Due to the frequency with which hysterectomy is performed for excessive menstrual bleeding, SWHR examined physicians' and womens' awareness of hysterectomy as well as alternative treatments. Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery performed on women, and may be recommended for benign uterine conditions, such as excessive menstrual bleeding or fibroids. Twenty percent of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed annually in the United States are to treat excessive menstrual bleeding. The procedure is also used to treat cancer and pelvic support problems.
Results show that doctors recommend hysterectomies to one in four women.
More than one-third of women who had a hysterectomy did not discuss potential alternatives with their doctor. Open dialogue can help women make informed choices when it comes to excessive menstrual bleeding or any condition. One in five women is affected by excessive menstrual bleeding, a medical condition known as menorrhagia. Women with this condition experience unmanageable bleeding and a constant need to change sanitary products. Some women may menstruate heavily for more than seven days per menstrual cycle or use more than 10 pads or tampons per day during their menstrual cycle.