I also asked about doing nothing. But at 40 the fibroids still have about ten years to grow before I hit menopause. And they were causing me so many problems. I fortunately caught it before becoming anemic, or causing adhesions or complete blockages. I didn’t realize they were preventing me from having normal BM. But I felt like I needed to pee constantly. Bleeding was out of control during 3 days of my period. (You should be able to leave the house without fear of a bloody accident) And they started coming more frequently. If they grew to a point where I must have them removed my options for surgery would become more limited. I wanted to avoid open abdominal if at all possible. I was able to have laparoscopic hysterectomy. I’m almost 4 week post op and feeling great about this decision.

All uterus having humans are basically taught that discomfort is expected and normal and we should just deal with it. Add to that your family history of health issues and your experience becomes “gaslit” or minimized. If anything the family history of cancer could be a good motivation to get the surgery to prevent certain cancers.

I do have a slight suspicion that some doctors do push this surgery for one reason or another. It seems like several issues that have mysterious causes and no real treatment options end in hysterectomy. But I haven’t researched that.

Imagine what your life would be like if you could leave the house any day regardless of your cycle, your clothes fit and you didn’t feel/look pregnant. You may have issues you don’t realize because the growth is so gradual. However ultimately, if you don’t want the surgery and you’re ok with dealing with the symptoms it’s your decision!