100 Questions & Answers About Hysterectomy

Six hundred and thirty-three thousand women undergo hysterectomy each year in the United States . Whether you or a loved one is considering or undergoing hysterectomy for medical or personal reasons, The options and information about hysterectomy can be overwhelming. This invaluable resource offers the guidance and advice you need. Written by an award-winning medical writer and by a prominent obstetrician and gynecologist, 100 Questions & Answers About Hysterectomy gives you authoritative, practical answers to your pre- and post- surgery questions, sources of support, and much more.

Preface: Patient Commentary

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Part 1. Basic Facts About Hysterectomy

1

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Questions 1-15

Why is a hysterectomy performed?

How effective are less-invasive alternatives?

What are the different ways in which a hysterectomy is performed?

Part 2. Psychological and Emotional Impact of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Pain: Is Hysterectomy Always the Right Solution?

31

(24)

Questions 16-23

I have persistent bleeding and fatigue. Are my problems age-related? Will a hysterectomy solve my problem?

I have heard that a hysterectomy can cause long-term depression. Is this true?

Can my gynecologist treat depression?

Part 3. Understanding How Healthy Reproductive Organs Function

55

(12)

Questions 24-28

What are the organs that make up the female reproductive system? Why is the uterus so important?

How do estrogen and progesterone differ?

What causes perimenopause and menopause?

Part 4. Reproductive Organ Disorders: Fibroids

67

(36)

Questions 29-50

What are uterine fibroids?

Why are fibroids called tumors? Can they become cancerous?

Why do women develop fibroids?

Part 5. Reproductive Disorders: Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

103

(22)

Questions 51-64

What is endometriosis?

What causes endometriosis?

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Part 6. Additional Pain Syndromes

125

(6)

Questions 65-66

I have experienced excruciating abdominal pain. My doctor has diagnosed adenomyosis. Will I have to undergo a hysterectomy?

What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Part 7. Reproductive Disorders: Uterine Prolapse

131

(4)

Questions 67-70

What is uterine prolapse and what causes it?

At what age is uterine prolapse usually diagnosed?

Will I have problems with other pelvic organs "relaxing" after a hysterectomy?

Part 8. Reproductive Disorders: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

135

(8)

Questions 71-75

What is pelvic inflammatory disease? Is this condition dangerous?

What are some of the complications of PID and how do doctors test for it?

What kinds of medications are used to treat PID?

Part 9. Reproductive Disorders: Pre-Cancerous and Cancerous Conditions of Reproductive Structures

143

(14)

Questions 76-84

Would a pre-cancerous condition be a reason for a hysterectomy?

What about pre-cancerous conditions in the cervix?

What are the major forms of cancer that can result in a hysterectomy?

Part 10. Getting a Diagnosis and a Second Opinion

157

(10)

Questions 85-93

Who are the appropriate health care providers for gynecologic conditions?

My insurance company says I need a second opinion. Will my gynecologist feel insulted?

How do I get a second opinion?

Part 11. When Hysterectomy is Planned: Understanding the Procedure and Your Hospital Stay

167

(8)

Questions 94-97

Are hysterectomies performed as outpatient procedures or in the hospital? Either way, should I expect to sign a consent form?

How many procedures does the term "hysterectomy" refer to?

Why aren't all hysterectomies performed as vaginal procedures?

Part 12. Life After a Hysterectomy

175

(8)

Questions 98-100

Should I still be on birth control pills or some other method of birth control?

Should I expect to be incontinent after a hysterectomy?

What can I expect during my recovery and beyond? Will I gain weight?

Glossary

183

(8)

Appendix

191

(8)

Index

199

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100 Questions & Answers About Hysterectomy

Summary

Table of Contents

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