“If I can’t take the combined pill because it gives me migraines, and I can’t use progesterone-only pills because they make me crazy, and I can’t use IUDs or IUSs because I bleed nonstop, could I at least get a tubal ligation or a hysterectomy?” The young nurse shakes her head sadly at me, explains it wouldn’t be covered by the NHS, suggests going private. “You’re too young, most doctors will say that you might change your mind and want another kid.” I nearly died after having the first. I’m perimenopausal. And they still treat me like a Victorian-era housewife.
Emma Burnett is a recovering academic. She’s big into sports, cats, and being introverted. You can find her here: @slashandburnett.