Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries for women 600,000 are performed every year in the United States. But are women truly getting all their options? Board certified OBGYN Dr. Kameelah Phillips joins me to discuss her groundbreaking book The Empowered Hysterectomy and why understanding the full history and context of this surgery is essential for every woman.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Kameelah Phillips to discuss hysterectomies from every angle the good, the bad, and the historically traumatic. Dr. Phillips, author of The Empowered Hysterectomy, shares why she wrote a book that isn't anti-hysterectomy, but rather pro-information and pro-choice.

From her origin story working at Planned Parenthood at age 15, to understanding the disturbing history of gynecology built on the experimentation of enslaved women, to counseling patients through one of the most significant decisions of their lives this episode covers it all. We also discuss the importance of true informed consent, the impact on sexual function, and why women of color are disproportionately offered hysterectomies over other treatment options.

Highlights

The birth control pill has such a bad reputation that patients reject it even though it could be the thing that helps their symptoms.
The racist history behind hysterectomies continues today Black women are still being steered toward them at a much higher rate than their white counterparts
You may not realize that your orgasm is actually coming from your cervix, which is why a conversation about sexual function should happen before surgery.
Education and income doesn't protect Black women from maternal mortality.
Explaining medical concepts in everyday language isn't "dumbing it down" it's ensuring patients actually understand what's happening to their bodies.
Properly counseled patients who freely choose hysterectomy often experience profound liberation not just physically but sexually too.

If you're considering a hysterectomy or have been told you need one, get Dr. Kameelah Phillips' book The Empowered Hysterectomy to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for YOUR body. And remember you deserve time, information, and advocacy. Don't settle for less.

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