Product Description

While more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States, 90 percent of them are unwarranted. This vital health guide offers women the information they need to empower themselves in making critical health decisions. For example, surgery can often do more harm than good and may pose needless risks, except in situations involving a life-threatening illness such as cancer. However, surgeons often rely on hysterectomies as a panacea for everything from premenstrual syndrome to uterine fibroids. An important step in bridging the communication gap between patient and physician are the specific questions in this book for women to ask their doctors. Included is information about various gynecological conditions with suggestions for alternative treatments, such as endometriosis, uterine prolapse, ovarian cysts, and precancerous conditions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #102887 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 230 pages

Review
"Offers a powerful critique of the standard medical practices of performing hysterectomies as a panacea." -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author
Dr. Stanley West, M.D., is the chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center in New York. He lives in Bedford, New York.

Customer Reviews

Finally, a physician who is on a woman's side
Read this book before you agree to having a hysterectomy. I have had two doctors recommend that I undergo hysterectomy. I refuse. A woman's uterus is her vital female organ, and there is no reason to have it removed unless there is cancer present. Find a physician who is skilled at performing myomectomies, or consider embolization, but don't let them cut out your uterus. Dr. West gives clear, eye-opening information, and much detail to allow a woman to make an informed decision. Dr. West also gives important information about the after-effects of having a hysterectomy. This is one of the most important books that a woman will ever read.

Better than I expected
I thought that I knew what the downsides of hysterectomy could be since so many of my friends have had to submit to one and I've done some reading here and there. But I learned a great deal more from this book. The title sounds a little alarmist, but the actual writeup is very thoughtful and well-supported information.

Every Woman Should Read This Book!!!!
I was fortunate to have read this book before my surgery in 2001. 2 Gyns were sure I needed a hysterctompy but I insisted on open abdomen myomectomy and asked my surgeon to do everything in his power to take only the fibroids. I came out of surgery with my uterus; minus a 4 lb. 20 cm. fibroid...ONLY ONE!!! This book gave me the courage and the fortitude to discuss my options with my gyn and ask many questions...questions that my gyn wasn't as receptive as he should have been...but he honored my decision. Dr. West provides insight into a topic that women must be educated about. Indeed, he is right, hysterctomy is a hoax...in most cases it's not necessary. Perhaps it happens as often as it does, because surgeons are not trained to save a womans organs. I commend any gyn who has the courage to learn how to avoid hysterectomy. My gyn will forever be my number one!!!!