had a DaVinci robotic hysterectomy due to fibroids and severe Adenomyosis. Dr took my uterus, cervix and tubes. She did however leave my ovaries in. It took me about 15 weeks to fully recover. I only wish my dr had removed my ovaries as well because I have and always had chronic ruptured cysts. Except for the occasional cyst , it helped take all my abdominal pain away.
Had my hysterectomy last year best thing I’ve done recovery wasn’t long at all about a week
Same issue as you and had I known having a partial hysterectomy (only my ovaries remain) would take away all the misery and suffering, I’d have done it 15 years sooner after the birth of my last child. It’s been 6 years since the and no regrets. Not a single one.
My ablation did absolutely ZERO for me!! I had endometriosis as well as fibrotic tumors. I had a partial hysterectomy meaning that they took everything except my ovaries because they surprisingly looked healthy and my dr said that it was better for heart health to go they a natural menopause than a hard menopause. I also had my surgery done robotically. Just a few small incisions so it was not super invasive. My recovery was just fine and I was off for four weeks. One of the very best days of my life was when that bitch and I parted ways!! I highly recommend this form of eviction !!!
I had a hysterectomy about 6 months ago and am totally happy with the choice. Had uterus, tubes, and cervix removed. I was told 6-8 weeks recovery since my job is fairly physical but since I have a high pain tolerance and don’t always listen I went back to work 13 days later. There are a few downfalls like hot flashes and night sweats but those are WAY more tolerable than the other issues I was having. They went in through my belly button and the scar almost makes a little smiley face lol so I dont mind it and not having a period is AMAZING!
I had endo. Constant bleeding and pain. Had uterus removed best thing I had done once I got over fact n I more kids. 30 plus yrs later sex is better with no pain
Endometriosis can not be cured with a hysterectomy. The lesions produce their own estrogen and will continue to grow. If you are going to get a hysterectomy due to endometriosis I highly suggest you research more. Ablation is also not the answer
Having my full hysterectomy was the best decision of my life. I too suffered from cyst on my ovaries and endometriosis. I was is pain all the time and always had irregular periods. After my second child was born I decided two children was is enough and I had my full hysterectomy done. I take one pill a day for hormone replacement and it’s awesome. No pain no surprise periods no tampons or pads no weight gaining birth
control. I had mine done at 23 and I am not 32 and even though the recovery time was a little rough for the first couple days, I can honestly tell you that it was the BEST decision I ever made.