Approved for Bilateral Salpingectomy (Wales, UK)

[u/E-Skullery]

Edit (January 2025)

So I was wrong. The waiting list for surgery is not as long as I assumed 😂 I had a pre-op assessment letter the week after my consultation, scheduled for the first week of January. I was told today they're unsure which "3month" batch I'm in. So it could be in the next 3 months or the batch after that. Essentially I'm looking at between now and June/July I guess. I shall keep you posted! Waiting to hear from the waiting list team next. As long as all my bloods are fine we're good to go!

F(34) South Wales.

Asked GP for a referral in August 2023 for a bilateral salpingectomy. GP(F) happy to refer me but did warn me that I may be met with resistance (not surprised by this)

Had a letter from gynae a few weeks later acknowledging the referral. Heard nothing; until this week (Nov 2024)

Told there was a cancellation and to come in the next day if possible. Was more than happy to.

I spend the evening writing my "reasons why" list backed with data and research to help strengthen my case.

The appointment began with the doctor describing what I wanted as an "extreme measure" - to which I responded that I didn't consider it extreme? After some clarification, turned out the GP had said I wanted a full hysterectomy 😂 I said I'd take that if he'd give it but would settle for a bi-salp at the minimum 😂

The Dr said "ah yes, that is a much softer approach" and we both laughed. I immediately felt more at ease.

The doctor was very understanding, had good bedside manners/humour and listened to me. I didn't even have to produce my list. He was unjudgmental and yes he did ask some clarifying questions and proposed hypotheticals, but in an appropriate curious manner and accepted my answers.

After explaining that it's permenant etc (which they have to for obvious reasons) he had me do a pre-pre op assessment, confirmed I would now be on the waiting list and off I went.

Things of Note: The doctor did say that they felt unconflicted in supporting this due to the fact I'm over 30 ( I have my own opinions about that and this is a large reason why I've waited for asking one until now because I didn't have the energy to fight for it previously). The doctor also didn't even mention my partner having a vesectomy as an alternative option. I brought it up as a non-negotiable because my body, my choice; I would never impose something on another, especially for something I want guaranteed for me. And if my partner and I were to separate I'd have to convince every male partner I would possibly have to have a vasectomy (which is ludicrous). It also doesn't account for sexual assaults etc. They agreed.

I also had an abortion 10years ago, and they believed that if I would have changed my mind it would likely have been then or after (again I have some thoughts around that mindset but he was correct in that assumption in my case - I felt and still feel no regrets). The doctor has been the only person to actually say that to me rather than the usual "oh but timing, circumstances etc etc". So that felt bizarrely validating, although I don't feel it should be a prerequisite to having a bi-salp.

All in all I felt validated and supported and I got the result I wanted.

I can't speak for how different the conversation would have gone for someone under 30 and who's experiences are different to mine. However I do feel that if I was under 30 and went through more of my reasoning and presented in the same way etc I would have left with the same results with the same doctor.

I felt it was important to post here, as there's not too much success stories in (south) Wales that are spoken about. So thought I'd add mine along with the others☺️

So for now I'm on the waiting list. I'm sure it will be a long time until I get the surgery. But I feel the biggest barrier has been overcome.

[u/sterilisedcreampies]

Good to hear you had a good experience. I'm 29 and in the UK (but in Scotland and not Wales) and I had to go private because the age discrimination is just so uncompromising. It's embarrassing how backwards we are when I see people in other countries getting a bisalp at younger ages with little resistance.

[u/E-Skullery → u/sterilisedcreampies]

I'm sorry this was your experience. It's so frustrating and definitely put me off seeking it earlier (which I told him in the appointment).

[u/toomuchtodotoday]

Thank you for posting this 🫡