Today I received a Google alert for an article related to the search term "endometriosis".
The article is called "Female Trouble".
To be honest, I've never been a big fan of the phrase "female trouble". After all, when men have prostate problems or testicular cancer, no one goes around labeling it "male trouble", right??
So this Google alert got my attention with the title of the Newsweek article alone.
While I wasn't so crazy about the title, I was pleasantly surprised by this article:
"Female Trouble"
Here is the comment I posted on the Newsweek site in response to this 2/26 article about hysterectomies:
Newsweek is to be congratulated (!) for educating the public that hysterectomy decisions are serious and permanent!
This article wisely takes note of the fact that too many hysterectomies are performed in the U.S.
I have met women who have had hysterectomies in the hope that it would help them feel better (with their endometriosis symptoms), only to proceed to have further, serious problems AFTER a hysterectomy! Their doctors led them to think they’d get relief that did not happen. The grief this caused them emotionally on top of the persisting physical problems is significant! Once your uterus is gone, it’s gone. There’s no going back.
Deciding to have a hysterectomy is a very serious decision to make.
Patients, don't be afraid to seek out a 2nd or 3rd opinion if a doctor suggests you get a hyst.
My local support group members have found this organization (see below) helpful for researching alternatives to hysterectomy. This site is a resource for any woman considering having a hysterectomy (not just endometriosis patients).
HYSTERECTOMY ALTERNATIVES AND AFTEREFFECTS
HERS FOUNDATION: Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services
I have had doctors talk about hysterectomy as an option for me over the years, due to my endometriosis and other GYN conditions. (I am 40 years old and my endometriosis started at age 13). I have elected not to have a hysterectomy for a variety of reasons. (There is no cure for endometriosis, by the way).
Many people believe hysterectomies cure endometriosis. That is a MYTH.
I would urge women thinking of having a hysterectomy to research your options and seek out multiple opinions BEFORE jumping into a hysterectomy.
As this article concluded:
Hysterectomy IS a serious and permanent decision.
Thank you, Newsweek, for letting people know MORE about hysterectomies than they might have before they read this article!
Jeanne
Blog address: Jeanne's Endo Blog
* March is ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH!!! *
This article was posted by Jeanne via "Jeanne's Endo Blog" at www.endendoat.blogspot.com.
