Dear Friend,

Each year over 600,000 women in America have a hysterectomy, making it the second most common surgical procedure in the United States. Hysterectomy may be recommended for a variety of reasons, however, 90 percent of the hysterectomies performed in the United States are classified by insurance companies as elective surgery. A hysterectomy is elective when it is the woman's choice and not considered medically necessary for her health. Whether or not to have an elective hysterectomy is a serious decision that should be carefully considered.

Hysterectomy involves removal of a woman's uterus and perhaps more of a woman's reproductive organs. Hysterectomy ends a woman's ability to have children. The National Womens Health Information Center of the Department of Health and Social Services uses the following definitions for the types of hysterectomy surgery. A complete or total hysterectomy removes the cervix and uterus and is the most common type. A partial or subtotal, also known as a supracervical hysterectomy removes the upper part of the uterus and leaves the cervix in place. A radical hysterectomy remove the uterus, cervix, upper vagina and supporting tissues. This type of surgery may be performed for some cases of cancer. Often one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed at the time of the hysterectomy. If both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed it is known as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Is Hysterectomy the Best Treatment Option?

There are some conditions for which hysterectomy is clearly the best option. These conditions include invasive cancers of the female reproductive system; severe infections that are unresponsive to treatment; severe hemmorhaging; or rupture of the uterus.

There are other reasons for which your health care provider may recommend hysterectomy where alternative treatments may be available to try first. These conditions include; endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy and precancerous cells.

What should YOU do?

If hysterectomy has been recommended for you, keep in mind that every woman is different and every situation is different, so it is very important that you are fully informed about your condition and all treatment options.

Discuss each of your considerations and alternatives with your health care provider.

• Ask questions until you understand exactly what he or she is telling you.
  
  
• Consider getting a second opinion.
  
  
• Be sure you are satisfied that the treatment you choose is the best option for you at this time.

If You Choose Hysterectomy

If you choose hysterectomy as the best option for you:

1. Know which organs will be removed and the type of hysterectomy surgery that will be performed.
   
   
2. Ask about possible complications.
   
   
3. Plan ahead to allow for adequate recovery from the surgery. Hysterectomy recovery generally takes from four to eight weeks where pain, fatigue, and abstinence from lifting, strenuous activity, and sexual intercourse are normal.
   
   
4. Determine a plan for self-care after surgery. We recommend including ProCycle^® Gold vitamins for women.
   
   
5. Ask if and how the hysterectomy will affect your quality of life, health, longevity, and sexuality. Studies show women who experience surgical menopause may have a greater risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, and may be more likely to become depressed. They may also experience low libido or other sexual dysfunction.
   
   
6. Before your surgery, develop a plan for testing your hormone levels after surgery and learn about natural hormone therapy options that may help you maintain your health and quality of life

As with any surgery, be sure you understand the benefits, risk, and long-term consequences of having or not having a hysterectomy. And, please call us at 800.558.7046 if you still have unanswered questions.

In Good Health,