What every woman wants to know about hysterectomy

[starborn03]

I saw this video after I was diagnosed with cancer, but before surgery. It totally freaked me out! Since I had no choice about surgery I felt trapped and desperate. Perhaps all of what's said here is true, but the nature of presentation was traumatic. It took several weeks to process the fear, giving my cancer time to develop from Stage 1A to 1B, which now also requires chemo or radiation.

I believe in education, but please, education with compassion. I think this video is radical.

[MsParadiseWaters]

I agree with everyone else. This video is bias. You Suck! Take this crappy video down!

[mournlight]

Although this video may be completely factual, it sure has an opinionated slant to it with an obvious stress of certain words. That makes it hard to listen to, for me. It doesn't come across as even remotely fair. The fact that it has such obvious bias makes me really suspicious of it.

[speedytx1]

Ladies, If you are able to keep your uterus and ovaries, I AM ALL FOR IT! I am happy for you, but for this HACK to call us who have had it done STEREL AND SEXLESS, I call BS!

[speedytx1]

You need to go to medical school and learn about what you are talking about.

SHAME ON YOU FOR LYING TO THESE WOMEN!

The body learns to compensate, I have both clitreral and G-spot orgasims, and TOGETHER! Since I had my Hysterectomy.

When did you have yours?

That's right, you probabally never had one and claim to know all.

SHAME ON YOU, LIAR!!!!

[langsense]

Well thanks very much for scaring the hell out of me. I have to have an hysterectomy at the end of August. I was looking for information and though your video is informative it's also one-sided and damned scary for those who have to go through the procedure.

I wish I hadn't watched this video, all you've done is escalate my concerns.

[grossguys]

@langsense

Try looking into alternative therapies or treatments that your doc won't necessarily tell you about. But if you have to do it and your life is in jeapardy then you have to do it. Nothing you can do about it so at least rest your mind at ease with the knowledge that it is something beyond your control.

GL

[langsense]

@grossguys

It was a necessary operation but I don't really need your permission or acceptance. I re-state my original concern about this video. It is good to have all the information before any medical precedure but this video does not help at all. It just states all possible problems with hysterectomies.... which as I said is very scary when you have to have the operation. That's all this video really achieves, scaring people. Rather like those folks who rant against abortion.

[whitewitch82]

well I had my operation and have normal sex and healed well the best way to educate women is not to frighten them but maybe ask women who have it BEFORE just stating medical facts. women need based on expernce facts not all the medical mombo jumbo.

[88adryanna]

and the uterus is not a muscle, it is an organ.

[HERSFoundation]

@88adryanna

Since you say you are a medical student, you are familiar with Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Read the definition of the "uterus": The hollow muscular organ..."

[88adryanna]

@HERSFoundation i didn`t say that everything will be the same after the surgery. any operation is risky. but u guyz exaggerated the medical facts. there are women who actually need surgery. they need to know both sides of the story, not just the negative one. and be able to make decisions on their own, based on actual facts, not exaggerated ones. and a muscular ORGAN is not the same thing as a MUSCLE.

i`m sry, maybe i was a little too harsh earlier, but i don`t agree with organizations such as

[HERSFoundation]

@88adryanna The medical dictionaries define the uterus literally, not figuratively, as a muscular organ because it is composed primarily of muscle. Indeed it is a powerful muscle. There are a few books that may help you understand female anatomy:

1. Female Sexual Response by Masters and Johnson

2. The Kinsey Report

3. The Hite Report, by Shere Hite

If you have not yet studied Gross Anatomy in medical school, you will learn what the uterus is and what it's functions are.

[88adryanna]

@HERSFoundation your own exaggerating facts in order to control people`s minds. my own mum needs surgery and she got freaked out because of what she saw here. stress is not good for a person in any situation. especially not before or after surgery. maybe u guys are just really religious and also don`t agree with abortion. i think everybody has a right to his/her own opinion. but don`t mess up medical facts to impose ur own opinion on others.

[HERSFoundation]

@88adryanna You said you are a medical student. Read the abundant medical literature about these issues and you will find that every word in the video is fact. Perhaps your mother's surgery would be life saving, but you did not convey what your mother's medical problem is. But the reason for hysterectomy and/or castration being recommended is not the issue here.

