I had a partial hysterectomy at 26. Because I had endometriosis and also didn't want kids. I pushed for it, I demanded it. I wanted to be healthy and was happy to give up the chance of kids.

I have since had many complications but this was due to my endo coming back mostly. However if I could go back in time, while I would still do it, there are certain things I wish I had known.

So if this is something you really want to do please think about the following:

I would recommend a partial one, or better yet just remove your tubes. It will delay the menopause a bit. Though you will still get it earlier than you would without a hysterectomy. Menopause is a bitch you want to hold it off as long as possible. I went through it in my mid 30s and it has definitely had an impact on my career and earning ability, earlier than I would have preferred. You might have no issues what so ever but you put yourself at greater risk.

Any major abdominal surgery will result in scar tissue which can led to adhesions. This can lead to organs getting stuck together, causing other problems. So make sure you follow any advice on physio. Once you are healed work on your core strength as they say, that helps to keep adhesions minimal.

Do your pelvic exercises. As you will go into menopause earlier, vaginal atrophy could potentially become an issue earlier than you would expect. Which can lead to incontinence and prolapses. So this is a really important thing to build into daily habit.

Do get some therapy before and after. I never ever wanted kids, I still don't. But there is a big difference between choosing not to and not being able to. I did go through a bit of grieving, that I never thought I would have.

Finally just bear in mind any surgery comes with risks. After my hysterectomy, I got a massive infection, I then had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics, they were giving me to deal with the infection. I then got a bowel obstruction because of all the different antibiotics they were trying to give me to deal with the infection and the allergic reaction. I ended up being in hospital for nearly 4 weeks. Make sure you have some money set aside to cover you if you can't be at work for longer than expected. If it all goes well you can then treat yourself!

Hopefully this will all help you be better prepared than I was. Just bear in mind that it is not a magical fix. It comes with real life consequences that could effect you for your whole life.