If you are considering a hysterectomy read this first

I read as much as possible before my hysterectomy. I trusted my female OBGYN. I read horror stories and thought that those women were so far out in left field that nothing remotely possibly that bad could happen to me. I am now living a nightmare that I can’t escape from. If you think that bad things won’t happen from your hysterectomy think again. Look at the percentages, it very well could be you. How much longer till we stop this madness? One third of all women will eventually have a hyst? How do we stop this?

Dear dh-
I am sorry you are experiencing this nightmare. Thank you for posting on this website and giving other women a patients perspective after hysterectomy. Many women are not given the negative statistics relating to that irreversible surgery. This is why we so strongly advocate organ preservation as a first consideration.

If You keep growing them what else can you do but remove uterus I had myomectomy, three months later a grew another one. Now Im expierencing the same pain as before I’m42, I dont want to have this embolization done if i keep growing them what is the point the only other is removal of uterus and cervix. I Dont know what to do.

Dear Anonymous-
You are the typical patient that received a “traditional myomectomy.” Most likely, your tumors did not return, they were not removed during your first surgery. Myomectomies, most often, do not remove the tumors that are deep in the uterus. Our FAS procedure can safely and effectively remove these deep tumors without the need of blood transfusions, and with a less than 3% recurrence rate. The longer you wait to address the tumors, correctly, the greater the problems you will experience. Please give us a call.

Dear Dr. del Junco:

I have read through your messages to patients with adenomyosis. I am an RN with a diagnosis of adenomyosis, and I am dead set against a hysterectomy. I live in Florida, and would love to be treated by you, but the logistics for my family (two girls ages 10 & 13, and one husband who travels in his job) make it very difficult. Are there any endometriosis specialty ob/gyn physicians in the state of Florida who share your philosophies and treatment options? Please let me know – I feel that I am reaching the end of my rope as so many days of my month (at least two weeks) are spent in pain, and bloating – but I will not have a hysterectomy. Help! and Thank You.

Dear DYarnish-
Our Institute in California is the only place in the United States currently offering this type of procedure. I do not know of anyone in your area specializing in laser treatment. You will need to do a lot of research and networking with other women in order to find a phyisican that will consider nontraditional surgical approaches. Good Luck.

Dear Doctor,

My wife is facing the problem and our doctor gave us three choices. Remove the whole thing(Uterus/Cervix), remove only the fibroid, remove the uterus/fibroid leave the cervix. We really have no idea what to do. Do we need to consult another doctor? I am lucky I found your website. My wife read no English. So I have to do the research for her. We live in Vancouver, Canada.

Thank you

Dear Peter-
You were not very specific about your wife’s problems however if everything is benign there is no reason to remove her organs. This practice is based on organ preservation. Anytime you are considering surgery, you should seek out a second opinion. If at all possible, I would recommend removing the fibroid only and saving the uterus. Good Luck

Dear Dr. Deljunco,

Today I had a ca125 test done as you suggested for an ovarian cyst. The count was high but the doctor said this could also be due to fibroids. Additionally, he did do a blood test to check my blood for cancer and there was no cancer in the blood. This is the second OB/GYN doctor I have been to. Both doctors have stated I do have a cyst and one stated I have fibroids as my periods for the past two have been jelly clots and for the past three months have been abnormal occuring 50 days apart.
The second doctor seemed a little more concerned as he listened to my problem. However,he wanted to schedule a hysterectomy in case one of the fibroids was cancerous or capable of developing cancer and stated he would have one of his cancer doctors that removes other organs that might be cancerous in the operating room.
I am so confused. Why can’t they remove the cyst, fibroids, or whatever is in there? Is it they do not want to spend too much time on me? Are they loosing money? I have been in the military for 18 years and am proud to say our doctors do not work for the money only. However, since I also have a PPO Health Plan Coverage and have chosen one of the so-called best OB/GYN’s in Tampa, I now feel I have been raped of my right to keep my organs and feel it is a major money making effort to say the least.
I do know I have gained 20 lbs over 2 years and the fibroids, cyst or something is there. But I am not yet ready to be made a guiny pig of. What is the cost of an average hysterectomy verses removing the cyst, ovaries, or fibroids? I would be curious if this is to save women from cervical cancer or save incomes.
Thanks for your time if you had the time to read this. I am originally from KY and do not believe in any kind of surgery. Please respond and I would really like to know if you know any doctors in any areas of fla. that do take time to treat rather than remove a woman’s uterus.

