<![CDATA[ - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[ - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[]]> Shiiiiit, I want one now. I've gotten around the towels on the bed thing by sleeping on the couch, sitting up. Why did I start doing that, you ask? Because it hurts to unfurl myself enough to lay down or stand up straight. Such are the joys of womanhood. Or something.

rubalicious

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @fridalay: AMEN!!!

rowingrowingrowing

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My mom lived in Oklahoma City for a few years before I was born, and she was SHOCKED at the number of young women who'd already had hysterectomies. Like, in their thirties. Don't know if it was something about the environment in OKC that caused uterine problems, or whether the gynos were overly enthusiastic about hysterectomies.

ltlbbynthn

]]> <![CDATA[]]> It's true, if you keep the cervix, you still have to have Pap smears after a hysterectomy. That's where I'm at, but I considered it to be a small price to pay in return for really good orgasms. I also got to keep my ovaries, so no premature menopause.

Before the hysterectomy last year, I was one of those poor women who had to wear a tampon and a pad at all times during those extra-long periods, and at night I'd have TWO pads, sometimes two plugs, underwear, pyjama pants, and a towel. And still sometimes, stained sheets. Yep, I was anemic.

End result? Best decision ever. No more periods, no hard lump in my belly from massive fibroids, I'm no longer incontinent (try to imagine a 7-months-along uterus pressing on your bladder... for years) and no longer in pain. Not the right choice for every woman, but definitely the right one for me.

fluffybudgie

]]> <![CDATA[]]> The two towels + garbage bag sounds like a totally reasonable alternative to the hemorrhaging all over everything that is currently taking place. *sigh*

Delilah Squid

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @blueberrypancake: Not exactly balloon in the uterus per say. (well, who knows if that's part of the process?) I think you're both referring to Uterine Artery Embolization or UAE. It's the process of reducing or cutting off the blood flow to the uterus, which then, hopefully shrinks the fibroids. Those little suckers like a lot of blood!

It's a pretty simple procedure, they inject some little blood clotter things (I thought of them like teeny floaty bits from orbitz soda, anyone remember that?) into a vein in your thigh. The possibly complications were pretty nasty though, including infertility, menopause and whatnot. At the time I was considering it, they preferred to only perform it on women with children.

I ended up getting a myomectomy for my basket-ball sized fibroid at age 23. I was lucky too, because some of the initial doctors I'd seen weren't sure if they could save my uterus...

@ambystoma:
I hope that Naturopaths can do something for someone, because it would sure beat a myomectomy! Unfortunately I spent two years constantly researching, taking herbs + supplements, eating vegan/raw, no alcohol, no caffeine and saw a Naturopath for my fibroid. Unfortunately it was hopeless. I ended up in the hospital for something else and lucky for me they noticed that my kidneys were experiencing severe hydronethrosis (sp?) aka, kidney bad bad time. I don't wish the pain that followed on anyone.

I advise anyone who wishes to explore natural routes to please do so under the regular car of an MD.

tangerined

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I've had wonky periods even ones that went on continuously for months, but to me hysterectomy means absolutely, on my death bed, LAST resort. I'm surprised so many women have unnecessary ones. Is this some plot to control women's bodies? Instead of aspirins we remove all your lady bits?

shananigans

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I've had wonky periods even ones that went on continuously for months, but to me hysterectomy means absolutely, on my death bed, LAST resort. I'm surprised so many women have unnecessary ones. Is this some plot to control women's bodies? Instead of aspirins we remove all your lady bits?-

shananigans

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Having a laprascopic hysterectomy in November 2006 changed my life for the better. It was a horror show before then and I could barely work or function as a normal human being. I was thrilled to find a doctor who took me seriously instead of suggesting I call a therapist everytime I was crying from the physical pain. hystersisters.com is a great resource for support and questions. Only thing is most docs tell you the recovery time is an easy-breezy two weeks. Be sure to factor in dealing with the anesthesia and resulting brain fog. I got a fair amount of crap from some women for succumbing to the medical patriarchy by removing vital organs-but you know what, these women did not live in my body and endure what I endured. I am very happy that it enabled me to rejoin the living.

fridalay

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @Neopatra: And I forgot to mention that before the ablation, my periods were often 10-15 days long. Such fun.

