A woman who never wants to become a mum has revealed she had a hysterectomy at the age of 28.
Brynne Zuri Hunt suffered from severe cramp and periods as a result of an undiagnosed, chronic condition, but doctors consistently refused her a hysterectomy even though she didn't want children.
She says she feels 'incredible' with the 'empty space' in her womb.
The 28-year-old was finally able to get the operation after visiting a female OBGYN in January, who put her forward for the procedure after just two appointments.
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Brynne, from Portland, Oregon, underwent the operation on 2 August, and had her entire reproductive system removed, allowing her to look forward to a pain-free future.
She said of her desire to never have children: "I've never had the maternal instincts that other women in my family have.
"I make a great auntie, and love my nieces and nephews, and shower any adoration I have on my friends' kids as well, but motherhood has just never been for me.
"I was bought up in a very religious Mormon environment, where the stereotypical woman is there to have children and be a housewife.
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"A lot of the women in my family, including my mother, had really terrible pregnancies, and I guess that was somewhat of a catalyst for me never wanting to have children.
"I have two dogs, two cats and a leopard gecko who are basically my children in animal form, they take up enough of my time and money and are extremely spoiled!
"Alongside that, I've had this undiagnosed chronic pain issue since I turned 16, and to not have to deal with that ever again is what I'm looking forward to the most after my four-week recovery period."
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Brynne explained that the male doctors she visited consistently refused her a hysterectomy in case she changed her mind about motherhood.
She said: "It took me so long to get to this point, and I had so many medical professionals telling me that I wouldn't know if I was ever going to want to have children.
"I got all the usual comments like 'what if your partner wants children', 'you haven't met the right man yet'.
"It was incredibly infuriating and upsetting especially when there was no one to adequately diagnose what caused my extreme periods and cramping."
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Brynne said she was put on every type of contraceptive, including IUDS and the implant, in a bid to treat her condition.
"It got to a point where I just stopped going to the doctors anymore, and kind of gave up on even asking for a hysterectomy," she said.
"This past January, I got health insurance and went on a visit to my current OBGYN who is just wonderful.
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"She listened to my concerns and allowed me to explain that it has never been my wish to have children.
"It felt like this huge weight was taken off my shoulders.
"Especially after the overturning of Roe V. Wade, having a hysterectomy has allowed me to decide and choose what to do with my body, rather than the old white men in power."
Brynne said that while her family were shocked, they have all supported her decision.
She explained that her sister already has two children, so her parents have plenty of grandchildren to keep them busy.
"Having a hysterectomy is the best decision I have ever made, and I'm looking forward to a child free life," she concluded.