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Adverse Effects Data

In an ongoing study, HERS received reports of the experiences of 1,000 women who responded to HERS Questionnaire. These women were ages 12 to 84 at the time of the surgery and were hysterectomized from less than one year to 33 years prior to participating in the study. The reports document the far-reaching effects of hysterectomy and female castration on women and society.

Chart 1: Responses from 214 women whose uterus was removed without removal of their ovaries.

Chart 2: Responses from 95 women whose uterus and one ovary were removed.

Chart 3: Responses from 691 women whose uterus and both ovaries were removed.

Chart 4: Responses from all 1,000 women whose uterus was removed with or without removal of their ovaries.

Adverse Effects Data Charts 1-3

Chart 1
Hysterectomy – ovaries not removed
Number of women = 214
Chart 2
Hysterectomy – removal of one ovary
Number of women = 95
Chart 3
Hysterectomy – removal of both ovaries
Number of women = 691
66.0% Loss of sexual desire 65.3% Loss of sexual desire 79.7% Loss of sexual desire
59.4% Loss of pleasure in intercourse 66.3% Loss of pleasure in intercourse 68.8% Loss of pleasure in intercourse
59.4% Diminished frequency of intercourse 47.4% Diminished frequency of intercourse 69.1% Diminished frequency of intercourse
53.8% Loss of orgasm 57.9% Loss of orgasm 62.5% Loss of orgasm
51.9% Loss of sexuality 60.0% Loss of sexuality 70.9% Loss of sexuality
51.4% Loss of sensuality 60.0% Loss of sensuality 67.2% Loss of sensuality
50.9% Loss of pleasure in foreplay 57.9% Loss of pleasure in foreplay 65.7% Loss of pleasure in foreplay
41.5% Pain with intercourse 41.1% Pain with intercourse 49.7% Pain with intercourse
11.8% Pain in clitoris 9.5% Pain in clitoris 18.3% Pain in clitoris
46.7% Loss of sensation in vagina 53.7% Loss of sensation in vagina 56.2% Loss of sensation in vagina
37.7% Loss of sensation in labia 36.8% Loss of sensation in labia 46.4% Loss of sensation in labia
35.8% Loss of sensation in clitoris 32.6% Loss of sensation in clitoris 48.3% Loss of sensation in clitoris
24.1% Loss of nipple sensation 18.9% Loss of nipple sensation 30.4% Loss of nipple sensation
70.3% Profound fatigue 72.6% Profound fatigue 79.9% Profound fatigue
69.8% Loss of energy 68.4% Loss of energy 81.4% Loss of energy
59.0% Loss of Stamina 61.1% Loss of Stamina 73.2% Loss of Stamina
44.3% Weight gain 47.4% Weight gain 55.9% Weight gain
77.8% Irritability 83.2% Irritability 79.1% Irritability
76.4% Personality changed 83.2% Personality changed 79.7% Personality changed
67.9% Loss of ability to interact with people 70.5% Loss of ability to interact with people 69.6% Loss of ability to interact with people
62.7% Loss of ability to socialize 69.5% Loss of ability to socialize 70.0% Loss of ability to socialize
57.1% Loss of spontaneity and affect 65.3% Loss of spontaneity and affect 61.3% Loss of spontaneity and affect
40.6% Loss of maternal feeling 47.4% Loss of maternal feeling 39.1% Loss of maternal feeling
53.3% Suicidal thoughts 50.5% Suicidal thoughts 54.1% Suicidal thoughts
8.5% Suicide attempt 6.3% Suicide attempt 9.9% Suicide attempt
54.7% Loss of short term memory 58.9% Loss of short term memory 72.0% Loss of short term memory
