Hysterectomy New Options and Advances

by Dennerstein, Lorraine; Wood, Carl; Westmore, Ann

• ISBN13: 9780195536706
• ISBN10: 0195536703
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-05-18
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Whether to have a hysterectomy, try some other treatment, or postpone any decision for the moment and let nature take its course, is a decision of great importance to many women. It is an unforgettable, deeply-felt experience, and one of the most common major surgical procedures performed inmany countries.Concern that it is overused has been triggered by findings of big variations in rates of hysterectomy between and within countries for no clear reason. The United States has the highest rate of hysterectomy, followed by Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Holland, England, Wales, Scotland, Sweden andJapan. The disparities are large, with at least three hysterectomies performed on US women for every one in Scotland. Various suggestions have been made to account for the variations. Could it be that there are differences in inherited tendencies for the development of gynaecological diseases indifferent countries? Could the explanation lie in environmental factors? What about lifestyle habits? And what of cultural practices? Or might rates of hysterectomy have something to do with the perceptions of women and their doctors about what constitutes a 'normal' bleeding pattern and a lack ofinformation, and family, workplace or social support when change occurs?This new edition of Hysterectomy (first published in 1982) sets out to explode myths about the surgery, to update the information as to what women can expect if they undergo it, and to persuade them to consider the alternatives. It is partly based on major new research by the Key Centre for Women'sHealth in Society at the University of Melbourne. Lorraine Dennerstein and Carl Wood, Two of the original authors, have been joined by Ann Westmore. Wide-ranging, sympathetic, lucid, and down-to-earth, Hysterectomy closes with a useful section answering questions that often arise before, during orafter treatment.

Table of Contents

Does Hysterectomy Have a Future?

The Uterus

There's a Problem With My Uterus

The Treatment Options

Getting it Right

Issues for Women and their Sexual Partners

Lifestyle Considerations

Questions Often Asked

Glossary

Support Groups

Further Reading

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.