[HERSFoundation]

@HERSFoundation @88adryanna answer continued:

Regardless of the reason the surgery is recommended, every woman has a right to know the consequences of hysterectomy before being told to sign a hysterectomy consent form.

Surely you would not deny your mother, or any other woman, the right to know.

[HERSFoundation]

@HERSFoundation @88adryanna answer continued:

Regardless of the reason the surgery is recommended, every woman has a right to know the consequences of hysterectomy before being told to sign a hysterectomy consent form.

Surely you would not deny your mother, or any other woman, the right to know.

[HERSFoundation]

@88adryanna answer continued:

Regardless of the reason the surgery is recommended, every woman has a right to know the consequences of hysterectomy before being told to sign a hysterectomy consent form.

Surely you would not deny your mother, or any other woman, the right to know.

[88adryanna]

i`m a med`school student... and i never heard so much crap in my life... if u cut the ligaments of the uterus.. the bones start moving?! wtf is wrong with u ppl? the bones keep the uterus in place, not the other way around. don`t listen to this video

[HERSFoundation]

@88adryanna Perhaps you will be more astute about female anatomy further along in your medical education. It is concerning that someone who knows so little about basic female anatomy feels they have the authority as a student to pontificate about something as important as the consequences of hysterectomy. You have the makings of the kind of dangerous doctor who would arrogantly tell women "they will be the same" or "better than ever" and that "sex will the same as it was with a uterus".

[whitewitch82]

yeah and those of you who are men really how much do you know about this? I have both my oevries THANK YOU VERY MUCH and Im doing fine stop scairing the shit outa people and let them decided for themselfs instead of saying crap

[mosaicmimi]

This video is a crock of shit....IT IS NOT BASED ON FACTS.....GONADS COME ON...

[HERSFoundation]

@mosaicmimi

If you look up castration in a medical dictionary you will see that female castration is removal of the female gonads, the ovaries, and male castration is removal of the male gonads, the testicles. There are free medical dictionaries online.

[mosaicmimi]

Not all hysterectomies involve the removal of ovaries called Oophorectomy.

[HERSFoundation]

@mosaicmimi The ovaries are removed in 73% of women undergoing hysterectomies. The ovaries are the female gonads. Removal of the ovaries is castration.

[HERSFoundation]

@mosaicmimi

Look up castration in a medical dictionary and you will see that the ovaries are the female gonads, and removal of the ovaries is castration. It is shocking that doctors do not tell women that they are going to castrate them. Where is the outrage?

[wiccanme82]

so what their saying is NOT to have the opperation Bleed for the rest of you years and suffer. I DONT THINK SO!

[grossguys]

@wiccanme82 I'm sure he'll make enough money off of you and your future illnesses related to this barbaric surgery to make it all worth his while.

GL

Maybe you wont be one of the unlucky 40% + who loses ovarian function within a few years.

[whitewitch82]

@grossguys How much do you know about women and this proceedure? really your a man have you had a hystarectomy? I doubt it? All you medical people or so called wanabe drs should refure people who want this operation to other women who have had it not just reading what COULD happen from some crack pot medical book, Secound if women are dump enought not to do their own research then thats their stupidity!

[grossguys]

I'm a man? It's apparent you put your foot in your mouth too often and really are clueless as to what is going on around you but yet pretend to know everything. I think you are in denial. Let's see how you turn out years down the road when your ovaries start to fail as a high proportion of women endure this even when ovaries are kept intact cause the blood supply to them is damaged. You just had an operation and think you have authority to comment? Try waiting 5-10 years. Joke

[grossguys]

@wiccanme82 I'm sure he'll make enough money off of you and your future illnesses related to this barbaric surgery to make it all worth his while.

GL

Maybe you wont be one of the unlucky 40% + who loses ovarian function within a few years.

[HERSFoundation]

@wiccanme82 @wiccanme82 Do you know the cause of the bleeding you're experiencing? HERS would be glad to help you determine if you've had an appropriate evaluation (diagnostic studies), and to then look at the options in treatment, and the doctors who are most skilled at treating your particular problem. You can contact HERS at 610.667.7757, and visit the website.