Dear Hester-
There is no reason why you cannot have your cysts and tumors removed while preserving your organs-If your condition is not malignant. Many CA125 come back false positive and elevation levels can be associated with other benign tumors in the pelvis-this is why we offer our FAS procedure. All tissue is sent to pathology -if malignancy is suspected we have the specimen evaluated immediately during surgery. The malignancy rate for fibroids is less than 1%, and many of my patients have ovarian cysts along with fibroid tumor disease. Rarely have I seen any malignancy!!!

The cost of a hysterectomy varies across the country, but it is significantly easier to remove a uterus than to remove cysts/tumors and reconstruct organs. Many surgeons are not trained to do this type of intricate work, nor wish to take the time. I am not familiar with anyone in the Florida area doing reconstructive pelvic surgery. Our Institute is the only location in the U.S currently performing laser FAS. Do not let them unnecessarily remove your organs. Good Luck

Dr. Del Junco Jr.,

I am 39yrs. old and diagnosed with Endometriosis and cystic fibroids. I had a laparoscopy in 1993 and a biopsy for cancerous cells earlier this year for the fibroids. The
biopsy was negative. However, I experience
consistant pain for at least 2wks. of each month
before and during my menstrual cycle. spotting,
lower back pain, severe menstrual cramping and
frequent painful intercourse. I recently went to
a new gynecologist, who immediately recommended
a hysterectomy. I’m afraid and truly would like
not to have it done if it is not necessary.
Please help me with some advice. I also have
frequent urination and sensations all the time.
It feels as if my bladder is pressing on my ovaries.

Dear DMoyer-
I do not advise hysterectomy as a first line of attack!! You need to have your endometriosis treated, and your fibroids removed-both the these procedures can be effectively performed with the use of a laser.
Our FAS can help you-you may also have a form of endometriosis of the uterus-adenomyosis-please see website section. Good Luck
Dr. DJ

Dear Dr. del juno jr.my doctor has recommended that I have a hysterectomy because I have cysts, fibroids and a polyp I also have heavy bleeding and clots. and I also have a bad odor could that be cancer the reason why I have a bad smell. What kind of test can I have to determine this and am I better off if I have the hysterectomy.Eliz

Dear Eliz-
We do not advocate hysterectomies unless there is a malignancy involved. Your heavy bleeding and clots are most likely due to your fibroid tumors. If you are having a strange odor from your vagina you need to see your gynecologist to rule out infection. Cancer does not present in that manner.

Dear Dr. J,
I am 45 years old and have been on Premphase for about 2 years to regulate my periods and control abnormal bleeding. I have had pain in my right side for about 5 years and was recently diagnosed with fibroid tumors with ultrasound. My doctor has said that I will probably need a hysterectomy. I do not want one unless there is no alternative. I am considering stopping the premphase because the package insert says it can make them worse. Does premphase cause fibroids? What are the alternatives to premphase to treat my condition?

Dear fbj-
Your physician is using chemical/hormone manipulation to treat your symptoms of “abnormal bleeding”. This is not helping your diagnosis of fibroid tumors.
The etiology of fibroids is unknown. However, many things can effect the growth of the tumors, and estrogen is one of them. I would recommend that you stop the medication routine, and have your tumors treated directly. Eventually, most women need to have them removed.

Dear Dr. Del Junco
I’m 25 years old. Had my hysterectomy four years aog. At first I was feeling good about my choice. But after all thease years I really regret what I did. Granted I was tired of going thur what I was going thur. I had severe endo and they were concered that it would lead into cancer. I was like a ginny pig for years. They tried different meds on me and different procedures. Until the day came and they said that there was nothing else they could do for me. So here I was few days shy of my 21st birthday and say the word hysterectomy. I knew that I wasn’t going to have anymore children I was blessed with the one that I have. Well I went and ahead and had the surgery. Well fours later I totally regret making that decesion. As my sex life has just gone down hill there is no urge there. The pain is still there during sex and even after. I go thru cramping like I did before just not all the time. But I went into my dr several times for thease reasons. She tells me that I don’t need to have a pap smear anymore because everything was removed. Which I find that totally not right. And she makes it sound like there is no problem. Now I’m in the process of finding a new md. But in the long run do you think that there might be something else wrong with me. I was also told that when they did my surgery that there could be a chance that there were some endo cells left. Could that be a possiablity. Please respond.

