I have decided to educate myself on women’s issues and go head to head with doctors and such that routinely prescribe and do hysterectomies for benign conditions. I am directly affected by this because a doctor told me (without doing ANY tests) that she was going to have to give me a hysterectomy. My response was, “I don’t think so. I’m not your guinea pig.” and I was not happy about “student doctors” observing it either. Years ago that was the ONLY option available for women my age–the logic being that according to quacks who did this is, “Well at 50 you don’t need those organs anymore.” This is a flat-out lie from the medical profession.
The truth is, once a hysterectomy is performed a woman’s risk for heart disease jumps to 70%. Some women experience severe personality changes, including loss of maternal instinct and libido. Forced menopause also causes issues and makes a woman more vulnerable because she can be more prone to fractures, prolapsed organs, increased incontinence (both urinary and bowel), etc…
These are risks I am not willing to take–especially since 15 doctors were arrested last month for routinely doing these to collect insurance money. The first doctor I went to is no exception. The nurses in the ER are no better. The thyroid and pituitary gland should ALWAYS be checked to see if there is some sort of imbalance. A cyst can usually be taken care of with meds and minimal surgical procedures.
The archaic thinking that many of these doctors have needs to be strongly addressed. There are more options and more ways to deal with issues unique to the female anatomy. Men, you should encourage your wives and significant others to seek alternatives because a hysterectomy can lead to a myriad of problems women are simply not informed about prior to the operation. I educated myself. I got informed. I expect the same level of care and treatment that a 25-35 year old would get–and the same options. Anything else discriminates based on age.
IN fact, it should be required that hysterectomy should only be used as a last resort in ALL cases. where no cancer is involved.
For now that is all I have to say, but I will keep everyone posted on what I learn on my journey.
The Haunted Pen 