“I don’t want kids so having a uterus is pointless” is the worst talking point I’ve ever seen and truly shows me how much we have failed women in the medical realm.
Did you know though that the uterus has important functions besides having babies? Those functions include hormonal, anatomical, skeletal and sexual.
The uterus works with the ovaries and tubes to produce health promoting hormones- which are estrogen and progesterone. This is why hysterectomy can cause impaired ovarian function or complete ovarian failure. Also, these hormones don’t just help the reproductive system but estrogen has been shown to regulate immune response and increases the brains serotonin. The uterus is the most powerful organ in the body. During sex it is responsible for the intensity you feel in an orgasm.
Ovary removal (castration) or impaired ovarian function has been shown to increase risk for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, hip fracture, impaired memory and cognition, dementia, parkinsonism, mood disorders, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, adverse ocular and skin changes, sleep disorders, more severe hot flushes, sexual dysfunction.
The uterus has anatomical functions. It separates the bladder and bowel and keeps them anchored in their proper places. Hysterectomy displaces these organs causing dysfunction especially down the road.
Hysterectomy also destroys skeletal integrity since the uterus' ligaments are the support structures for the pelvis. Again, the RS is more than just “having babies” it interacts with the rest of your body and organs.
I know this is a “solution” for things like endometriosis but a hysterectomy with or without ovary removal is not a cure for endometriosis (endo) since endo implants / lesions exist throughout the pelvis. Many women still experience chronic pain even after this procedure.
Hysterectomy is one of the top overused surgeries (90+% are unnecessary) and women are not provided with the many negative effects from gynecologists. Women deserve to be informed and have informed consent. Educate yourself so you can be your own advocate and an advocate for others.
