Hysterectomy rates

This article explores the history of gynecology and how the hysterectomy came to be the most common surgery performed on women in Canada today. Identifies why this approach is problematic for women's health. 

In this article film-maker Laura Alper talks with interviewer Sue Kaiser about the challenges and changes she experiences while making her first women's health film. Laura Alper co-directed the film "Is it hot in here?" a film about women's experience of menopause.

Reviews the book The UNhysterectomy: Solving Your Painful, Heavy Bleeding Without Major Surgery by Holly Bridges. Bridges argues for a rethinking of gynecologists’ aggressive approaches to treating women’s gynaecological problems, in particular heavy menstrual bleeding. Using her personal story as well as other case studies, Bridges shows that heavy menstrual bleeding can be successfully treated through minimally invasive surgery. Compared to hysterectomy, the recovery time is much quicker and there are many fewer short and long-term side effects.

Summarizes evidence-based recommendations for best practices in the management of the discretionary indications for hysterectomy .

Argues that women are having hysteretomies too frequently as a first line of treatment for benign uterine conditions.

Provides evidence-based recommendations for best practices in the management of the discretionary indications for hysterectomy and addresses issues surrounding the variation in hysterectomy rates across Ontario.