[reiffhaus]

Your intent is to make women think before leaping but this video is very misleading and intended to create fear. I hope is does not keep even one women from seeking appropriate care for cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer, or other conditions that warrant treat treatment including a hysterectomy to safe or restore quality of life. Ladies, be good to yourself and talk to a medical doctor specializing in gynecology about your health and your body - not a website or youtube video.

[HERSFoundation]

@reiffhaus This video provides the information about female anatomy, the functions of the female organs, and the consequences of their removal. It does not suggest that women avoid seeking diagnosis or treatment of a medical problem. This is the information that is requisite to Hysterectomy Informed Consent.

[launcher3]

Without the content in this video, one can never do a valid risk/benefit profile of hysterectomy in comparison to the benign symptoms being treated and it gives the impression that hysterectomy results in a benign sterilization. Hopefully, women will really take in this vital information and demand that it is every woman's right to know.

[Baylan72]

and says I really only need to have the ONE ovary removed. Oh and for all the pro-happy Hysterectomy people out there. My mom had one done 30 years ago for heavy bleeding and has had nothing but problems in the last 20 years. The sad thing is she never knew it was linked to the Hysterectomy because she was never told anything and she just finally told me today about all the problems she has had. It takes time for your bladder to fall out, heart problems, etc etc..

[Baylan72]

My doctor was also pushing a full Hysterectomy on me. I had an ultrasound, MRI and the CA125 blood test done. And while they are good tests to see what is going on the truth is they can't tell if the cyst has cancer until they have me on the table.

[wunderbarmom]

My mom died of uterine cancer, my sister is fighting uterine cancer that spread to her ribs. My other sister had hers removed from huge fibroids. I had my surgery to have mine removed almost a year ago, I feel better. I have my ovaries, my hormone migraines have STOPPED...my quality of life increased....

[HERSFoundation]

@wunderbarmom It's good that you feel you decision to undergo a hysterectomy was right for you. HERS is advocating that all women be given the information in HERS Female Anatomy video at least 48 hours prior to being told to sign a hysterectomy consent form so that they are fully informed.

[MultiNelson69]

I had a prolapsed uterus and most doctors wanted to perform a hysterectomy. I believe as the video that the uterus does have a function in sexual pleasure. I was ready to go to Europe in order to preserve my uterus. It was not necessary. Two years ago I had surgery and my uterus was repositioned. I continue to have orgasms in which my uterus and entire pelvic floor contract. I am 52. I was not willing to take a chance. Doctors just do what they are trained to do, which is remove the uterus.

[Osborne4Life]

My mom is gonna have surgery to get her uterus removed soon. I am really worried for her, and I don't want anything to go wrong.

[GranTorinoFan]

Gosh, that sucks. Only took 3 minutes to freak me out. If I were getting one, I'd just get the ovaries removed or have your cervix closed. ( I don't know if any of that is possible though. I'm a guy, I wouldn't know.) But if so, sounds a keck of a lot better than having back problems and other crap like that.

[dee606]

I have an Abd. Hys. 11 wks ago. While this video was helpful in some areas and I agree that the surgery is overused. I've been having issues for several years and tried different treatments but got worse with my fibroids-Abd pain, uncontrollable peeing and throwing up daily. So I was very happy to get the surgery done plus the removal of 5lbs of fibroids. I feel like the quality of my life is much better. But I learned some more from this video for my recovery. Thank you.

[HERSFoundation]

@dee606 @dee606 Hi Dee, I hope you have had an uneventful recuperation from your surgery. You can see what other women report about their experiences with hysterectomy by going to the HERS Foundation's website, and click on "Adverse Effects Data".

[psychicdreams]

thank you very much for this informative video you saved my life.christine nortrup knows nothing.

[mesheme84]

I learned ALOT from this video! But I must say it is Very upsetting to watch! Its just so many negative points! I know that any kind of surgery has its risk and side effects, but it just seems like you are destined to get really screwed up if you have this done! What are scarey thought!

[AlexIkenaga]

Maybe..you need learn more about the women's sexuality, because you don't know nothing about this..

