Section 13
Reproductive

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

SYMPTOMS—Lack of appetite, nausea, fever, chills, generalized aching, fast heartbeat, and occasionally vaginal bleeding. There is acute aching of both sides of the abdomen. Bowel movements may intensify the pain.

CAUSES—Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female pelvic organs, and occurs most often among sexually active women between the ages of 15 and 25.

Although abortions can result in sterility, pelvic inflammatory disease causes them even more frequently. A single attack of this disease produces sterility about 15% of the time.

It is believed that this disorder owes its origin to unsanitary conditions, especially during intercourse.

The use of intrauterine devices is another cause. The disorder was over four times higher in IUD users. They may not have been sterile or may have been inserted by hands that had not been carefully washed.

Douching is yet a third cause of this problem. It appears that they may not have been done carefully enough, and bacteria was flushed up into the uterus. In one study, 90% of the infected women regularly douched, and frequently had done so since the ages of 16 or 17.

TREATMENT—

• Go on a fruit and vegetable juice fast for a time.

• When solid food is started, eat nourishing food, free of sugar and oil. Avoid junk food. Do not use tobacco, caffeine, or alcohol.

• For pain relief, apply heat to the lower back or abdomen. Sitz baths are also helpful.

• A hot half bath is useful in fighting the infection.

• Every 4 hours, take a hot footbath while ice bags are on the lower abdomen for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes rest in bed. This will speed the healing process.

ENCOURAGEMENT—A great name among men is as letters traced in sand, but a spotless character will endure to all eternity. God stands ready to help all willing to surrender their lives, so He can help them live a clean life.

METRITIS, CHRONIC (Inflammation of Uterus) (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

BASIC APPLICATIONS—Graduated cold applications; hot vaginal irrigation, 10-15 minutes, twice daily; Hot Blanket Pack to legs with cold pelvic pack (Wet Sheet Pack over pelvic area), continued to sweating stage, followed by cold friction or Wet Sheet Rub.

PAIN—Prolonged Neutral Sitz Bath at 95⁰-97⁰ F., for 15-20 minutes.

LEUKORRHEA—In addition to the above measures, antiseptic vaginal irrigation. In certain cases, cool irrigation, at 75⁰-65⁰ F., produces better results than hot irrigation. Constipation and portal congestion must be relieved. Cervical catarrh and erosions often require the use of the curette (a spoon-shaped scraping instrument for removing foreign matter from a cavity).

ACUTE INFLAMMATION—If attacks of inflammation occur, rest in bed. Hot Hip or Leg Pack. Hot and cold pelvic compress or hot and cold pelvic pack.

UTERINE BLEEDING (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

BASIC APPLICATIONS—Hot vaginal irrigation; short Hot Hip Pack; Hot Footbath, followed by Cold Compress over stomach and inner surfaces of thighs. In obstinate cases, cold vaginal irrigation. Moderately prolonged, very cold, Shallow Sitz Bath at 50⁰-65⁰ F. for 5-15 minutes, accompanied by Hot Footbath when other measures fail; hot Douche to lower spine area over stomach and inner surfaces of thighs, twice daily during intervals.

CAUTIONS—Avoid prolonged Hot Sitz Bath, Hot Douche, Hot Leg Bath, Hot Footbath, or Hot Sitz Bath, and in some cases even Fomentations and hot vaginal irrigation. It is equally necessary to avoid short cold applications to the lower spine, abdomen, thighs, and feet, as the reflex effects of such applications increase pelvic and uterine congestion.

GENERAL METHOD—It is always highly important to inquire closely for all possible causes of the profuse flow. The cause may be simple anemia from defective nutrition, constipation, sexual excess, enteroptosis, uterine displacement, ovarian or tubal disease, uterine inflammation, or congestion. The most common cause is vegetation of the endometrium, which must be removed by surgical measures. The operation must be followed by treatment for chronic metritis. In many instances, several of these conditions may be combined. Good results generally follow water treatments.

NOTE—The following two paragraphs were typed as part of the "how to stop bleeding" section, but they have been placed here instead because they are lengthy, cover the subject of uterine bleeding well, and are not effectively duplicated in this present section of Kellogg formulas.

