Female docs vs. Male docs & also AGE

[Guest guest]

One more thought to add to this thread...

I have had both female and male docs tell me I needed a hysterectomy.

The first doc who recommended it -- when I was 40 -- was female (and

part of an all-women's practice). Well, ok, actually, the first time

I was " offered " hysterectomy I was 22 and that was by a male doc, but

I try to block that one out.

Here's a different thought on the AGE issue: some older docs could be

MORE open-minded on this issue. Why? There is a whole generation of

docs, now leaving the scene, who have vivid memories of treating the

results when women did not have full control over their reproductive

organs (eg when abortion was illegal). My RE, who did my myomectomy

(at my age of 48) is of this older generation and it occurred to me

that it might be one reason he is more open to accomodating the

wishes of his patients (though we haven't had that discussion, so

this is speculation on my part).

The younger generation of doctors has been schooled over a period of

years when the view of women's bodies (and uterii) as existing only

for procreation (so why keep your uterus once your childbearing years

are over?) has been INCREASINGLY influential. This certainly affects

the availabiity of medical training in abortion procedures and I

wonder if it affects the availability of medical training for

myomectomy as well. Not to mention doctors' attitudes.

Just a thought...

Sunny