SO, I want to get a hysterectomy as soon as possible. The problem is, I'm 18 and it's unlikely I'll be able to find a surgeon willing to do it. Even if it were possible, there's no WAY my insurance would cover it if there isn't a dire medical reason for it.

So. What I would like to know is possible problems you could have down there that would require you to have a hysto. Things I could have my doc check for *just in case* I'm lucky enough (sounds horrible I know) to NEED one. Besides cancer, I'm relatively certain that's unlikely for me.

Yeah I read through it.

Basically I was wondering if there is a list of possible reasons (specific reasons) one would need a hysto (and therefore have your insurance cover it). Besides cancer.
I know it's horrible to wish there was something wrong with me down there, but I'd rather know BEFORE starting T because then it's more likely insurance would cover it.

I know one FTM who got checked for all that stuff and ended up testing positive for something that allowed him to have a hysto due to medical reasons (not cancerous).

Mikke,
    I think that it would be rare to have one done before T. Like you said, only cancer would be a real reason. 
                                            Marco

...as I said....for a non-transsexual woman, the reasons for undergoing a hysterectomy would have to be medical....the specific reasons you mean?  many:

Cancer,  abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse, dysplasia, obstructive cysts, ......many really.....

If you are TS, it is better to see a therapist and follow the appropriate Standards of Care set by the Harry Benjamin Association....

.....it is never a good idea to rush into things...


tinkerbell

Quote from: mikke on September 27, 2006, 01:24:29 AM
SO, I want to get a hysterectomy as soon as possible. The problem is, I'm 18 and it's unlikely I'll be able to find a surgeon willing to do it. Even if it were possible, there's no WAY my insurance would cover it if there isn't a dire medical reason for it.

So. What I would like to know is possible problems you could have down there that would require you to have a hysto. Things I could have my doc check for *just in case* I'm lucky enough (sounds horrible I know) to NEED one. Besides cancer, I'm relatively certain that's unlikely for me.

Hello Mikke,
please don't take offense, but my question for you would be - why is getting a hysto your first priority in transition?
No matter how sad and scary the Robert Eades case is, there is no evidence that transmen are any more likely to develop "female" cancers than women.
This whole "transmen must have a hysto" thing is hysteria, probably brought on by the rare case of Robert Eades.
Hystos cost thousands, I think actually tens of thousands.
Health is important, but I think the time to spend thousands of dollars and have your belly sliced open (cringe) is when you are told by a doctor that it is medically necessary.
And I'm aware that many other guys here will probably disagree with me, but my opinion is that a hysterectomy for a transman whose "female" organs are healthy is unnecessary surgery.
We as transmen already have to endure top surgery and bottom surgery (for some), why must we butcher our bodies further?
And unnecessarily?
So what is the point for a transman to have a hysto?
It is not like having breasts which the world can see, nobody can see that we have a uterus, so the only possible reason I can fathom for a transman to have a hysto  would be for the benefit of loss of menses and possible pregnancy - both of which I've heard T will eliminate sufficiently and readily enough.
The other reason would be - hysteria and the mistaken belief that "all transmen must have a hysto".
We don't hear transwomen saying "oh my god, I have a prostate! Please cut out my internal, non-visible "male" organs!"
Surely if transmen are supposedly at risk of cancer of the "female" organs, then transwomen would also be at risk for cancer of the 'male" organs?
But we only hear about the "great risk" to transmen.
Yet there is no evidence to support the belief that transmen are more at risk for "female" cancers than bio-women.
Yes the Robert Eades case was sad and tragic - but bio-women all over the world develop the same malady - ovarian cancer.

For myself personally, I know from my gyno that it would be impossible to go the vaginal route on me for a hysto, which leaves the abdominal route - and I'll be damned if I ever let someone slice open my belly.
I'm already going to have scars from top surgery, the last thing I want is a 6 inch scar across my belly.
How much do we as transmen have to succumb to this butchery?
We are biologically female and no hormones or surgery will ever change that fact.
3 surgeries? Come on, that is ridiculous.
Remove the breasts and (if you must) the female sex organ, but it bothers me to see other transmen succumb to all this butchery.
I wish transmen would realize that you do not have to butcher yourselves, you do not have to remove every female organ.
Why go through all this pain?
Our bodies are female and all the surgery in the world can't change that.
3 surgeries?
The breast removal I understand, but the other 2?
Not necessary.

I realize that what I've said is controversial, but it is my belief.
And I wish that other transmen would save themselves from painful, unnecessary surgery.

Endometriosis.  My mom had a hysto for that.

Melissa

Thanks for the info, Nero. I will be looking into this in more depth.

My God Melissa, a hystorectemy for Endometriosis?   Sounds like total overkill

Rana

Quote from: Rana on September 29, 2006, 06:57:32 AM
My God Melissa, a hystorectemy for Endometriosis?   Sounds like total overkill

I believe a number of other things were tried first.  All I know for sure is she didn't have cancer, but she did have a hysto.  At the time, I believe she said it was endometriosis, but I'm not 100% certain, but mostly certain.

Melissa

Hiee,

  I don't wish to sound ignorant here,but, is not a hysto similar in respect to a M->F having an orchiectomy? Given the ovaries are the primary estrogen producing organs then would not the effects of HRT for F->M's be as enhanced as they are for a M->F who has an orchie ie. less estrogen for the Testosterone to overcome? Since having had my orchie and the elimination of the Testosterone produced by the testes my Estradiol has climbed well into the typical adult female range and the results has been noticable.

  Food for thought as to reasons. I had my orchie done due to consistant problems with muscle cramping and spasms brought about by dehydration due to the anti-androgen I was taking namely Spironolactone. I'm not at all familiar with the HRT regiment for F->M's so perhaps I am whistling in the wind here?

Byee,
  Brina

Brina, I think you have a point, as does Nero. I don't think it's strictly necessary, but my GP says 'why have ovaries in there that you're flooding with testosterone and knocking out of commission? If they're dead or dormant they aren't anything but a liability to you and a potential risk'.

There is some indication that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is correlated with taking testosterone, but there isn't enough research to say whether people with PCOS are more likely to be FtM and take testosterone or whether the testosterone is a causal factor. There is no indication that ovarian cancer is more likely in individuals taking testosterone, but it's also not like anyone's looking for it either. We're a minority and there aren't a huge amount of research dollars going into our issues.

I will be having mine out for a number of reasons. Firstly, it should be covered by medical for me, so the financial reason is out. Secondly, I am apparently a candidate for laparoscopic, so I don't have to have my belly sliced open. Thirdly, I don't like having potential risk factors sitting there. And fourthly, I don't want them battling, however feebly, with the testosterone in my system.

It's really an individual decision. The ovaries don't battle with testosterone to the degree that testicles are able to battle with an estrogen-based HRT regimen, but I still suspect some fighting going on in there. And if you do decide to keep the bits, you absolutely need to continue going for pap smears and having the ovaries probed for signs of cancer or cysts. That gives me a fifth reason to get them out. I hate those appointments, but I will continue to go as long as the parts are there.

Dennis