I have a friend who has fibroids and has decided to have a hysterectomy

[murielm99]

5. I had a hysterectomy at forty-one, because of fibroids.

I wish I could have avoided it. The recovery is long and painful. Cutting through major muscles is a big deal. It takes a long time for them to heal. The scar is ugly, too.

I don't know how old your friend is, but there are later consequences, too. I now have a rectocele and a cystocele because of the hysterectomy. A cystocele is basically a prolapsed bladder. A rectocele means that the front wall of the rectum bulges into the vagina.

My problems are not severe. If they do become severe, I will need major surgery. Both of these conditions came about because I have no longer have a uterus to support these structures. Over the years, they have collapsed into the place where my uterus used to be.

I may be able to avoid surgery. Your friend may not be able to avoid it. I wish a less invasive procedure had been an option for me, but my surgery was twenty-three years ago. Please tell your friend to google these conditions, and the learn about the problems they can create.