[NiveditaVidula]

My mom had NONE of these issues. No nerve pain, no decrease in sexual pleasures, no bone settling, her ribs are still in the right place, etc. In fact, of the three women in my family who have had a hysterectomy, NONE of them would report these symptoms. Also, at the end of the video, you've basically listed the symptoms of depression, which of course would occur for a woman plunged into menopause or who tied her sense of self to her ability to reproduce. Duh.

[HERSFoundation]

Your response is very angry. I think there is a caveat that should be added to your comments about what the three hysterectomized women in your family experience, and that is "As far as you know...". It doesn't make women feel particularly good to tell family, friends, and in particular their partners that they have no sexual feeling. Most women's sense of self is not tied to reproduction, loss of sexual feeling, back pain, joint pain, and the increased risk of heart disease are fact.

[NiveditaVidula]

And you've got no idea how open my family relationship is. I was not angry with this video. I just wanted to make sure that your viewers get more than this over-exaggeration of symptoms they'd obviously have anyway, and some that don't occur as often as you report.

[ijjklj]

Just for ur info...I need a hysterectomy and trough research and talking to other women who have had it done...not one has had one negative thing to say about the procedure, NOT ONE!

[HERSFoundation]

@ijjklj The consequences of hysterectomy have been well documented in medical literature for over a century. It's time women are given the facts about their female organs and what happens when they are removed. Who would deny women the right to know?

[HERSFoundation]

@NiveditaVidula The problems women commonly experience like loss of sexual feeling, shortened vagina, osteoporosis, loss of orgasm are not visible. There are many problems women experience that they do not relate to the surgery, like heart attack. The women in your family may not have experienced sexual loss. If they never experienced orgasm they will not have lost it. And many women are so ashamed and embarrassed that they would never let anyone know they've lost sexual feeling.

[CHRISSYRAN]

Such a negative over view of the proceedure. OK so it may be factual but some women (like me - post menopausal) do have reasons for it. Better than having ovarian or uterine cancer, that's for sure.

And as for sex, alot of it is in the head...I can't wait to try my new vagina out!

[HERSFoundation]

You can "try out" your new, shortened vagina, but you can't try out uterine orgasm, sadly, it's no longer possible. Some of sex is in your head, but it's also in your sex organs. The uterus is a sex organ. And the ovaries are the female gonads, removal of the ovaries is castration. It is the medically correct word, which you will find in any medical dictionary. I'm sorry it's already been done to you.

[NiveditaVidula]

Duh, it's castration. Nobody would deny that. You're just using this inflammatory word to scare women out of having a procedure that could actually improve their quality of life if they have a medical reason and elect to have the procedure. Obviously sneaky doctors doing it without approval is wrong, but a hysterectomy is NOT the worst thing that can happen to a woman, as you seem to think it is.

[wiccanme82]

@HERSFoundation THATS BS, My dr said as long as I done remove my overies I will have the same sex as before. You are generlizing.

[grossguys]

@wiccanme82 Better take his word for it then. Afterall, I'm supposing he backed up his position with statistics and studies, right? You don't just trust anyone's word for it? Doctors also have prescribed medications in the past that were lethal, caused birth defects, and gave advice based on outdated and later deemed false "science".. but I guess cause they are an M.D., that means they know everything and you should not do your own research and should reserve the right to be his guinea pig.

[HERSFoundation]

@wiccanme82 The uterus is a sex organ. Uterine contractions that occur with orgasm will not occur without a uterus. Educate your doctor. Let him or her know that they should look at the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists website, and read their Hysterectomy Patient Education Pamphlet. It says that women who experience uterine contractions with orgasm will not experience them after a hysterectomy. Educate him/her!

[orangie84]

you have just helped me a great deal..

you have no idea how much this info is needed and means to me..

thank you is just not enough for me to say..

[coldstorageman123]

They may be "the facts", but for women who's quality of life (or life expectancy) is virtually NIL without this operation, then there is no real choice.

If you are a woman who has tried EVERYTHING else, but you are bleeding so much you need blood transfusions, or you have cancer then this video is upsetting.

Can I suggest the facts could at least be presented in a more academic way, without the verbal posturing and monotonous drawn out deliberation? It's almost like an anti-smoking ad!

[HERSFoundation]

The issue is one of informed consent. The video provides the information requisite to consent. Doctors do not provide this information to women, but this video fills that information gap.