Dear Ceslyle-
You have a very sad story…we hate to hear of young women being forced to lose their uterus.
If your doctor did not remove your ovaries, and I hope he did not, any pain associated with endometriosis could still be very real. Endometrial cells respond to estrogen changes monthly…if you have endometrial implants in your pelvis they will bleed and produce pain everytime you have a shift in your hormones. A hysterectomy does not solve this problem..removing the uterus will prevent future new implants, but the existing ones already implanted in the pelvis will remain uneffected. In order to remove your symptoms, you will need to have your total pelvis examined and any implants laser treated.
Good luck and thank you for sharing your story.

Im 26 years old and am no longer having children. About a year and a half ago I started to have extreme pain in my pelvic area so I went to my doctor and he put me on vicaden but it wasnt helping so he did a laposcoptic surgary and said I have adenomyosis and my only option was a hysterectamy. I wanted a second opinion so I went to UCDavis and saw a OB/GYN there she only did a pelvic exam and talked about my history and decided that was my best option. So after that I had a blessing from my bishop and my pain went away for about 6 months when it came back the pain wasnt as bad but I now had a new problem. Every time I had my period I would start to hemerage and have to go to the hospital and get a shot. I started to get worried about long term effects and at the time I set the date to have a hysterectamy, But the day before I backed out. My question to you then is, Do you think there is a better option out there for me? As good as it sounds to not have periods Im worried about long term effects of the hystarectamy. Thank you for your time.

Dear Claudette-
Absolutely there is a better option for you..its FAS.
You are only 26 years old..removing your uterus at this early age will increase your chances of early heart disease, early osteoporosis, hormone imbalance, early menopause..besides possible sexual dysfunction. We have many women call our practice, after hysterectomy, with permanent sexual changes that are irreversible. That would be devastating, at any age, but especially at a young age of 26!!!
Any time a patient has the option to save her organs..we recommend this.
Our FAS procedure can remove the major part of your adenomyosis and laser treat the rest of the uterine muscle..this takes away the pain and any heavy bleeding. We have many patients who are extremely happy post FAS. I know we can help you.

I’m 52 years old. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids;I do not have any of the syntoms that associates with fibroids. My doctor recomeds I should have an hystorectomy due to my age. He said it will be the removal of the uterus and possibly the ovaries if they are affected. Said he has no way of knowing if the ovaries are affected until he goes in. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Luisa-
If you are without symptoms there is absolutely no reason to have a hysterectomy or remove your ovaries….unless you have cancer. At the very most you should have your fibroids removed and your uterus reconstructed.
If you have reached menopause…we would advise against any hormone replacement therapy, as this will cause your fibroids to grow and eventually become symptommatic.
We would recommend a visit to another doctor for a second opinion
Good luck

I have fibroids as of last year, sized 9.5cm and 6cm. They may have grown larger in the year since diagnosed. My doctor is wanting to remove ovaries and cervix and uterus. I am 51 years old and practice 2 hours of yoga six times a week. I am very strong and healthy otherwise. I do have low back pain that may be due to this. I have a very healthy and pleasurable sex life that is very important to me.
Will this affect my yoga practice long term? And I must be honest and wonder why there are no other doctors practicing this method. Are there any downsides to this? I read only good news on this website.
Also, is an epidural safer for the spine itself than general anesthesia would be.
Thanks so much

Dear Laurie-
If your only symptom is low back pain we would definitely not recommend a total hysterectomy.
Many women experience irreversible sexual changes from that surgery.
Your tumors may shrink some as your go through menopause, when the estrogen levels reduce. However a 9.5cm tumor may not shrink much and therefore your back problems may not completely go away. We usually recommend that patients do not leave fibroids unattended…especially if there is a consideration of hormone replacement therapy. Our type of surgery can remove the fibroids with the use of laser and reconstruct your uterus and this would not effect your sex life or your ability to perform yoga once you have recovered. We recommend epidural anesthesia because it is safer for the patient and recovery is much quicker.
We are the only practice performing this type of surgery…partially due to the specific technique involved but more, due to a conservative philosophy recognizing the importance of saving female organs as a viable part of the entire woman and not just considering the organ for child bearing. Removing the uterus can produce significant complications in up to 75% of women post op(please see website section)….these problems are usually not addressed or agreed to by traditional gynecologists.
The only downside to our procedure is we are only located in Los Angeles California and do not have locations elsewhere, you must stay 2 weeks total for the procedure and we can currently only accept private insurance or cash…HMO’s, Medicare and Medcaid programs do not cover our procedure.We have many prior patients that will speak directly to interested women.
Please give my office a call if we can help you further.