I wanted to share an experience I had last week that was both EmpowHering and concerning to me. I was invited to speak at a local health event called Your Heart Matters: Women's Heart and Wellness Conference. I was honored to be asked to be a guest speaker at this amazing event that was geared towards women and our health.
During my speech, I asked how many women in the audience had had a hysterectomy, and I was astounded when at least three-quarters of the room raised their hands. It really surprised me that so many women had undergone this surgery, just as I had about six years ago.
As we got to talking about this situation, it became very clear very quickly that many of the women who have had hysterectomies are still struggling and are not feeling well. This is just not okay to me. It bothers me so much to know that women are suffering as the result of undergoing a medical procedure that was supposed to help them.
The experience with these amazing women got me to thinking--I wonder how often women get hysterectomies that might not have been medically necessary and how many women are still having issues?
I'd love to hear your hysterectomy stories. Please share your story here on the website. How old were you when you had the surgery? Did you feel you needed one? How are you doing today? I look forward to reading your stories and I hope that we can all support each other and EmpowHer one another too.
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Michelle, I was shocked as well by the number of women in the audience who raised their hands when asked about hysterectomies.
According to an article published by Cornell's Medical College, hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. (after Cesarian delivery).
Maybe so many hysterectomies are performed because women are not aware of other options. The article -- which can be found by clicking on this link explains the many reasons why hysterectomies are performed as well as alternative treatments and procedures.
While the piece looks like it is over seven years old now, I bet medicine has become even more sophisticated and more options are available to women. Also, be sure to check out the What You Can Do box for tips on how to advocate for yourself.
November 17, 2008 - 10:15amThis Comment