If, as you said in your comment, you have severe bleeding then a complete evaluation will usually provide you with a diagnosis and treatment options. The most common reasons for heavy menstrual flooding is fibroids. A hysterectomy is never needed for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.

[charlieglebby]

Im young, but i think i may have a prolapsed uterus which sounds crazy.

i have a heavy feeling and i see pale pink flesh in my opening, with a little hole in it.

please tell me what this could be?

[HERSFoundation]

What you're describing sounds like either a uterine or a bladder prolapse. A gynecologist will be able to tell you whether it's your uterus or your bladder. Before you're examined tell the doctor not to use instruments, you can demonstrate the prolapse by bearing down. There is conservative management for both of these conditions. Once you determine if it's your uterus or bladder you can contact HERS at 610.667.7757 and discuss conservative treatment options. HERS will also send you information.

[valzoom]

It could well be vaginal prolapse, not necessarily anything to immediately worry about. Many people experience this, it is quite common, although usually a result of trauma to the vagina, e.g. childbirth. I should get it checked, this is what I have. I had the exact same symptoms, I have mild pelvic floor prolapse, I have decided against surgery. I had a repair last year but it was unsuccessful and now they say they'd perform a hysterectomy as well if I wanted another repair. No thanks!!

[HERSFoundation]

Is the bleeding spotting or is it a significant amount of blood? Is it blood bright red or dark?

[SweetDementedAlice]

Hi,

I've been having very weird problems. During masterbation, i experience bleeding. Whether its past my menstration or before it. I've been worried that something may be wrong. Can you help me?

[HERSFoundation]

To quinrhan,

Since hysterectomy and castration are "Best thing that ever happened to..." you, why are you searching for information about hysterectomy instead of leading your life, enjoying your good health? With regard to orgasm, you can't experience uterine orgasm without a uterus.

You apparently have some misconceptions that are important to correct so that other women are not misled. Your ovaries could not have been shredded by cysts that ruptured, they could only be shredded a surgeon.

[quinrhan]

While writing about orgasms, I thought the info you provided said you could not experience orgasm once the uterous was removed. As to shredded ovaries, two different doctors told me these were 'shredded' by cysts that had been exploding for over 20 years. I agreed after researching anatomy. I originally responded to this to give a balanced view of hysterectomys since I have talked with over 30women who have had surgery; no one has had problems since.

I was not intending to defame you.

[HERSFoundation]

Yes, that's right qinrhan, a woman cannot experience uterine orgasm without her uterus.

[HERSFoundation]

Due to the limitation on the size of the posts my reply will be in more than one post.

If you are curious about what the condition of your ovaries was when they were removed you could obtain your Pathology Report. You can obtain it from the Medical Records Department of the hospital where the surgery was performed, and you can also get it from the office of the doctor who performed the surgery. If you would like some help interpreting it a HERS counselor can review it with you by telephone.

[HERSFoundation]

You can arrange a telephone counseling appointment by contacting HERS at 610.667.7757. You can fax your Pathology Report to HERS at 610.667.8096.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Your perception and experience do not need to mirror that of anyone else. That you've talked with 30 women who say they have had not problems since the surgery only reflects what they told you, but it does not reflect the fact that every woman who undergoes a hysterectomy has structural and anatomic changes.

[HERSFoundation]

. Even if these women don't consider it a problem to have a shortened vagina, a loss of uterine orgasm (if they experienced uterine orgasm before the surgery -- of course they didn't lose it if they never experienced it before the surgery), a three times greater risk of heart disease if only their uterus was removed, and a 7 times greater risk of heart disease if their ovaries were also removed.

[HERSFoundation]

HERS doesn't in any consider that you were attempting to defame the foundation, there was no offense taken. This is an open forum, your comments are welcome. Part of the process of an open forum is an honest exchange of information and opinions.

[quinrhan]

I knew since I was 11 that I had severe problems with my uterus, but all the doctors told me it was in my head. Finally, at the age of 29, I found a decent OB/GYN who diagnosed several severe problems such as endometriosis and fibroids. My ovaries had been shredded throughout the years by bursting cysts so I could not have had children. I had a radical hysterectomy. Best thing that ever happened to me! No more pain, and no, you do not need a uterus to have an orgasm.

