The Hysterectomy Hoax: The Truth About Why Many Hysterectomies Are Unnecessary and How to Avoid Them, 3rd Edition [Paperback]

Stanley West MD (Author), Paula Dranov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

While more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States, 90 percent of them are unwarranted. This vital health guide offers women the information they need to empower themselves in making critical health decisions. For example, surgery can often do more harm than good and may pose needless risks, except in situations involving a life-threatening illness such as cancer. Surgeons, however, often rely on hysterectomies as a panacea for everything from premenstrual syndrome to uterine fibroids. An important way to bridge the communication gap between patient and physician is to ask the specific questions in this book. Included is information about various gynecological conditions—such as endometriosis, uterine prolapse, ovarian cysts, and precancerous conditions—and suggestions for alternative treatments.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Offers a powerful critique of the standard medical practices of performing hysterectomies as a panacea." -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Stanley West, MD, is the chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York. He lives in Bedford, New York. Paula Dranov is the coauthor of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: Beating the Odds and the author of Estrogen: Is It Right for You?

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Next Decade, Inc.; 3rd edition (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970090811
• ISBN-13: 978-0970090812
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a physician who is on a woman's side, September 13, 2004

By 

Skyy Sutton "skyy777" (Fairfax VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hysterectomy Hoax: The Truth About Why Many Hysterectomies Are Unnecessary and How to Avoid Them, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Woman Should Read This Book!!!!, December 3, 2007

By 

MoonBaby "MoonBaby" (California) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Hysterectomy Hoax: The Truth About Why Many Hysterectomies Are Unnecessary and How to Avoid Them, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

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!!!!

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than I expected, March 2, 2006

By 

K. Herrera (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hysterectomy Hoax: The Truth About Why Many Hysterectomies Are Unnecessary and How to Avoid Them, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

I thought that I knew what the downsides of hysterectomy could be since so many of my friends have had to submit to one and I've done some reading here and there. But I learned a great deal more from this book. The title sounds a little alarmist, but the actual writeup is very thoughtful and well-supported information.