For hemorrhage from the uterus, apply short, very hot fomentations (or the hot douche) to the thighs and spine while an ice bag is placed over the lower abdomen and a hot vaginal douche is given. Another very useful procedure for uterine hemorrhage is this: a very short hot douche to the lower back, the inner surfaces of the thighs, and the soles of the feet. Prolonged cold applications to the same surfaces produce like effects. These applications may be made either with or without a simultaneous use of the hot uterine or vaginal douche, according to the severity of the case.

Caution: Cold applications must not be used in cases of menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation, either in amount of loss or number of days), except with the utmost care and discretion, on account of the danger of producing hematoma or hematosalpinx, through the sudden checking of the outflow of blood. Therefore, use only less strong measures during the first 24 or 36 hours of the period. Reserve the cold applications to a later time. During the first day: The hot vaginal douche is better and safer. "The danger of producing hematoma is, in the author's opinion, very small after the first day." Kellogg then tells of a girl who had suffered for nearly a year without relief, although she had gone to many physicians. When brought to him, she was "placed at once in a sitz bath of about 50⁰ F. for 15 minutes, the feet being placed in cold water at the same time, with the result that the hemorrhage ceased at once; and, by continued and repeated application of the cool sitz bath for a few weeks, the difficulty was relieved. The above measures will not solve the problem when the hemorrhage is due to vegetations, a uterine fibroid, or a malignant disease. In cases where the hemorrhage is accompanied by severe nerve pain or acute pelvic inflammation, use very hot rather than very cold applications to the inside of the thighs and lower back region. This should be brief and the temperature sufficiently high to be somewhat painful, and is best done by sponging the parts with water at 140⁰ F. or by applying, for 1-2 minutes, cloths wrung from 140^o F. water.

UTERINE FIBROIDS (Fibroids, Uterine Fibroma)

SYMPTOMS—In half of all cases, there are no symptoms. But these growths can cause abnormally heavy and frequent menstrual periods, or even result in infertility. Other possible indications: anemia, fatigue, bleeding between periods, weakness from blood loss, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse.

CAUSES—A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor, varying in size from a millet seed to a size large enough to fill the entire abdominal cavity. May be single or multiple. The tumors are completely covered by a fibrous connective tissue capsule.

Fibroids rarely cause symptoms before the age of 30, but is common after that age, especially among blacks; 20-30% of women have them. The type of symptoms shown depends on where the fibroids are located. They can exert pressure and cause pain to the bladder, bowels, or even block the urethra (producing kidney obstruction).

When they produce no symptoms, they should be left alone, but should be removed if unusually rapid growth occurs.

If the flow is far too heavy or rapid, you may have interfering fibroids.

TREATMENT—

• Taking oral contraceptives increases the likelihood of developing fibroids.

• If found, do not take oral contraceptives with a high-estrogen content; the estrogen may make them enlarge faster.

• Over 30% of the hysterectomies done in the U.S. are for the purpose of removing fibroids. But, if possible, do not remove them. Fibroids generally shrink when menopause begins. This is due to the decreased amount of estrogen in the body from that time onward.

• An alternate surgery is a myomectomy, which removes the fibroids and leaves the uterus intact. It is true that there is a slightly higher possibility of complications with a myomectomy, and the results are not always permanent (50% of the time new fibroids will appear). But a hysterectomy works havoc with the hormonal system.

• You may also want to read the article, "Hysterectomy Problems."

ENCOURAGEMENT—God wants us to be happy. He desires to put a new song on our lips, even praise to our God. He can give you overcoming strength. Walking with Him; you can have peace and assurance.

SALPINGITIS AND OVARITIS—1 (Fallopian Tube Inflammation; Ovarian Inflammation)

SYMPTOMS—Tenderness of one or both fallopian tubes; in severe cases there is abdominal pain, usually felt on both tubes. Vaginal discharge, swelling, fever, possible abscesses. Peritonitis may occur later. (Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membranous coat lining the abdominal cavity (see "Peritonitis").

CAUSES—Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes. Ovaritis is inflammation of the ovaries. Ovaritis may involve the substance of the organ (oophoritis) or its surface (perioophoritis), and may be acute or chronic. These technical words are defined because it is easy to confuse ovaritis and oophoritis in the medical literature.

The fallopian tubes and ovaries are normally protected by the acidic vagina, the mucous plug of the cervix, and cilia in the uterus and fallopian tubes. But there are five situations, during which infection can more easily penetrate those delicate organs:

During menstruation, the vagina is alkaline, the plug is gone, and only a healthy flow protects the fallopian tubes and ovaries from infection. Sexual activity, during a period, can introduce bacteria.