[HERSFoundation]

To Jromeo68,

I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. Your ability to still reach a climax is a mystery since uterine contractions that occur with orgasm cannot occur without a uterus.

Were the abnormal cells you had in your cervix or in your uterus? Were they either dysplasia or hyperplasia?

[InZeeValley]

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and will soon have to have a full hysterectomy. I've been researching and reading as much as I can about the effects and all of it makes me scared and sad. This video is the worst of all. I am only 35-years-old and I can only think now that I will be nothing but moody, will not feel like having sex, be in constant pain and not be able to control my bladdr and bowels. I'm kind of feeling like I'll keep everything and just let the cancer have me.

[ggblueam]

5 years ago the Md saved my uterus and only removed enlarged fibroids. But after that I never had a menstrual bleeding--just the ovarian cycle.

1 year later those cycles became very painful each month. 5 months ago, I was in pain every weeks. 3 months ago I was an extreme pain daily & was diagnosed with enlarged fibroids again AND endometriosis. 7 weeks ago I had a hysterectomy, everything was taken and also my appendix!! I feel better than I did when I suffered & my bowles work better.

[HERSFoundation]

I'm glad you feel better than when you were suffering with problems caused by the fibroids. Did the doctor tell you that if all the fibroids were removed that you don't develop new fibroids in your 40's? Were you offered a second myomectomy?

[ggblueam]

No my obg/gyn did not tell me that. I knew that 5 years only the large fibroids were removed, and that the smaller ones could enlarge in 5 - 6 years. None of the MDs recommended a 2nd myomectomy even though I asked, due to cysts on ovaries, internal bleeding & blockage in Rt fallopian tube, endometriosis & finally...my age-47. My experience has been that after 40 yo, you have to beg MDs & the insurance company to keep your reproductive organs.

[ggblueam]

(Con't) I may experience some of these stated problems in the future, but it's incomparable to 'living' daily with extreme pain, popping pills every 6 hours, & bedtime (but no rest!) every evening & weekend. I'm coping thru prayer & study of The Bible. It helps me to grieve less & thank God more. I also take a medium dose of estrogen. Consider: not all women experience the same physical effects. Cancer=certain suffering & death. Surgery may help or reduce suffering.

I encourage you

[jromeo68]

I am 39 had a complete hysterectomy Feb 14 due to abnormal cells..My partner and I have resumed sexual activity, and all is well, sexual desire has not changed and able to climax. Honestly had pain for about 2 weeks, and really thats it..good luck!

[impavidus87]

wow that was close i was planning to have one cos of heavy bleeding and anemia, i had a mirina slow release hormone inserted instead which cuts back on the bleeding. Two of my sisters had and my mum had hysterectomys they seem ok but arnt very sexual beings i must ask them and see if its affected them sexually, For me, id rather not risk it. thanks so much for saving my uterus from the bin.

[mersenne5]

This is a response to doctorely. My ex-doctor was pushing for a hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy for "reasons" his locum was shocked to hear. My new doctor is considered the best in my city, and what he said to me about hysterectomy is consistent with what HERS Foundation says. "Hysterectomy was a solution in the forties and fifties, but now there are many better treatments." I wonder, are there doctors who profit from hysterectomy who don't want women to know the facts?

[amyma55]

(cont. from above) She was in so much pain she couldn't work for more than a year, kept trying all kinds of pain medications which really didn't touch or fully take care of the pain. Some would work for a while, then they would stop or diminish in efficacy. She went from doctor to doctor, from support group to support group. etc. pure HELL.

[amyma55]

(cont. from above) At first she thought it was still some blood, but it turned out that she ended up with a hole between her bowel and vagina! She had to go back and have surgery for that. Also, and even worse, as a result of her surgery, she started to experience extreme pain in her feet. They couldn't figure it out, but is seems some nerve was affected. (cont.)

[amyma55]

Admittedly there are risks to all surgery... and what happened to my friend doesn't necessarily happen that often, but it does and I think it is important to know what these risks entail.. My friend was seeping smelly brown fluid out of her vagina after her hysterectomy and couldn't figure out why. (continued...)

[doctorely]

This is utter nonsense and absolutely unture

[HERSFoundation]

Please be specific about anything in the video that you believe is not true.

