The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy

In this new, updated version of the groundbreaking book, gynecologist and leading women’s health expert Dr. Lauren Streicher—who in a direct, clear, and often humorous way—reveals the following: What your doctor isn’t telling you; robotic hysterectomy and why it is becoming so popular; new nonsurgical ways to control heavy bleeding; the latest on hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones; how to decrease your risk of uterine or ovarian cancer without removing your uterus or ovaries; new methods for treating fibroids; and a comprehensive guide to websites and resources.

By Lauren F. Streicher, M.D.

Preface Part I. Hysterectomy Past and Present Chapter 1: The History and Politics of Hysterectomy Chapter 2: Anatomy 101 Chapter 3: Who Gets a Hysterectomy? Who Absolutely Needs One? Part II. Uterine Disorders and Alternatives to Hysterectomy Chapter 4: Fibroids—What, Where, and How Chapter 5: Nonsurgical Treatment of Fibroids Chapter 6: Removing Fibroids Chapter 7: Uterine Prolapse Chapter 8: Pain and Abnormal Bleeding Chapter 9: Precancerous Conditions and Cancer Part III. Surgery and Recovery Chapter 10: Abdominal Hysterectomy Chapter 11: Vaginal Hysterectomy and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence Chapter 12: Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy Chapter 13: Choosing a Surgeon Chapter 14: Anesthetic Issues Chapter 15: Preparing for Surgery Chapter 16: The Day of Surgery Chapter 17: Recovering From Surgery Chapter 18: Complications and How to Reduce Your Risk Part IV. Decisions Regarding Surgery Chapter 19: The Cervix Decision Chapter 20: The Ovary Decision Chapter 21: Women at Genetic Risk for Gynecologic Cancers Chapter 22: Time for That Tummy Tuck? Plastic and Associated Procedures Part V. Life after Hysterectomy Chapter 23: Exercise and other Acitivites Chapter 24: A Word (or Two) about Hormones Chapter 25: Alternatives to Estrogen Therapy Chapter 26: Sex after Hysterectomy Chapter 27: Pregnancy after Hysterectomy Chapter 28: What I Have Learned from My Patients (and Their Husbands) Chapter 29: Resources Index About the Author