A Gynecologist's Second Opinion: The Questions & Answers You Need to Take Charge of Your Health (Second Edition, Revised) [Paperback]

William H. Parker (Author), Rachel L. Parker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2002

Written in Q&A Format, A Gynecologist's Second Opinion answers all the questions that patients actually have but that most doctors often don't have the time or the patience to answer. It addresses women's concerns while providing the facts needed to get appropriate care. The book was written with the idea that a woman should be a partner with her doctor in her health care, and the more information and understanding she had, the better off she would be.

Presented with the stories of women who have actually had these experiences, this authoritative guide provides detailed information on fibroids, ovarian cysts, hysterectomy and the many alternatives to hysterectomy, common bladder problems, contraceptive options, endometriosis, pelvic pain, ovarian cancer screening tests, abnormal pap smears and cervical cancer, menstrual bleeding problems, pre-operative and post-operative instructions and concerns and more. There are diagrams to make the anatomy and possible surgical procedures clear and understandable.

Numerous treatment options and alternatives for each gynecological problem are described, as well an overview of the type of diagnostic tests required to make a definitive diagnosis. With completely up-to-date information on the latest surgical procedures, drugs, and tests, this must-have reference will find its place on every woman's bookshelf.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The second edition of this book is now available with entirely updated information about fibroids, embolization, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, new techniques for endometrial ablation, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and many other alternatives to hysterectomy. A new chapter about contraception and another about common bladder problems have been added to the updated information about other common problems such as abnormal pap smears, endometriosis and pelvic pain. When you order this book, be sure to ask for the new, SECOND edition. We think you will find it an invaluable resource.

About the Author

Dr. William H. Parker is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and is an elected Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has managed the unusual by having a successful private practice and a very impressive academic medical career. Dr. Parker is a Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and is in private practice in Santa Monica, California.

Dr. Parker is the former Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and former Chair of its Laser-Laparoscopy Committee. Dr. Parker was recently elected President of the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists, an international association of over 4,000 gynecologists from 53 countries, after serving on its Board of Trustees for many years.

Dr. Parker is an Editor of The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and also a Reviewer for the journals Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists, New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Gynecologic Techniques.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Plume; 2nd revised edition (December 31, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452283620
• ISBN-13: 978-0452283626
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #407,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly-written, balanced, accurate and current information., October 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Gynecologist's Second Opinion: The Questions and Answers You Need to Take Charge of Your Health (First Edition) (Paperback)

I was advised to have a hysterectomy and an oophorectomy even though I had no symptoms. I did a lot of research in medical and popular literature and found this book to be the best for the layperson. Regarding hysterectomies, the authors rationaly discuss the historical overuse and unnecessary reliance on the procedure without haranguing the reader or angrily attacking opposing views--a defect in a number of other books on the subject and which only serves to distract the reader from considering important facts. When necessary, the authors give their unequivocal medical opinion. When I sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic, the doctors there gave me the same advice I found in this book: don't have the surgery under my circumstances. I strongly recommend that any woman facing the same surgery decision I had to make to, as the book's subtitle says, take charge of your health, get a second opinion and read this book before you decide. The book also has a great deal of information about other women's health topics and it is now a permanent addition to my reference bookshelf.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ Book, July 15, 2001

By 

S. Macnicoll (USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Gynecologist's Second Opinion: The Questions and Answers You Need to Take Charge of Your Health (First Edition) (Paperback)

A week ago I had a hysterectomy, with removal of the ovaries and "plumbing" repairs, all related to pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. I had ordered this book months ago, in preparation for the planned surgery. So, now that I have planned for and actually had the surgery, I am in a position to give an opinion on this book. YOU MUST READ IT! It is full of all of the questions, and more, that you would want to ask, and it is written in a very understandable way. Now that I have actually experienced the surgery, I have gone back to read the sections specifically on surgery and my problems, and the book is right on target! Everything from the description of what it is like to go into the operating room, to anesthesia, nursing care, etc., is clearly and directly stated right here for you. The book has additional chapters on other topics which weren't relevant to my current medical situation, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I am holding on to this book for future use, as it is so comprehensive. I would unconditionally recommend it!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written, compassionate, easily understandable, September 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Gynecologist's Second Opinion: The Questions and Answers You Need to Take Charge of Your Health (First Edition) (Paperback)

While researching information on a personal health crisis I was facing, I happened to find Dr. William Parker's website, and ordered a copy of "A Gynecologist's Second Opinion". What a gift to the world of women's health! The book covers most reproductive health issues, such as fibroids, cysts, pap smears, cancer, surgical and non-surgical options. It is written in a question and answer format, so it was easy to find the information I needed. The information is clearly written and easy to understand, and contains numerous pen-and-ink drawings to further clarify the explanations. There is a sense of compassion toward woman's health that I hadn't found in many other books. I recommend this book to anyone who is confused about information they receive from their health care provider, to ob/gyns as a reference for their patients, and to any woman interested in her reproductive health.