Thank you.

Nora W. Coffey, President

HERS Foundation

[mersenne5]

Another true, cautionary tale: while under the "care" of my ex-doctor, another woman went under general anaesthetic for the laparoscopic removal of one ovarian cyst. She awoke in excruciating pain, her body split open and sewn up. She'd had a total hysterectomy that plunged her into a rough menopause and changed her personality. There's a lesson here about trusting the wrong doctor, I suggest.

[mersenne5]

To all those who find this video shocking and extreme: Does shocking mean not true? My ex-doctor was pushing a TOTAL hysterectomy on me for months, albeit slyly, so I did about 100 hours of research. I agree with HERS Foundation's research and opinions. Thank God my ex-doctor went away twice, and his locum set me straight and put me on the path to proper treatment for...a removable, benign uterine polyp.

[FindingKC]

Thank you HERS Foundation for educating women about the side effects and consequences that doctors do not tell women about this barbaric surgery.

[HERSFoundation]

last response to Cathkitch, Because the male sex organs are visible you men could not have their sex organs removed and say they are unchanged sexually, that they can still have an erection and reach orgasm. Women are not super human. You can fake it and make your partner believe you are experiencing uterine orgasm, but you cannot experience uterine orgasm without a uterus.

[HERSFoundation]

continued, Your misinformation and encouragement to women to be damaged as you were is dangerous. No one can undo what was done to you, but do not hide the truth from the next generation. The female organs and their functions are made visible in this video so that women and men have an accurate understanding of how damaging it is to remove the female organs.

[HERSFoundation]

continued, I am sorry that you have a need to hide and deny what you are experiencing, although I do understand why you do not want anyone to know the ways in which your body has been surgically altered. This video exposes all that you need others not to know about you, and I cannot replace your defenses by exposing your secrets and silence.

[HERSFoundation]

continued, The Adverse Effects Data reported by women who have undergone the surgery can be read on the web site

w . w . w . h e r s f o u n d a t i o n . o r g. Click on the navigation button "Adverse Effects Data" at the top of the page.

[HERSFoundation]

continued, Why would you encourage women to go ahead with a life-altering surgery instead of being fully informed? It is unthinkable to encourage women to "go ahead and have your operation without fears."

[HERSFoundation]

continued, Don't you want women to know the common, well-documented consequences of hysterectomy and castration so that they can make a fully informed decision about what they will and what they will not allow to be done to their bodies?

[HERSFoundation]

continued, Perhaps this is one of the sad "misery loves company" posts. Instead of wanting women to have their female organs removed you should encourage them to watch this video to become fully informed.

[HERSFoundation]

continue, You have a 3 times greater risk of a heart attack if only your uterus was removed. If your ovaries were removed your risk of a heart attack is 7 times greater than intact women.

[HERSFoundation]

continued, You said that you have suffered no adverse consequences. Yet your vagina is shortened, you cannot experience uterine orgasm, your bowel has drifted down to take up the space where your uterus had been and now rests abnormally up against your bladder. When there is stool in the bowel it bulges into the top of the vagina.

[HERSFoundation]

continued to Catchkitch, this post will have to be in several comments due to the limitation on size of the posts.

Every fact in the video is well documented in medical literature. Only 2% of hysterectomies are life saving. 98% are unwarranted, there are conservative treatment options. But women do not realize why it is important to choose a conservative treatment option unless they know the consequences of hysterectomy and castration.

[HERSFoundation]

Cathkitch, all comments are posted. This video was reviewed by a University of Pittsburgh Medical School Gross Anatomy professor, a Harvard Medical School gynecologist, a Jefferson Medical School gynecologist, and a lawyer. They concur that the facts in the video are accurate.

[CathKitch]

You don't allow posts which disagree with you! Two of my posts have failed to appear.

[CathKitch]

I notice the comment I posted has not appeared here. The fact that it disagreed with almost all other comments wouldn't have anything to do with it. Would it?

[CathKitch]

This video is rubbish. I am now 60 years old and had a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy at the young age of 32. I have suffered ABSOLUTELY NONE of the adverse consequences shown in this video! I have had no bladder or bowel problems, continue to experience orgasm, did not undergo a change in personality, become fatigued - nor suffer any of disadvantages stated in this video. Ladies! If your uterus needs to come out, for goodness sake go ahead and have your operation without fears.