Neopatra

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @formergr: Uterine or Endometrial Ablation. You cannot/should not get pregnant after one of these. Basically, they cauterize the uterine lining.

I got mine because of fibroid tumors that caused bleeding so bad I wore a pad AND a tampon to bed (Not healthy. Don't do it), plus putting down a towel on the mattress. 2-3 days out of every month, I walked around faint and dazed from the blood loss. When you are that anemic, a rare steak takes on the attractiveness of heroin.

The first two jackass obgyns I consulted wouldn't discuss anything but a hysterectomy. That was when I discovered how much ignorance and how little respect some physicians have for women's sexuality. Neither jackass could tell me what effect it would have on my sexual response. One jackass actually said "Just take it out. It only exists to house a pregnancy." My response was: "So if a man complains about erectile dysfunction, you're just gonna lop it off, because it only exists to cause a pregnancy?" (Did I mention they were jackasses?)

I finally found a physician who went ahead and did the ablation, and it was a blessing. Five days after the surgery, the NP stabbeded my finger to take a blood test, and she could tell by looking at the color of the blood droplet that my anemia had improved.

I still have rather heavy periods, but within the normal range. I still have a little pain once in a while from the fibroids. I understand that a percentage (25% I think?) of women who get the procedure end up with very light or no period at all.

Neopatra

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @foodandshoes: While I think any major surgery should go hand and hand with "a lot of thought", when you spend twenty years tethered to your life altering, life stopping periods (that could hardly be called an "annoyance"), believe me, the course of action has been mightily weighed, considered, debated, and/or chewed over to death. My "voluntary" hysterectomy was the most kick ass decision I ever made in my life. Why would my offending uterus be an essential body part if I never had any intention of using it? Am I less of a woman without it? Sorry to be bitchy, but I am shocked by how many woman I know were offended that I would choose to have a hysterectomy. Isn't Pro-Choice all about taking control of one's own body?

rowingrowingrowing

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My mom had those kinds of periods for a while until her hysterectomy. She used to have to wear these ENORMOUS pads that we called "pillows", well because they might as well had been. How she ever slept with those things I will never understand...

denises_24

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My momma had ablation in the fall after a year of near continual bleeding (her iron levels were so low she had to get shots of the stuff). Since the procedure, she's had no bleeding and her energy level has been hugely improved because of that fact.

Hysterectomies are a good option to have but I'm glad to know there are far, far less invasive things to be done when you're bleeding uncontrollably.

hannelore

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @skyscraper143: It's from mari-chan: [www.marichan.com] Her site is hideously slow, and hard to navigate, but somewhere in there are larger versions.

@braak: I had it set as the desktop image on my work laptop for years and years because I thought it was so cute and provocative. The joys of being a contractor!

nerdsausage is a busysausage

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I had to have a hysterectomy at 25 and in some ways it has been wonderful but in others I absolutely hated it. I had wanted to have other children but didn't have the option. I was like the lady with the trash bags and towels. I also had to be given blood each month as I lost so much. It was becoming very scary for me. I also had endometrosis, fibroid tumors on my ovaries and in my uterus. When they did the hysterectomy they found cancer on my left ovary also so even if they had wanted to leave my ovaries in it was no longer an option.

