The following ‘Questions To Ask’ may help facilitate discussion with your surgeon or health care professional.

* What kinds of problems are treated with a hysterectomy?

* What are all the methods available to treat this problem?

* Why are you recommending one medical or surgical approach over others to treat my condition?

* What is the worst that can happen if I decide not to follow this recommendation?

* If I need a hysterectomy, which type and surgical approach are most appropriate for me?

* Can you recommend a specialist who can give me a second opinion?

* What changes should I anticipate following surgery?

* What reading material can you recommend to help me learn more about hysterectomy, as well as other treatment options?

* How many times have you performed my procedure? What is your complication rate compared to the national complication rate?

* What’s the success for this procedure, and how is success measured?

* Can I talk to other patients who had this same procedure? (Although patient information is confidential, your health care professional may know women who have indicated an interest in helping others.)

* If my ovaries are removed, would I be a candidate for postmenopausal hormone therapy? What are the risks and benefits of hormone therapy in my case?