During and just after childbirth.

Following an abortion. It has been well-documented that abortion clinics tend to operate on a mass-production basis instead of the careful and sterile conditions one would find in a hospital operating room.

Use of an IUD is also a significant cause of infection.

General enervation or local congestion, due to a variety of causes—ranging from poor diet, overwork, constipation, pelvic infections, etc.

Once salpingitis or oophoritis occurs, there is a 70% likelihood of sterility.

TREATMENT—

• Antibiotics are usually given, but they only work on a short-term basis; and, frequently, a chronic case of salpingitis follows. While it is being treated, scar tissue and other blockage can occur on the tubes.

• Whether or not antibiotics are used, it is highly recommended that natural methods also be used. The objective is to clear up the infection as soon as possible, to prevent possible sterility.

• Vegetable or juice fasting for a time, followed by all raw fruits and salads; and this followed by a nourishing vegetarian protein diet. Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc are especially needed. But also include a full vitamin/mineral supplement.

• These fasts will need to be continued until all acute symptoms are gone. If a chronic infection has already started, then alternate the fasts with nourishing food.

• Use hot and cold contrast sitz baths, to remove pelvic congestion and infection. Do this 3-4 times a day. The alternate hot and cold bath pumps healing blood throughout the affected area.

• Also apply alternate 2-3 minutes hot and 2-3 minutes ice cold compresses directly over the painful pelvic area.

• Helpful herbs include echinacea, goldenseal, black cohosh, black haw, and bearberry.

ENCOURAGEMENT—You are the Lord's, for He created you. You are His by redemption, for He gave His life for you. Preserve every portion of the living machinery, so that you may use it for God.

SALPINGITIS AND OVARITIS—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

(1) ACUTE FORM —

GENERAL CARE—Rest in bed; hot vaginal irrigation, twice daily; hot pelvic pack; Hot Leg Pack or Hot Footbath twice daily, followed by cold friction. If suppuration of tubes occurs, operation is usually necessary. During the first few days, ice bag over inflamed part, interrupted at intervals of 1-3 hours by Fomentation for 15 minutes or hot and cold pelvic compress for 30 minutes; heat to limbs.

CAUTIONS—Avoid general cold applications and cold applications to the feet.

(2) CHRONIC FORM —

BASIC APPLICATIONS—Hot vaginal irrigation twice daily; hot rectal irrigation once daily, if exudation in pelvis is extensive; pelvis massage. General tonic applications; general massage; sunbaths; out-of-door exposure with proper protection, carefully avoiding chill; nourishing and blood-building diet. If suppuration is present, give drainage. Removal of the diseased appendages is sometimes required, but in most cases this may be avoided by the proper application of water treatments at the outset.

ENDOMETRIOSIS (Ovarian Cysts)

SYMPTOMS—Abdominal pain, back pain, pelvic pain, constipation, bladder problems, bleeding between periods, very painful menstrual cramps, and the passing of large clots and shreds of tissue during the menses. Thirty percent have no symptoms. Iron anemia is common.

CAUSES—Tissue cells, which appear to be like those in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), grow elsewhere in the abdominal cavity: the ligaments, ovary, bladder, rectum, bowel, appendix, etc. They rarely occur outside the pelvic area.

These tissue implants, wherever they settle in the body, will be affected by estrogen and will bleed during the monthly.

Endometriosis is generally diagnosed between 30 and 40 years of age. About 25-30% of white women have it, but rarely among blacks. It tends to run in families, passing from mother to daughter.

The problem lessens during pregnancy and lactation, and sometimes does not return. But, more often, it does and continues until menopause; after which time, it becomes inactive, though scar tissue remains.

A frequent result of endometriosis is the inability to become pregnant. Most women who have the disorder have never been pregnant.

When internal fetal monitors are placed in an expectant mother, the chances of later developing endometriosis are increased threefold.

Avoiding sexual activity during menstruation reduces the risk of developing this disorder.

TREATMENT—

• Hot and cold sitz baths, for 20-30 minutes at a time, help reduce congestion, as may a hot footbath for 30 minutes. Conclude either treatment with a cold mitten friction.

• Hot fomentations to the lower abdomen are helpful; and, it is reported, when this is done faithfully, there frequently is complete remission.

