Some medical decisions are scary, largely because we only hear about them when things go wrong. Clémence, a 43-year-old freelance graphic designer, decided to break that silence. A year ago, she had a hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroids that had been disrupting her life for years. Today, she's doing well. And that's exactly why she's sharing her story.
Fibroids: they were quiet at first, then all-consuming
It started after the birth of her son, now 11. Clémence had a copper IUD, her periods were already on the heavier side, but manageable. During a routine ultrasound, her gynaecologist spotted two fibroids, one of them sitting very close to the endometrium. The conclusion: keep an eye on it.
Clémence didn't worry too much. She was used to heavier periods. But gradually, without fully realising it, things got worse. She missed a year of gynaecological follow-ups. And during that time, the fibroids kept growing.
"I was already planning a week ahead. I doubled up on protection. Being fifteen minutes late to change was enough to have to change my entire outfit."
Up to six protection changes a day. Waking up in the night. A physical and mental exhaustion that slowly set in. Working from home gave her some flexibility, but even at home, that constant vigilance takes a toll.
Choosing a hysterectomy
When she went back to her gynaecologist, the fibroids had progressed. He laid out two options: repeated procedures to remove the fibroids, or a hysterectomy. Clémence and her husband had recently decided not to have a second child. That clarity changed everything.
She chose the hysterectomy. The procedure was done by laparoscopy, three small incisions near the pubic area, leaving almost no visible scarring. Her gynaecologist gave her two weeks to confirm her decision.
Recovery, and then a real sense of freedom
One full month of rest. No heavy lifting, no intense physical activity. Walking, though, was encouraged to support circulation. Clémence had an ovary-sparing hysterectomy, meaning her hormonal cycle remained intact.
And after? Her quality of life changed completely. The activities she had quietly started avoiding, she could do again. The relentless planning, the heavy periods, the endless laundry: all of that belongs to the past now.
She describes the experience as an emotional "move". A little nostalgia, like when a child leaves home. But no grief. And one certainty: the operation changed nothing about who she is.
"They removed my uterus, not my femininity."
What she wants women to know
A hysterectomy is still a major operation, with real risks and consequences to think through carefully, including physiological changes in the pelvic area. It's not a decision to take lightly, and it's not the right answer for every situation, particularly where endometriosis is involved.
But Clémence also wants to say something else: how much it matters to be proactive with your healthcare team, to not hesitate to change provider if you don't feel heard, and to talk to women who've been through it.
Through the Fâmme platform, she was connected with a woman who was considering a hysterectomy but kept holding back, overwhelmed by the negative stories she found online. They talked for an hour. A few weeks later, the woman reached out again to say that conversation had made a difference.
"People tend to share when things go badly. When things go well, they just get on with their lives. But those stories matter too."
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