RedHotz

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I love that picture!!! I must have it hanging in my bathroom! Where'd you guys find it?

skyscraper143

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Ladies, ladies. Voluntary hysterectomies always remind me of those people who think that unless you are filling your lady parts full of babies, then they are useless junk to get rid of. Not so. I too have endometriosis; I was just fortunate enough to be diagnosed at 16. I had 5 years of horrible cramps, passing clots that looked like hunks of liver, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting; in JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL. I feel your pain. My family practice Dr. gave me both bullshitty answers about my heavy periods; he called them "the curse" and he said I wouldn't have relief until I stopped menstruating so he reccomended a hysterectomy...at 16. I was able to find an amazing reproductive endocrinologist who helped me plan a course of treatment that included hormone therapy, basically the pill continuously so to not have a period, laser surgery to blast away any endemetrial sites in my abdomen and monitoring. I went off of the pill after being on it for about a decade and then went on the Mirena-a godsend. My IUD just expired so I am now trying the ring. I am not as happy with the ring, my sex drive is nonexistent, but that could just be my hatred of the boyfriend.

Long story short, hysterectomy should be the last option. Cutting out essential body parts because they seem to be an annoyance and you think that you don't need them should have A LOT of thought.

foodandshoes

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @Gretchen:
Nothing pisses me off more than doctors who don't listen. I wanted my tubes tied off yarns ago, they refused until I turned 40, now I've had a ruptured appendix and they won't touch my tubes because of the scar tissue.
Quick anemia test - look at the inside of your bottom eyelids. If they're not bright-red pink, go get some Floradix pills and start snarfling 3 a day. (All the other iron supplements made me yark.) Anemia has also made me a sobbing disaster.
I've had my period for a YEAR now. I'm going for the ablation in a week. I can't wait.
One option for a lot of women is the Mirena IUD. I don't react well to the hormone in it but it is a good non-surgical option that wasn't listed in the MSNBC story.

bunnybunny

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Oh did I ever need to read this.
I've just finished my 3rd period in 6 weeks and the resulting gyno appointment. I'm not finished with the testing yet, but she is sure I'm anemic. The last was heavy, lasted 4 days and I still had cramps for another 3 days past the period (how fair is that??). I've had a d&c for uterine polyps about 8 years ago and that is one of the possibilities, but since I'm 46 the gyno thinks it is probably the big M. If so I'm not sure how well it is going to go but I still don't want to have it yanked. I had an infection of the outer uterine wall that was discovered when I was 21. They think I had it for over a year, and by that time it was long enough to have formed a good layer of scar tissue covering the outside of my uterus. I was told I could never have children because my uterus would not expand, but I COULD still conceive. Couldn't find a doctor who would tie my tubes, even with this condition, due to my young age. So I've been unbelievably fearful of getting pregnant for most of my life.
So far menopause has been weird. Last night I was surfing as usual and Mr. Gretch noticed I was crying. When he asked me what was wrong (he hadn't seen me cry in over 10 years), my answer was "Dick Cheney is such an awful human being". His response was "Oy vey". We're in for a wild ride at my house!

Gretchen

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I may be a guy, but that graphic never fails to make me laugh-- it really brightens up my day, weird as that may sound.

X on the MTA

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My mom had a hysterectomy a few weeks before I had a breast reduction. The timing was great; just as she was healing but was still off work, I had mine, so she could take care of me :). Both our surgeries made us so much happier!

gecko

]]> <![CDATA[]]> That picture is terrifying. Even nightmare inducing.

Haystacks

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @knitterly: @TigerTail: @jenalynn: Who, hail to my Gyne-surgery-sisters!

Woo hoo I had adenomyosis and other stuff, did the ablation thing, then the laparoscopic hysterectomy and it was the healthiest decisions I ever made! Yea no more screaming and crying in pain while my family watches horrified, no more double doses of Oxycontin which did no good. Life is pain free, pelvic wise.(=D

hello.kitty

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Warning: I'm about to come off all earth-mothery and earnest here, but it always makes me very sad to hear about women going through stuff like this. Without getting too terribly specific with recommendations, let me say this: Please, before doing anything drastic--surgery for fibroids, etc.--please consider going to see a trained and experienced herbalist or other naturopathic practitioner. Don't expect miracles, and be sure to do your homework up front, but you'd be surprised how empowering a little knowledge can be. I've come to realize, over a number of years, that "female problems" are something that the (good) herbalists really have a firm grasp on. If you really want to jump headfirst into a very different view of women's reproductive health, Susun Weed's books--or her web site--are a place to start to orient yourself.

ambystoma

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Where do I sign up for a hysterectomy? My uterus does me no good. It's too bad this probably isn't an option for a healthy young woman.