• An ice bag, hot water bottle, or heating pad may be placed on the lower abdomen or back.

• The diet must also be improved. Follow directions specified elsewhere in these articles.

• Do not use caffeine products, for this aggravates the pain.

• A diet high in sugar and white-flour products contributes to endometriosis.

• Eliminate foods containing hormones and antibiotics, since they upset the natural balance in the body and can lead to endometriosis. Such foods include meat and dairy products (including eggs).

• Eat a nutritious diet, which includes much raw food, and is high in fiber, B vitamins, and E. Also needed is calcium, magnesium (to reduce nervous tension), iron, and potassium.

• Fast for 3 days (on distilled water and fresh fruit and vegetable juices) each month before the anticipated beginning of the menstrual period.

• Helpful herbs include black cohosh, to balance hormones; echinacea and goldenseal, to eliminate infections; cayenne, to stop bleeding; and burdock, to cleanse the blood.

• Tampons reduce the internal flow and can increase the likelihood of developing or increasing the implants. They also increase pain and cramping.

• Women with endometriosis frequently have a difficult time getting pregnant (see "Fertility Problem").

• A hysterectomy will not solve the problem if implants have occurred elsewhere in the pelvic region.

ENCOURAGEMENT—With the rich promises of the Bible before you, you can have assurance of God's love for you. As you read the promises, remember they are the expression of unutterable love and pity. He loves you.

VAGINITIS (Candidiasis, Yeast Vaginitis; Trichomoniasis; Atrophic Vaginitis)

SYMPTOMS—Vaginal pain or tenderness, itching, increased vaginal discharge, burning sensation, painful intercourse, and urination.

CAUSES—Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. There are four types:

1 - Yeast vaginitis, also called monilial, or thrush. The yeast infection causing it is candida albicans. It is more common in pregnant women, diabetics, and those on antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or long-term steroid therapy. Changes in the vaginal pH (caused by tap water, tub baths, certain additives to bath water, and some commercial douches) permit the yeast to grow in the vagina. The discharge is moderate in amount, but thick yellowish or white and curd-like. It may cause severe itching of the external genitalia (see "Candida").

2 - Trichomonas, caused by trichomonas vaginalis. This is a protozoan which likes an alkaline environment. It may be sexually transmitted (so both should be treated at the same time). In the man, there are no symptoms; in the woman, there is a greenish white or heavy yellow, frothy, discharge which may have a slight odor. The discharge causes itching, burning, and reddening of the skin. If it spreads to the urethra, there may be frequent burning urination. Flagyl, which is a medication for this, is known to cause cancer in animals.

3 - Non-specific vaginitis is caused by organisms other than yeast or trichomonas, and occurs when resistance is low and the normal vaginal flora changes.

4 - Atrophic vaginitis occurs in post-menopausal women and those whose ovaries have been surgically removed. Adhesions form and there is a high susceptibility to infection. Symptoms include itching or burning, painful intercourse, and a thin watery discharge, sometimes tinged with blood.

Vaginitis may have one or more of the following causes: bacterial or fungal infection, intestinal worms, vitamin B deficiency, congestion of the pelvic organs, gonococci, chemical irritation (strong douches), mechanical irritation (tampons), drug medications, and deodorant sprays.

Other contributing factors include tight and nonporous clothing, diabetes, and the use of antibiotics.

The birth control pill causes a B₆ deficiency and changes the vaginal pH.

Pregnancy increases the vaginal pH, and also its glycogen content. This is favorable to yeast infection. But it generally leaves

Tight-fitting synthetic underwear provides poor ventilation and a warm, moist, environment for yeast infection to occur.

Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates help feed yeast infection.

Normally, the pH of the vagina is acid; anything that alkalinizes it contributes to vaginitis. Causes include diabetes, menstrual period, pregnancy, and the time just after a miscarriage or abortion.

The most common aftereffect of antibiotic therapy in women is a vaginal yeast infection.

Frequent douching upsets vaginal pH and flora.

Excessive sex or intercourse, without proper lubrication, irritates vaginal walls.

About 5% of women given tetracycline for acne develop vaginitis.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) produce a favorable environment for yeast infection, since they reduce normal vaginal secretions.

Four primary factors are antibiotics, oral contraceptives, diabetes, and pregnancy.

TREATMENT—

• All of the above factors should be carefully noted.

