Gynecologic surgeries, namely hysterectomy (uterus removal), oophorectomy (ovary removal) and C-sections, are the top overused procedures in the U.S. Only 10%, at most, of hysterectomies (and probably fewer oophorectomies) are considered necessary as cited in the “Hysterectomy Facts” section of this article. The 90% “elective” rate would indicate that these surgeries are “restorative” or at […]
Four years ago, when the heavy period bleeding which I’d had since adolescence suddenly became much worse, I never would have predicted that the cause of the bleeding would not be correctly diagnosed and treated until after I’d had an unnecessary surgery, a preventable major complication of another surgery, months of severe anemia and more. […]
Hysterectomies and C-sections are two of the most overused surgeries. One in three women has a hysterectomy by age 60 and about half eventually have one. Approximately 600,000 women undergo hysterectomy annually, 50,000 to 60,000 of which are for a cancer diagnosis. This graph (figure B) depicts the number done for cancer (which are typically […]
I have always preferred natural processes. I had four natural births using Lamaze technique. I breastfed. I was a registered nurse. I knew my ob-gyn doctors for years. I never expected my life to take a sharp and unnecessary turn for the worse, but it did, after I had, what was an essentially unneeded hysterectomy […]
Fortunately, the incident in this recount has had limited impact on my ability to relate to family members and continue in employment. Others might not be so lucky, so I am prompted to warn patients that this could happen to them. I was given a hysterectomy without my consent. In fact, I was given a […]
Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between removal of both ovaries / bilateral oophorectomy (castration) and accelerated aging as measured by an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Hysterectomy / uterus removal with preservation of both ovaries is also associated with some of these chronic conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, […]
Whether a hysterectomy will affect sexual function is a common concern amongst women considering the surgery, as well it should be. Sex is a vital part of life and the loss of sexual function can be devastating. Whether and how hysterectomy affects sexual function is not very clear, however, and depends upon a number of […]
I have connected with many women in the nine years since my unwarranted hysterectomy. I have been appalled and saddened by the number of women who were railroaded into hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy (ovary removal – castration) by being told that it was necessary. Some were misled into believing they had cancer or pre-cancer when they […]