HoboQueen

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @bigleggedwoman: Yes, yes! I don't know which comes first but anemia is connected to heavy periods. And you can improve your periods by taking iron if that's the case. Best to ask the doc about hte dose as always.

bowleserised

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I had my hysterectomy done at 28 due to a condition called adenomyosis. Very painful sex and periods plus the last one I had was 32 days long. While the operation sucks I did have them leave an overy and my cervix so my sex drive wouldn't dive to oblivion. And no need for hormones. The way I look at it now is I have a freedom that I wasn't supposed to have for 30 years. No cramping no periods no birth control. Good stuff!! I am now 32 and can barely remember ever having a period now.

jenalynn

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @TigerTail: TWO friends of mine had this done in the past year, and both would highly recommend it to others. One is still spotting now and then, and then other is actually getting a period, but it'sa "normal" one, once a month, just like the rest of us. It has changed their lives. Seriously ladies, if it's a problem, look into it. Oh, both had doctors that required they get their tubes tied at the same time, fwiw.

spamanda

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Having my uterus yanked out was the best decision I ever made.

I lived the 'towels on the bed' thing - sometimes twice a month - also sopping thru pads AND plugs, never knowing when flow would start, the icky, icky swollen/congested/crampy feeling, etc.

My only regret is that I didn't have the surgery sooner. I spent 4 years in misery. Needlessly.

And I love not having a period. My undies will stay forever pristeen.

coochiemama

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @bowleserised: I didn't know that there was a connection between the two but that explains my situation. I am going to WebMD to look further into this anemia thing. Thank you.

bigleggedwoman

]]> <![CDATA[]]> There's a great alternative to hysterectomy in many cases: endometrial ablation. The lining of the uterus is removed (usually nowdays it's burned out with hot water, sometimes it's peeled off) while you are under sedation. Result: about half the women no longer bleed, about 40% have much lighter periods. Younger women sometimes will see the endometrium grow back after several years, but older (mid-thirties on) women don't see that happen very often.

I was referred for an endometrial ablation after ending up in the hospital with severe anemia requiring multiple blood transfusions due to heavy periods.
Since the surgery I've had no bleeding whatsoever, and as icing on the cake most of my related period problems (cramping, back aches, migraines, rectal pain) have gone away, too. Heck, I don't even know anymore when I'm at the menstruating point in my cycle. It's given me my life back.

Caveat: pregnancy is extremely dangerous once you have an endometrial ablation. Your doctor won't want to proceed with one unless you're post-menopausal or have a highly reliable form of birth control in place. Sterilization is preferred.

There's a forum where women can learn more about this procedure from women who've had it done:
[endometrialablationboard.yuku.com]

TigerTail

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Thank you! I'm on endozone right now!

Iconocleft

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @MissPeacock: Are you my daughter?

sjct

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I've had the big P since 8 years old. (Along with that stupid bra.) I had it every 11 days and the cramps were so bad I was on vicodin as a child. Not good.

One Friday I kept having a very sharp pain and went to the ER. They gave me demerol while they figured it out. It was fibroids and they recommended having the plumbing removed.
Luckily I have a smart gyno, she gave me some other options. I don't care if I am 40, I might still want kids.


CreoleSugar

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @caffeinequeen: Yes, it does take a lot of lube post hysterectomy!

Actually, this was the one aspect of the hysterectomy experience that I wish my gyn would have been more forthright regarding (she pranced around the orgasm subject entirely, saying "every woman is different, blah, blah, blah."). Orgasms ARE different and it took quite a bit of practice and trial and error to figure out what works for me now without a uterus. I have always been a multiple orgasm, come at the drop of a hat kind of gal (I have always been very proud of that fact), but my orgasms have definitely changed. That doesn't mean I don't still have screaming mimis, but it took about eight months to re-calibrate. Knowing that, I still wouldn't have done anything differently.

A great hysterectomy resource and support website is:
www.hystersisters.com. I found its community invaluable leading up to my hysterectomy (who knew it would be such a great idea to bring a big box of chocolates for the nursing staff?!?).

rowingrowingrowing

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @formergr: oh i thought they take out the cervix too if it's a complete hysterectomy.

wring

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I had a hysterectomy last year, when I was 35. I had tried all kinds of things to avoid it for two years. Now I wish I had done it at the same time I had my c-section. I feel so much better. I took out my cervix but kept my ovaries. My husband is also so much happier because I'm not bleeding and in horrible pain most of time. My workouts are better. Our intimate life is better.

I had adhesions, adenomyosis and some incisional endometriosis. I still have some pain, because I am prone to developing scar tissue, but nowhere near as bad. Also, when the dr. went in, he had to do some work on my bladder, which was surrounded by adhesions.

And the relief of no more bleeding is amazing.

amlb

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: you are so lucky. Endo is the reason I am infertile. Please, Jezzies, do not mess around if you have it. Get many opinions and explore all the treatment options.

brendastarlet

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @Iconocleft: Mine was done by Dr. Olive and Dr Pritts. If you look up their names, they have a ton of papers out on the procedure and stuff. Another good resource for me was the website endozone.com. Stay strong sista!

ndngrl

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ineffable.me: Yeah embolizing fibroids or something. I think they stick a balloon into your uterus and inflate it. Maybe I'm just making that up, though...

blueberrypancake

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: You rock! Thank you for this. I'm going to go look up pre-sacral neurectomy now. I can't even imagine having a pain-free or nausea-free period or not getting those weird "twinges" through my arms and legs and...well all the rest of it. Again, THANK YOU.

Iconocleft

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @Xavoc: No Womb At The Inn! That is hysterical (no pun intended)!

I can only speak from my own experience, but from 12 onward I suffered immensely every single god damned month. By the time I was 34, I was passing out from unfathomable blood loss, vomiting from the pain, and spending increasing amounts of time in the ER tubed to a morphine drip. When I finally walked into my new HMO gyn and asked her for a hysterectomy, she resisted at first, but I was persistent and convincing. I never wanted children, biological or otherwise, and once she finally understood that I would not regret the decision, she agreed to yank the fucker. I kept my ovaries, so I still get huge boobs and PMS, but I can happily report that my quality of life is not only excellent but incomparable. The whole experience was positive and celebratory. I only wish I had done it at 20 instead of 34.

rowingrowingrowing

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @zivah: Same here. I missed that game entirely, and got very nervous when I heard how close it was. Don't want 'em to win, but I need them tohang in there!

tell Dolly Parton again

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @Iconocleft: I ended up having a presacral neurectomy. When I had my 2nd surgery to remove the lesions, they also cut out the nerve that goes to the uterus and such. About two weeks after the surgery, I woke up crying because it was the first time in years I could remember NOT HURTING. It was seriously night and day. And, as icing on the cake, they even did it laparoscopically (however its spelled), so I don't have giant scars. If you are having problems, with endo, definitely look into the presacral neurectomy. It quite literally changed my life. You can message me here too if you have more questions, or just want to talk to someone who's been through endo. I know I had a hard time talking to my friends who had no idea what I was going through (same goes to any other Jezzies out there who might be going through it too!).

ndngrl

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I'll probably have a hysterectomy - all those damn unicorns in there.

chelotoyou

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @formergr:

Think it's called thermal ablation--I had it done and it's awesome. No more periods or cramps. Best to have it done, though, after you're done having children, as the only pregnancy you can have after would be ectopic (ouch!).

Cookie Guggleman

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @frumious:

I had to have a complete hysterectomy at the age of 25 because of Stage 3 ovarian cancer. One of the first things I asked my nurse was if I could still have an orgasm, and I'm here to tell you YES, and it's just as good as it was before. I need a ton of lube, but other than that, no sex-related problems at all. Obviously I'm not thrilled that I had cancer and a hysterectomy, but I never wanted kids anyway and I've been cancer-free for 12 years now, so it did the trick.

Now, the pig bristles on my chin I could have done without.

caffeinequeen

]]> <![CDATA[]]> or um, anyone that has an endometriosis, would love to hear about your experiences. Sooo...feel free to share.

Iconocleft

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Oh! I have endometriosis, too! I woke up from my first laproscopy asking if they had to yank my uterus. They hadn't, but it had been a possibility, given the extent of the growths. I was 19.

howdybeep (runs with monkey wrenches)

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @midwesternmom and all: The procedure of which you speak is called a uterine ablation, I had one a couple of years ago to assuage my 3-4 week heavy bleeds with accompanying horrific cramping and fainting from blood loss (due to a condition called adenomiosis, like the endo, but in the various strata of the uterus instead of the abdomen). Despite feeling like I had my insides burned off (which, in fact, is what they do: they burn out the uterine lining to scar it and often it stops menstrual bleeding altogether, it felt exactly like that sounds), it pretty much helped with the bleeding part. I still bleed for 3 weeks or so, but not very much, kind of off and on (although, it also makes the use of tampons virtually impossible). The wretched cramping is still around, though, and my ob/gyn said that eventually I'll probs have to have a hysterectomy anyway. And you know what I say about that: As soon as possible. I've had my babies, it has performed well, and good riddence.

knitterly

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @sarita: That line is always in the back of my head, but I never say it... though I DO want that shirt...

AlmostZooey

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ineffable.me: Yes!! My grandmother would always say that as well. Wise women, you and her.

Ptarmigan

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @lurkystars: HA! This *is* magic, indeed.

frumious

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @tellmeagain: Fuck that! For some crazy reason I had Gonzaga going to the Elite Eight. Arggg.

At least my Blue Devils didn't choke last night, after all, because then I really would have been screwed.

zivah

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @AlmostZooey: I can't believe I almost forgot that line. My friends just think I'm weird when I use it, though.

sarita

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: The same thing happened to my bff, but substitute endo with fibroids. Her jackass doctor told 1. that she needed a hysterectomy and 2. he just figured if she hadn't had kids by then she didn't want any. We found her an awesome doctor who removed the fibroids (jackasss dr. had also said there were 3 in there. actual #12) and she still has her uterus. So in case she you know, chooses to have kids past the age of 27 she still has that choice.

gigisinatra

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @wring: I think since they still leave your cervix in, you still have to get Pap smears since that is the test for cervical cancer.

@midwesternmom: I think I've heard of that procedure, is it the uterine ablation thing? And if so, does it preserve fertility, or is it just a less invasive alternative to the hysterectomy?

formergr

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My mom decided to get her naughty bits removed due to her anal AND vaginal prolapse (eww!). At my urging, she did get a second opinion. She loves not having her uterus. But then, she was 48 and going through menopause.

Emily

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I cannot fathom being the trashbag & two towels woman!!! Anytime I have a friend complain about an OBGYN (like the stories above), I get on the circuit and ask for recommendations in their health plan (if they have one). I firmly believe that you need to feel comfortable with someone taking care of all that's down in the valley and if they are dismissive, rude or unresponsive, then find someone new. Your chach is too damn important!

WhiskeyAGoGo

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @frumious: Yeah, it can be. It can still bury bones without digging a hole.

Xavoc

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @violetbeauregarde: hahaha! that makes me think of how camels fight by inflating their tongues and smacking one another with them. THWAPP!

Charlotte Corday

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: good point-- ALWAYS get a second opinion, jezzies!

Charlotte Corday

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @andBegorrah: @KnitSandwich: and "ectomy" which means to take out. But you probably already knew that much. You take take my milk money, too. I'll just quietly hand it over.

lurkystars

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @andBegorrah: Greek. My bad.

BeckyIva

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @wring: A female friend referred to it as "No womb at the inn"

Xavoc

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @frumious: It's probably more magical if no unplanned for babies can come out of it.

lurkystars

]]> <![CDATA[]]> For one day, can every post have that as the picture?

eh

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Question: Can your vagina still be magical without its accompanying uterus/ovaries?

frumious

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I love that graphic! I can just hear the twinkling anime music and voice-over saying, 'the magic sparkle period for EVERYONE!!'.
wheeeeeeeeeee!

My SIL had a hysto about two years ago due to bad, bad cramps and heavy periods. She's in her late forties and now she says, 'you can't blame my periods for me being bithcy anymore!!'. And I say, nope, she's just a bitch!


allora

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @KnitSandwich: "hustera" from the Greek, meaning "womb." you can go ahead and steal my milk money now.

andBegorrah

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @KnitSandwich: I think it's because women were often viewed as "hysterical". I was reading that doctors began prescribing vibes back in te 20's for "hysteria". Which means, the hysteria would have gone away if they were just having orgasms.

I have a huge problem with that terminology, as if the organs that make us female also make us hysterical. It's the same reason I have a problem calling cervical mucus "discharge", while the male gets the word "ejaculate".

PseudoDiva

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @KnitSandwich: hyster- = Latin for uterus. Also the root of hysteria.

BeckyIva

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @charlotte corday: "Whip out the uterus" would make for an awesome superheroine catch phrase. As in, "STFU or I will be forced to whip out the uterus." Villains everywhere would recoil in terror.

violetbeauregarde

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: You give me such hope! I want to have kids some day (by "natural" birth and via adoption)and everytime my period (aka the darkness) comes I try to make peace with the fact that I'll prolly never be pregnant. I can't beleive how little research is done in this area. If you don't mind me asking, did you have to do any thing special, as in procedures and stuff?

Iconocleft

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @Ptarmigan: yt ys yust deh uorse, ai ahm sorie.

ineffable.me

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @charlotte corday: I'm just glad I had enough options for second, third and fourth opinions. The prevailing opinion of Dr "Yank it All Out" was "I wouldn't send a dog I liked to see that guy".

ndngrl

]]> <![CDATA[]]> "My name is M.C. Menses and my flow be fresh."

Any diesel sweetie fans out there?

AlmostZooey

]]> <![CDATA[]]> after 2 kids and 2 miscarriages, my coworker said it's the best thing to have ever happened to her. i look forward to it. no more pap smears to mess around with!

wring

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: Wow, happy ending for you! That's just crazy that the first doctor recommended a hysterectomy when there were other options.
My mom had one around 40 due to endometreosis.

Also, does anyone know why they are called hysterectomies?

KnitSandwich

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ineffable.me: I am appled at the curent state of you're gramer

Ptarmigan

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Egh... An ex of mine is on her 3rd cervical polyp. Like, somewhere between orange and golf ball sized. Usually by the time she gets the surgery she's anemic and weak from the constant blood loss. Ugh.

Xavoc

]]> <![CDATA[]]> After a particularly heinous fight with my mom, the librarian at my high school (we were friends--shut up) asked me if my moms had hit menopause yet, explaining that, "Aw, honey, getting my hysterectomy was the greatest thing since Percocet." I'm looking forward to it. I think.

andBegorrah

]]> <![CDATA[]]> There is a much simpler option for heavy cramping/bleeding where they remove the uterine lining. Out-patient surgery, no more periods, and it cured my best friend's years of cramps and pain.

midwesternmom

]]> <![CDATA[]]> YAY! MORE PERIOD CARTOONS! I really fucking love them.

buggeroff

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @ndngrl: it's AMAZING to me that that sort of attitude prevails. having said that, if/when i get breast cancer, i'm hightailing it to france, where they have comparable results w/ radiotherapy vs mastectomies. in france, they love teh boobies. oh, and it's free.

Charlotte Corday

]]> <![CDATA[]]> 100% off topic-- who's the Davidson girl around here? Your team just made my bracket ruuule! Thank you!

tell Dolly Parton again

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Yay my graphic is back!! I named her "Gushi".

TheUptightMidwesterner

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My sis-in-law just had one. She's 32. But apparently she was in so much pain for so long that she couldn't even sleep in bed anymore. She had to sleep sitting up in a chair.

Lady Skittlehattington

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Um, so this is probably TMI but yesterday I had my first ultra-sound wotsit Obgyn appointment and the dude said my, um, lining was about a centimetre thick. So did this lady's womb just, er, FILL UP ENTIRELY every month? Where did this stuff come from? And how much steak did she have to eat to keep from passing out?

(except that anaemia = heavy periods, I remember now)

bowleserised

]]> <![CDATA[]]> my mum had a hysto. i've heard it's better if they leave your ovaries but whip out the uterus.

Charlotte Corday

]]> <![CDATA[]]> @RyanB: You took the words right out of my mouth... I really needed that picture right now too.

AlmostZooey

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I was wondering where that fuckin'-A hentai graphic went.

Cam/ron

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Yaaaayyy anime period picture! My favorite!

Not so much my favorite? Having endometreosis and seeing a doctor who told me i would need a hysterectomy. At age 26. When there was another very doable solution that wouldn't render me sterile. I'm glad I saw another doctor after him because I got the right surgery that both ended my pain AND didn't affect my fertility. I am just finishing my 1st trimester! Yay for non-cut-it-all-out happy surgeons!

ndngrl

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Well, I really don't want to think about this. So I'm just going to think about "Clueless".

Bathsheba

]]> <![CDATA[]]> I saw an ad on the train for some procedure for women who have some kind of cysts in their ovaries where they dont need to have a hysterectomy. I thought it was weird, but I guess enough women get them that they need to advertise that there are other options.

My grammar sucked just now, my apologies.

ineffable.me

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My mom had hers pulled at 34 after losing a pregnancy and bleeding every day for two years.

howdybeep (runs with monkey wrenches)

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Uhm. That image is definitely one that I have to be careful about letting people in my office see.

braak

]]> <![CDATA[]]> URGH! OMFG, two towels and a trashbag? How did she not go into shock? I'm really ready to had in my fem card because this ish is too much.

battleaxonista

]]> <![CDATA[]]> And Jezebel draws closer still to the endometriosis post of my dreams...
Anyday now...


Iconocleft

]]> <![CDATA[]]> that picture gives new meaning to the phrase "Red Army"

sarah.of.a.lesser.god

]]> <![CDATA[]]> My mom had endometriosis and right after she had me she had to have a full hysterectomy. She loved it! No more periods, no real menopause, etc.

MissPeacock

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Goddamn I love that picture.

Jerseylicious

]]> <![CDATA[]]> that pictures makes me laugh and cry all at once

RyanB

]]> <![CDATA[]]> glad to see the BEST.GRAPHIC.EVER make a triumphant return!

RemoteCommander

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Poor woman! I can't fathom something like that. When I was young I had monster periods. Cramps so awful I had to be put on meds and stay home from school. Birth control helps a lot. I mean, so what if I grew hair on my chin, right?

Archetype

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Seeing "enchilada" and "hysterectomy" next to each other is kind of squicking me out.

JessicaLovejoy: Y SO DYKEISH?

]]> <![CDATA[]]> Oh god, is this what I have to look forward to? Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Pinkosaurus

]]>