• For yeast vaginitis, use a hot soda-water douche (1-3 teaspoons of soda to 1 quart water) twice a day for 7 days, then once a day for 30 days.

• If there is not clear and rapid improvement, a trichomonas may be the cause. If so, apply a vinegar douche (1-4 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 quart water) twice a day for 7 days, then once a day for 30 days.

• Garlic-water douche (1 clove into part of a quart of boiling water; add the remainder of the quart, let cool to 110^o F. twice a day for 7 days, then once a day for 30 days).

• For organisms other than yeast and trichomonas, a warm normal saline douche (1 teaspoon of salt per quart water) is useful.

• Hot sitz baths, 2-3 times a day will soothe local irritation; but it is important that the tub be sterilized first, lest bacteria be introduced into the vagina.

• An alternate method is to apply garlic suppositories. Peel a clove of garlic and wrap it in a piece of sterile gauze. Lubricate the suppository with pure organic vegetable oil and insert it in the vagina, yet keep a piece protruding outside. Continue doing this for 3 days, changing suppositories every 3 hours.

• Adequate rest, a healthful diet, and meticulous personal hygiene with frequent bathing are important.

• Take vitamins A and B complex.

• Avoid panty hose, girdles, or synthetic pants or panties. Tight-fitting clothing increases moisture retention. Wear cotton clothing.

• Avoid chemical deodorant sprays, tampons, and colored toilet paper. Do not use commercial sexual lubricants.

• Beware of tub baths! Take showers instead.

• Do not wash socks and stockings with underwear, lest foot infections be transferred to the pelvic organs.

• Cotton underwear can be microwaved to destroy yeast. Wet it, wring it out well, and microwave on high for 30 seconds.

• Do not have marital relations during menstruation or infections or, if you can avoid it, a few days immediately afterward.

• Require that your husband wash his hands and genitals before intercourse. If he really loves you, he will gladly do this.

• Tea tree oil is good for vaginitis. Use creams, suppositories, etc.

• Aloe vera is helpful for infections, including yeast infections. It can be taken internally or used as a douche.

• Also helpful are bayberry, goldenseal, yarrow, marshmallow root, calendula, chamomile, pau d'arco, and dandelion.

• To normalize vaginal flora, eat plain yogurt and/or apply it to the vagina.

• Include adequate fiber in the diet.

• Do not take iron supplements until the infection is reduced. Infectious bacteria require iron for growth.

• Apply an opened vitamin E capsule to the area, to reduce itching.

• For atrophic vaginitis, use natural progesterone cream and apply to the vagina. Prescription ointments for this condition contain estrogen. But they increase the need for vitamin B₆. Vaginal absorption of estrogen may be dangerous.

• Do not use sweet-smelling douches. A plain yogurt douche is much better. (Also see "Douches.")

• If you have chronic or persistent vaginitis, you may have diabetes.

• If you have recurring vaginitis, you may be getting it from your husband.

• For more information on dealing with a yeast infection, see "Candida" and "Athlete's Foot."

—Related articles include "Candida," "Chlamydia," "Toxic Shock," "Leukorrhea," and "Douches."

ENCOURAGEMENT—By sin, earth was cut off from heaven and alienated from its communion. But Jesus has connected it again with God's throne. His love has encircled man, and opened the way so you can find God anew and walk with Him every day.

LEUKORRHEA

SYMPTOMS—A thick whitish vaginal discharge. Related symptoms may include burning and itching of the vulva.

CAUSES—Leukorrhea is nonspecific vaginal discharge that contains mucous and white blood cells; sometimes it is tinged with blood. The amount of discharge increases when estrogen levels are heightened. If blood is present, a more serious disorder may be indicated.

It is often a symptom of vaginal infection. Infective causes include candida (candida albicans, also called yeast infection or monilia), trichomonas vaginalis, chlamydia, hemophilus vaginitis, streptococcus, or neisseria gonorrhea. It can also be caused by staphylococcus; this is the bacteria which will cause toxic shock syndrome when vaginal tampons are used incorrectly. Culture growth of bacteria and examination of discharge under microscope is needed for specific diagnosis.

Other causes include a vitamin B complex deficiency, excessive douching, the use of antibiotics or oral contraceptives, or intestinal worms.

Leukorrhea frequently occurs where there is diabetes or pregnancy.

TREATMENT—

• The infective cause should be determined, and then treated. See articles noted at the bottom of this article.

