By Karla Cloete
Edited by Imaan Moosa & Humairaa Mayet
There are many reasons someone might choose to have a hysterectomy. Here is one South African woman’s story.
Sonja Saaiman is a 43-year-old hairdresser from Vanderbijlpark. In May 2022, she chose to have a hysterectomy after suffering from a prolapsed uterus and adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the normal tissues that line the womb grow instead within the muscular wall, causing incredibly painful periods.
A prolapsed uterus occurs when the tissues that support the womb can no longer do so due to weakness.
She consulted with her gynaecologist and they decided that a laparoscopic hysterectomy would be the best option for her.
“I did some reading about hysterectomies just to prepare myself for what could happen. I made the decision by myself because I thought it was my body that should decide.”
Her family and friends were supportive of the decision and because she’d done her research, she felt confident going into the process knowing what to expect.
As the operation was laparoscopic it only took about two and a half hours, and she had a speedy recovery with only minor bloating and constipation. By the third day she no longer needed pain medication, but she did have to keep a low level of activity for three weeks before she could slowly return to work. By eight weeks post-op, she was jogging per usual.
Women may choose to have a hysterectomy because of extremely heavy periods as a result of fibroids or endometriosis, prolapsed uteruses or cancer of the womb, cervix or ovaries or as part of a gender-affirming surgery.
There may be serious side effects after such a surgery: blood clots, heavy bleeding, and infection. While these are risks you should consider seriously, this procedure can improve your quality of life. Those living with endometriosis and adenomyosis are often also living in chronic pain. Surgery can be a crucially life-saving for those battling a cancer diagnosis or form part of a family planning approach.
- Quality of life
- Other treatment options
- Early menopause
- Desire to have children
- Impact on self-esteem
For Sonja, it has improved her quality of life so she can jog and sing in her church’s worship team. She is currently doing matric studies so she can further her education in the future.
A hysterectomy can be both life-changing and life-saving and should be open to any woman who chooses it.
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