Sex, Lies and Secrecy: Dissecting Hysterectomy

by Carol Moore-Ede for Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

http://www.filmakers.com/indivs/SexLiesSecrecy.htm

Today, three quarters of a million hysterectomies are performed annually in North America. Yet a huge majority are unnecessary. Sex. Lies and Secrecy: Dissecting Hysterectomy is the shocking and untold story of this devastating, needless surgery on womenıs reproductive organs, often with life-long physical, emotional and sexual consequences. After the surgery, almost half of the women suffer from digestive problems, incontinence, loss of maternal feelings, depression, memory loss and absence of sexual drive or pleasure. Nevertheless, it is estimated that one out of every two women in North America will have had a hysterectomy by the age of 65.

The rate of hysterectomies is five times greater in the southern states in the U.S. and in Newfoundland than in the rest of North America. Sociologist Dr. Zelda Abramson meets with former patients to find out why they underwent the surgery. Participating in the documentary are internationally renowned scientists and physicians, including Dr. Nick Leyland who specializes in non-invasive alternatives, as well as the author of Misinformed Consent, Lise Cloutier-Steele and her collaborator Mary Anne Wyatt.

45 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $75