The specific purpose of the study was to determine if women are aware that there are alternatives to hysterectomy for treating menorrhagia. Interviews with women were conducted between September 27 and October 8, 2000. Nearly one-third of women with heavy menstrual bleeding have not discussed treatment options with their physicians.
Doctors recommend hysterectomy to one in four women.
When recommending hysterectomy, three out of four doctors surveyed would encourage a patient to research alternative treatments. Endometrial ablation, dilation and curettage, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and thermal balloon ablation are the most commonly discussed alternatives to hysterectomy by physicians.