Question 53 - I Am 22 And I Want A Hysterectomy
(Posted August 7, 2000)

Dr N,

I want to have a Hysterectomy because I dont want children or a period anymore. I'm 22 can I have one at this age without children? And if not why not??? Doesnt woman have rights? Can I do it in another state if this state Louisiana will not?

Thank you for reading

Dr N wrote:

There are a few issues involved that will make this difficult for you to do.

The first thing is in most if not all hospitals doctors are required to have a reason to do a hysterectomy, such as the presence of abnormal tissue, or a condition that interferes with, or threatens quality of life.

In addition, surgery is not without risks, including death of the patient and cannot be taken lightly. Every surgeon knows this and hopefully will not be inclined to do unwarranted procedures.

Next, assuming such a surgery would go well, there are a number of untoward and unforeseen problems that may accompany a hysterectomy that have the potential to diminish your health and quality of life.

This does not suggest that I doubt the sincerity, or importance of your request, or discount your needs.

Having a hysterectomy is a very permanent thing to have done, especially at age 22 and has irreversible consequences. My sincere advice is to try and live with the way things are for the present. It is possible your needs will change and/or the surgery can be reconsidered in the future if a more compelling reason presents itself.

Dr N