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.

As a recognized leader in women's health, Dr. Lauren F. Streicher appears frequently on national television discussing all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. Her appearances on The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, and Good Morning America have earned her legions of fans and loyal followers impressed by her winning personality and unique ability to address the complicated health issues facing women today. In addition to being a practicing physician and surgeon, Dr. Streicher is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's medical school, the Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago.

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