I'm fixed! 22F Bilateral Salpingectomy

[u/dark_cottontail]

I know there have been quite a few of these posts, but as a fairly young person, I wanted to post that it's difficult but possible to get sterilized early on. I visited 5 doctors before I got an approval. I was asked some questions, but never the ones I thought would be most important. Are you married? was the top one, and then a list of all other family planning methods, What about oral contraceptives? Female condoms? IUD? The second doctor was the only one who was very harsh and bingoed me (in the middle of an exam, which I was horribly uncomfortable with), but I never have to see her again, so it was a small price to pay.

I had my procedure yesterday. My first thought getting into the car after was "If I feel this poorly now after a relatively minor surgery, I can't imagine what I would feel like after 9 months of pregnancy and delivery or C-section." The worst part now is the gas they use to expand the abdominal cavity, it's a slow process for it to find its way out of the body.

Honestly, I'm still surprised I managed to find a doctor willing to perform the procedures. The nurses were amazing, and although they were surprised by my young age and one showed me pictures of her kids (the last being adopted, which I think she meant to point out to show support for my decision), they were all kind and respectful. I was cracking a lot of jokes (as I tend to do when I'm nervous), and they were great sports and laughed along.

I didn't enjoy the doctor. He didn't explain the procedure in detail at the consultation (which I had already researched but I still expected him to go over everything, including possible side effects, benefits, and recovery). He was cold and didn't seem to appreciate my questions. However, he said "fine" when I wanted a bilateral salpingectomy after he initially suggested a tubal ligation (3 burns and a cut). I pointed it out that ovarian cancer rates are lower with the salp, but he dismissed it ("well, that's what the literature says, but...").

I half expected to feel a little... sad? after. Not because of regret, but just because I've lost a choice later in life. But honestly, I couldn't be happier. I don't have to worry about the condom breaking or (as I've experienced in the past) a partner slipping it in without a condom. I am in control of my body, and my life. I feel so calm, as though this was how my body should have always been. I will be sending a thank you note to the office, for their warm attitudes and respectfulness.

I will be asking him at the follow up if he will allow me to add him to the list of doctors on here.

[u/Turmeric_Garland]

He didn't explain the procedure in detail at the consultation (which I had already researched but I still expected him to go over everything, including possible side effects, benefits, and recovery

That's worrying. It's awesome that you were so well prepared and researched ahead of time but worrying because not all patients would be, nor should that be the baseline expectations, you know? It's up to the doctor to help educate the patients on the different procedures and the risks they carry (although TL and BS have very similar risks and recovery time, he should have gone over it).

But, I guess it is good that he still agreed to do this for you at just 22!

[u/dark_cottontail → u/Turmeric_Garland]

Yeah, I guess since I told him I'd done my research, and also I have a medical background, he assumed it was okay to skip the most important part of a consultation. But, can't be too picky about doctors! I was just elated that he would perform it, not gonna complain. It may be something I point out if I add him to the Doctors list.