In light of new research, will women be informed that preserving their ovaries may preserve their health?

Hysterectomies are the second most common surgeries among

American women, after cesarean section deliveries. More than half

a million women, one in three, will undergo a hysterectomy before the

age of 60. In addition to removing the uterus, half of those women are

also advised to have an oophorectomy in which one or both ovaries are removed.

Thought to provide significant protection against breast and ovarian

cancer, the practice of oophorectomy may get a second look in light

of groundbreaking new research.

In a study published in this month’s Obstetrics

& Gynecology, researchers found that women who had their ovaries

removed were at a much higher risk of death, heart disease and lung

cancer than the women whose ovaries were preserved. The risk was even

higher for women under the age of 50 at the time of their hysterectomy

and oophorectomy.

Because the ovaries continue to produce androgens which can be converted

to estrogen in the body, experts believe that estrogen may play a key

protective role against heart disease and this study adds to the evidence

to support that suggestion.

The authors were quick to point out

that a woman with a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancers

should still take precautions and have her ovaries removed, but this

research suggests that women without a genetic predisposition for those

cancers will probably fare better keeping their ovaries.

In light of this research, will gynecologists

change their practices? Will women be informed that preserving

their ovaries may preserve their health?

Sex. Abortion. Parenthood. Power. The latest news, delivered straight to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE

Looking at the bigger picture, according

to the National

Women’s Health Network ,

up to 90% of hysterectomies are medically unnecessary and yet, women

are still having them. Why undergo major surgery with potential life-changing

side effects like depression and loss of sex drive if it’s not needed?

Are women being informed about the non-surgical alternatives to hysterectomies?

Are women being told the whole story?

Looking at the even bigger picture,

evidence is emerging that environmental contaminants and chemicals in

our everyday products may be contributing to a whole slew of female

reproductive disorders, including fibroids , the number one reason for a hysterectomy.

Protecting women against exposures to these chemicals could potentially

reduce their risk of developing reproductive disorders, including cancer,

and thus reduce the need for most elective hysterectomies.

A growing body of medical professionals

have taken the concerns about environmental health and reproductive

health very seriously. In September of last year, an editorial

was published in American Family Physician alerting doctors to

the risks of exposures to these chemicals and the need to educate patients.

Similarly, the Association

of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP)

has become a clearinghouse of environmental and reproductive health

information for physicians, including continuing medical education credits.

Progress is being made, but it is too soon to say when the mainstream

medical community will pick up these important connections and begin

offering clinical advice for patients.