[HERSFoundation]

Empower yourself with information by attending the HERS Hysterectomy Conference on November 2-3, 2007. View the agenda and register online at: w w w . h e r s f o u n d a t i o n . o r g and click on 'Conference' in the navigation bar at the top of the page.

[HERSFoundation]

I'm sorry this was not made available to you when you might have had other options. It's painful to learn after the surgery is over that the adverse effects are permanent, and that the surgery cannot be undone. I wish you the best. If you would like to discuss these issues with a counselor please call HERS at 610.667.7757.

[Detti1972]

wow, I just had a hysterectomy 5 days ago and I'm not sure if I would have gone though with it if I were shown this video!

[mistync991]

this video makes me angry as an endometriosis sufferer who lives in pain and sometimes cant hardly get out of bed from it and have not responded to medications its like im supposed to feel guilty because i want a hyst. why would i want to leave something in my body that has already caused me to have 5 other diseases and be in constant pain ....yes having a hyst. is a huge decision and should not be taken lightly or used as a quick fix but its not like im just giving up screw your petition

[HERSFoundation]

Misty,

It must be very upsetting to discover the information about the adverse effects of hysterectomy your doctor did not give you before your female organs were removed.

The petition you referred to in your response is to support legislation to compel doctors to provide this 12-minute educational video to every woman before she is told to sign a Hysterectomy Consent form.

[Naturebound]

Also, as a result of my hysterectomy/castration I suffer from many diseases/problems that I never had before...fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, yeast infections, migraines, adhesions/scarring to name a few. Endometrisois alone was a breeze compared to this.

[rikntracy1]

Misty,

I suffered with endo and ended up having a hysterectomy - it was the best thing I could have done after trying everything else. I also know a lot of people who had the surgery for various problems and not one of them regretted it. I understood exactly what the possible health risks were and decided that my quality of life is the most important thing. Maybe I will not live as long but I'd rather live to be 70 and feel well than 80 and be in pain. I feel GREAT!

[Naturebound]

a hysterectomy and/or bilateral oopherectomy (removal of ovaries) is not a cure for endometriosis. There are many of us still suffering pelvic pain and endo afterwards. Endometriosis is not limited to or caused by the reproductive organs, so why would removing them make it go away?

[hallrry]

wow! my doctor ordered a TAH for me. It will be scheduled soon at UCLA. What are my options is I have very large fibroids.

[chowlong]

thanks, very scary for someone who has just undergone a Total abdominal hysterectomy...but this has given me more info to discuss with my surgeon.

[unico]

...some women have to have a hysterectomy.

[HERSFoundation]

@unico

If "some women have to have a hysterectomy" it would mean they could not say no, it would be required. This is about women being given information about the consequences of the surgery so that they can make an informed decision about consent. With full information about the functions of the female organs, and what happens to a woman when the uterus and/or ovaries removed, the surgery is unconsented, because they were denied the needed information.

[Naturebound]

Thanks for posting this! I did sign the petition. I had an LAVH/BSO for endometriosis almost 2 years ago and my life has been hell since. Fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, low back pain, pubic bone pain, hormone problems despite hrt, continued pelvic pain and scar tissue/adhesions...are just a few of the problems I face now. Our reproductive organs are more than baby making machines and NOT EXPENDABLE! Only if I had terminal cancer would I do this again!

[Moonchimes]

Hi NatureBound! It's Moonchime--from that other website. I agree with you totally. My life has been forever changed--and not for the better. I wish more women knew the consequences of hysterectomy's before we are told by our doctors that we MUST have one. ~Moonchime

[FindingKC]

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "A hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in the United States. (The most common is cesarean section delivery.) Each year, more than 600,000 are done. One in three women in the United States has had a hysterectomy by age 60." Could it even be possible one-third of the women in the U.S. need their female organs removed? 1 out of 3?

[hersfdn]

Go to w w w . h e r s f o u n d a t i o n . o r g and SIGN THE PETITION to make sure that every woman is provided with this video prior to signing a consent form for the removal of her female organs.