The Hysterectomy Hoax

by Stanley West and Paula Dranov

Book Overview

More than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States. Fewer than 10 percent of them, says Dr. Stanley West, are necessary. The hardcover publication ofThe Hysterectomy... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385468199
• ISBN13: 9780385468190
• Release Date: December 1993
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 3.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Don't be turned off by the title

Yes, the title sounds inflammatory, but the book is really a very well balanced analysis of when a hysterectomy will and won't be necessary, what the procedure involves, and the possible side effects of it. Hundreds of thousands of women have a hysterectomy every year and many, perhaps even most, are happy with the results. I have come across many women who sung the praises of their hysts because it gave them relief from their painful and in some instance incapacitating symptoms. And if you want a hysterectomy, by all means, go for it; there will be no shortage of docs lining up to give you one. But if you're over 40 and you don't want one, you are definitely fighting the biggest of uphill battles to find alternatives because for most docs hysterectomy is the default solution to treat just about any gyn issue in older women. And even if you think a hyst sounds good because you just want some relief, if you can get the same relief without removing a part of your body, why wouldn't you want to try a less extreme solution first?? Without a doubt, if you believe that keeping your body intact unless you have no other choice is the best thing to do, then you need to read this book to counter the misinformation that the vast majority of gynecologists will feed you. Sadly, in my search for a solution, I've learned that most will tell a woman over 40 that a hysterectomy is the only solution for her condition, when that simply is not the case. Even worse, I've come across SO MANY women who accepted that b.s. and had hysts that they probably didn't need! This makes me so sad. You cannot make an informed decision based on inaccurate information! I was told by a number of docs, including a very highly regarded surgeon in my city, that a hysterectomy was the only solution to my fibroids. Luckily, someone recommended this book to me and it gave me the knowledge I needed to run far away and find a surgeon with the skill to help me preserve my uterus. If you have any doubts at all about having a hysterectomy, or even if you don't, PLEASE read this book and get accurate information about what is and what isn't possible. You won't be sorry you did.

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!!!!

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.

Excellent

The explanations are clear, extremely helpful to anyone facing the possibility of this kind of surgery. A good reference and recommended reading for all women.

Excellent

This book clearly explains a womans' body and health problems that may occur. It clearly explains the alternatives to hysterectomy and if nothing else, provides a thorough education to the reader. This book should be more readily available to the public. I even called the publisher and could not locate a copy. I finally remembered my local public library where I was able to borrow a copy. Worthwhile reading for any woman (or someone important to her) facing a surgical decision.