• Wear white cotton underwear, so air can circulate freely. Keep the area clean and dry.

• To restore natural vaginal flora, douche with 6-8 acidophilus capsules or plain yogurt. Also douche with fresh garlic juice and water.

• Helpful herbs include pau d'arco tea as a natural antibiotic. Drink 3 cups daily.

—See "Candida," "Chlamydia," Vaginitis," "Toxic Shock," and "Douches" for much more information.

ENCOURAGEMENT—Let the peace of God reign in your soul. Then you will have strength to bear all suffering, and you will rejoice that you have grace to endure. God can give you help that no one else can.

TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME

SYMPTOMS—Sudden onset of the condition: diarrhea, vomiting, headache, confusion, skin rash, and sore throat. There can be rapid deterioration and even death, within 48 hours.

CAUSES—Prevention is far better than treatment. Aside from the name, this is an actual disease. Circumstances has permitted staphylococcus in the system, to produce exotoxins faster than the body defenses can eliminate them.

Young women between 13-32 years of age contract 85% of this disease. In their case, the cause is usually the improper use of vaginal tampons. A single one is kept in place more than 4 hours. This produces an ideal environment for rapid staphylococcus growth with terrible consequences.

A less frequent cause is food poisoning (which see), caused by poor food handling.

TREATMENT—

• Take this person immediately to the emergency room at the hospital. Do not let them make you wait awhile! The person needs fluids and electrolytes by IV, along with penicillin.

—Also see "Leukorrhea"

ENCOURAGEMENT—Praise the Lord; talk of His goodness; tell of His power. He is the health of your countenance, your Saviour, and your God.

HYSTERECTOMY

SYMPTOMS—Depression, urinary tract problems, joint pain, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, loss of bone mass, and increased likelihood of heart disease.

CAUSES—A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and is done to remove fibroids (30% of the time), endometriosis (20%), or uterine prolapse (18%).

There are three types of hysterectomies, each more complete than the preceding one:

1 - Partial hysterectomy: The uterus is removed, but the cervix and other female reproductive organs remain.

2 - Total hysterectomy: Both the uterus and cervix are removed.

3 - Panhysterectomy: The uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are removed.

There are problems which led to the decision to have a hysterectomy. These may include urinary tract problems, lengthy and heavy periods, a heavy and bloated feeling, abdominal swelling due to fibroids, infertility resulting from fibroids or endometriosis, or reactions to drugs given for endometriosis.

But the problems resulting from a hysterectomy are, if anything, more significant:

The hormones are suddenly stopped. This sends shock waves throughout the entire system.

Lack of those hormones can result in immense bone mass loss, osteoporosis, and greater likelihood of heart disease, depression, urinary tract problems, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, and general fatigue.

Even those women who do not have their ovaries cut out still experience a drastic lessening of estrogen output. In addition, menopause begins years earlier for half the women who are spared their ovaries.

Depression may also occur, and reduced sexual desire frequently does. There is a 50% chance of a minor post-operative complication, such as fever, bleeding, or wound healing. One in a 1,000 die and 10% require a blood transfusion.

It has been estimated that many of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed in America each year are totally unnecessary. No foreign country has even half that per capita amount.

Once the operation has been performed, you are permanently sterile, and it cannot be reversed.

It is often recommended that the ovaries be taken out also, because they might later become cancerous. Yet statistics reveal that ovarian cancer is rare.

It is frequently recommended that a hysterectomy be performed, to eliminate fibroids, since they might be malignant. But modern technology permits them to be examined, by ultrasound, for abnormalities. A myomectomy should be performed to remove problematic fibroids, not a hysterectomy. (Also see "Fibroids.")

Women who have hysterectomies have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease.

If you decide to have a hysterectomy, ask that a horizontal incision be made, not a vertical one. The scar will thus be less noticeable afterward.

TREATMENT—

• If you have had a hysterectomy, eat a nutritious diet, with vitamin/mineral supplementation. This will reduce the amount of estrogen deprivation, especially if you still have your ovaries.

• If you do use hormonal replacement, take the lowest dosage possible. Ask for a combined hormone containing both estrogen and progesterone. That will help reduce the risk of cancer. Progesterone, not estrogen, is the hormone most needed in replacement therapy.

ENCOURAGEMENT—Keep your thoughts on Christ and the heavenly world, and you will have more strength for the trials of life. Talk His praise and rest in His love.