My Hysterectomy Story

One of the many gender-affirming surgeries a person assigned female at birth (AFAB) can get is a hysterectomy. What is a hysterectomy? A “full” hysterectomy is the total removal of the uterus, both ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A “partial” hysterectomy usually still involves the removal of the uterus, but may leave one or both of the ovaries. I’ve even heard of someone who kept their cervix. In my case, I got the total removal of all of my reproductive organs, with all that remains being my vagina. 

Back in my healthcare days, about two years before my surgery, I saw some horrifying hysterectomy scars on some of the women I provided care for. I remember one woman in particular, who we will call “D.” D was about 85 years old, and it was the first time I had assisted her in taking a shower. She had two massive scars. One of which went from hip to hip, and the other was from just below the center of her ribcage, all the way down to her pubic bone. My dumbass was so horrified that I forgot that she had severe dementia and I said, “D, where did those scars come from?” She said, “I don’t know! Looks like someone cut me open!” Of course, looking back, I now know that asking an 85 year old woman how she got her scars while she’s taking a shower is not appropriate or professional, but I was just so shocked by the size of the scars!

Still curious, I asked a nurse I was particularly friendly with, where the hell D had gotten those massive scars. The nurse said that one was a hysterectomy scar, and the other was a C-section scar. I hadn’t even had the consultation for my surgery yet, but it was on my mind, and seeing the severity of D’s scars scared me a bit. 

Fast forward about a year later, I had the consultation for my surgery, and I was talking with my mom about it. My mom remembered a close family friend who had gotten a hysterectomy and had the same type of scar as D. She thought that I was going to have the same thing. She was especially worried because the family friend had complications and severe bleeding after her surgery. This did not do much to abate my anxiety. 

But not to worry! Hysterectomy surgical techniques have progressed a lot since the 1970’s! Nowadays everything is done laparoscopically. My surgeon explained that there he would make three small incisions. One in my belly button, and one on each side of my abdomen. Everything would be detached within my abdomen, and then my entire reproductive system would be pulled out through my vagina. Since I chose to keep my vagina, the surgeon would stitch the top of my vagina closed. I want to say it again: I still have a vagina. The vaginal opening and birth canal are still there. I can still have penetrative sex, it’s just that the end of my vagina is stitched closed. It’s a road that leads to nowhere. 

Recovery for me was a walk in the park. I’ve had periods that were worse than the recovery of my hysterectomy. In fact, I actually went to class afterwards. My surgery was at 9am, I was home by 1, and class was on zoom (this was during COVID) at 2:30, I think. I groggily sat at my computer. I remember the professor going into a breakout room with me to ask me if I was okay, and was incredulous that I was in class after having organs removed. They told me to log off and take a nap. I did, and then my best friend came over later on and brought pizza. I had to wear a light pad or a panty liner for a few days. And as far as pain goes, I think I took maybe 3 of the pain pills the surgeon prescribed (it was oxycodone, I think) over the course of about a week. After that, and in between, tylenol and advil did the trick. 

What are the benefits of getting a hysterectomy? It is physically impossible for me to get pregnant. YAY! If I get into a monogamous sexual relationship with a cisgender man, we can have unprotected sex to our heart’s desire. Another benefit is not having to worry about getting a period. I also have no risk of cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer. And finally, I never have to get a pelvic exam ever again. (In my opinion, pelvic exams are one of the worst thing about being AFAB)

I want to make something very clear: If you get a hysterectomy, it will be physically impossible to get pregnant. This is something my surgeon grilled me about during the consultation, up until literally minutes before being put under anesthesia. He even asked me if I wanted to freeze my eggs. I declined. I have never once, in my entire life, including now, have ever wanted to get pregnant, have a surrogate give birth for me using my eggs, or even adopt children. I didn’t even like babysitting growing up (there was one family that I actually liked babysitting for, but literally hated everyone else). I DO NOT want children, and I don’t foresee that changing, ever. I have three fur babies, and even they test my patience at times. 

I don’t regret my decision to get a hysterectomy, even a little bit. Next to taking testosterone and having top surgery, the hysterectomy was the best decision I ever made in regards to my health. This decision is especially relevant and beneficial now that the Orange Man is in office, attacking reproductive health for people AFAB. If you want to get a hysterectomy, I think that time is of the essence. Act now, and reap the benefits of being without reproductive organs.