Updated June 08, 2015.

Interview with Stephanie Schroeder, a 45-year-old lesbian writer and publicist from Brooklyn, NY. She had a partial hysterectomy (meaning just her uterus was removed, her ovaries were left intact).

How old were you at the time of surgery?

Stephanie: 45

Why was surgery recommended for you?

Stephanie: Thickening of uterus (not endometriosis) and small chance of cancer

What kind of symptoms were you experiencing?

Stephanie: Non-stop bleeding for almost 3 years, two D&Cs to remove polyps and extraneous uterine tissue buildup

Were any alternatives to a hysterectomy offered?

Stephanie: D&C, hormones

Did you try any alternative procedures or therapies prior to surgery?

Stephanie: Acupuncture, herbs, massage

Did you feel like you were being "pushed" toward a hysterectomy?

Stephanie: Yes. My gynecologist is a surgical gynecologist and she told me the D&Cs likely would not work (which was true in the end), but I wanted to try the least invasive method to solve my issues.

Can you tell us about your recovery?

Stephanie: Stayed overnight in hospital. Was on my feet next day. One thing about the hospital that stands out is a male doc (the one making hospital rounds) YANKED the catheter out of me so hard that it injured me. I objected that he was inefficient in even extracting it and he just brushed it aside. Obviously not a Gyn who is a fan of vaginas -- or women's comfort.

That was not MY doc, but the doctor doing morning rounds because my doc was delivering 4 babies that day!

I came home the afternoon after surgery. My sister had come from Madison to take care of me for a week. I had both 600 mg of Ibuprofen and Vicodin. I never took Vicodin, the pain never got very bad, just generalized dull pain, not specific shooting pain. Very low level, but I also have a high pain tolerance.

Actually, it was a relatively easy recovery. I was out of work for three weeks and my boss was good about it. I was tired quite a bit and slept a lot, but determined to walk a little more every day and get good exercise to get back into the swing of things.

I had a two week visit to my doc and then a three week when she took out my stitches (I had laparoscopic surgery so had just my belly button and two very small incision on either side of my "bikini line" (that, by the way, are almost invisible now--6 months later.)

Did you worry that you would feel less womanly or sexy due to the surgery?

Stephanie: No, I'm a dyke and very body- and sex-positive. Not worried about what men (or women) would think about me. I'm not at all influenced by mainstream culture in any arena. I just wanted the bleeding to stop so that I could actually have sex again!

Did you worry that having a hysterectomy would alter your sex life?

Stephanie: NO! I thought it would enhance it.

Most women say that their sex lives are as good, or better than, before the surgery. Would you agree?

Stephanie: My sex life is FABULOUS! Yes, I would say better than ever... and, such a relief not to have to plan everything around blood and bleeding...

Did the hysterectomy improve your symptoms?

Stephanie: Yes, eradicated them completely.

How is life after hysterectomy?

Stephanie: Excellent! I must have gone to my gyn at least 15+ times in the three years prior to my hysterectomy and totally supported ob tampons (I should have purchased stock!). Now, I feel very free. I don't at all miss menstruating and don’t in fact even think about it.

Because I am a lesbian, I have to "deal" with menstrual periods of my female lovers, which is the only reminder that the damn thing exists for women. Otherwise, everything is in working order, my life has vastly improved in quality and I only have to see my gyno once a year like most other women.

If you could make the decision over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?

Stephanie: I would have done it earlier.

If a good friend was considering a hysterectomy, what advice would you offer?

Stephanie: In fact someone I know was scheduled to have surgery a few months after my own hysterectomy and I counseled her quite a bit because she had heard horror stories about recovery and extreme pain. I think I gave her a lot of comfort my detailing how the procedure went for my, the story of my recovery and how my sex life has been rejuvenated.

What do you wish you had known before surgery that you now know?

Stephanie: Just that it would have improved the quality of my life THREE years earlier!

Editor's Note: This is a personal account of this individual's experience. Your experience with hysterectomy may be different, and the decision to opt for surgery is something that should be based on your particular situation and doctor's advice.

More Important Hysterectomy Information: All About Hysterectomy

More Real Stories of Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy Interviews