43.4% Difficulty recalling words 50.5% Difficulty recalling words 65.8% Difficulty recalling words
18.9% Loss of long term memory 14.7% Loss of long term memory 23.8% Loss of long term memory
35.8% Pelvic pain 40.0% Pelvic pain 32.9% Pelvic pain
30.2% Deep vaginal pain 31.6% Deep vaginal pain 27.4% Deep vaginal pain
26.9% Vaginal pain 28.4% Vaginal pain 29.0% Vaginal pain
17.9% Electrical impulses in vagina 10.5% Electrical impulses in vagina 12.9% Electrical impulses in vagina
57.5% Insomnia 54.7% Insomnia 62.5% Insomnia
17.0% Loss or diminution of dreaming 20.0% Loss or diminution of dreaming 28.4% Loss or diminution of dreaming
55.2% Anxiety 53.7% Anxiety 58.0% Anxiety
47.2% Nervousness 53.7% Nervousness 52.2% Nervousness
34.0% Panic attacks 35.8% Panic attacks 33.9% Panic attacks
10.4% Agoraphobia 10.5% Agoraphobia 9.1% Agoraphobia
45.3% Muscle aches 45.3% Muscle aches 59.9% Muscle aches
43.4% Bone and joint pain 55.8% Bone and joint pain 65.8% Bone and joint pain
42.9% Back pain 42.1% Back pain 57.2% Back pain
36.8% Stiffness 44.2% Stiffness 60.4% Stiffness
28.3% Pain in buttocks 24.2% Pain in buttocks 31.7% Pain in buttocks
25.9% Pain that runs down back of legs 24.2% Pain that runs down back of legs 31.9% Pain that runs down back of legs
25.0% Difficulty walking up stairs 27.4% Difficulty walking up stairs 41.2% Difficulty walking up stairs
25.0% Difficulty sitting 20.0% Difficulty sitting 28.0% Difficulty sitting
16.0% Difficulty walking down stairs 17.9% Difficulty walking down stairs 27.4% Difficulty walking down stairs
16.5% Arthritis 22.1% Arthritis 29.3% Arthritis
11.8% Pain in sternum 9.5% Pain in sternum 17.2% Pain in sternum
7.5% Carpal tunnel 7.4% Carpal tunnel 12.8% Carpal tunnel
5.7% Fibromyalgia 2.1% Fibromyalgia 12.2% Fibromyalgia
2.4% Fibrositis 1.1% Fibrositis 5.2% Fibrositis
0.9% Tarsal tunnel 0.0% Tarsal tunnel 1.0% Tarsal tunnel
0.5% Osteoporosis of wrist 1.1% Osteoporosis of wrist 1.9% Osteoporosis of wrist
48.1% Unable to maintain previous level of employment 50.5% Unable to maintain previous level of employment 49.4% Unable to maintain previous level of employment
34.9% Unable to maintain activity in the home 32.6% Unable to maintain activity in the home 34.1% Unable to maintain activity in the home
18.4% Tingling in arms 20.0% Tingling in arms 23.9% Tingling in arms
17.5% Numbness in legs 12.6% Numbness in legs 21.0% Numbness in legs
17.5% Numbness in hands 13.7% Numbness in hands 25.5% Numbness in hands
16.5% Loss of sensation in legs 10.5% Loss of sensation in legs 20.1% Loss of sensation in legs
14.2% Numbness in arms 11.6% Numbness in arms 20.9% Numbness in arms
16.0% Tingling in feet 12.6% Tingling in feet 25.4% Tingling in feet
15.1% Tingling in legs 15.8% Tingling in legs 24.9% Tingling in legs
12.7% Loss of sensation in toes 7.4% Loss of sensation in toes 13.9% Loss of sensation in toes
13.7% Numbness in feet 9.4% Numbness in feet 18.7% Numbness in feet
7.1% Decreased tactile sensation 8.4% Decreased tactile sensation 14.9% Decreased tactile sensation
47.6% Constipation 40.0% Constipation 43.3% Constipation
19.8% Diarrhea 17.9% Diarrhea 21.6% Diarrhea
9.4% Bowel obstruction 12.6% Bowel obstruction 11.7% Bowel obstruction
5.2% Rectal prolapse 6.3% Rectal prolapse 3.8% Rectal prolapse
4.7% Vaginal prolapse 4.2% Vaginal prolapse 5.9% Vaginal prolapse
2.4% Bowel fistula 3.2% Bowel fistula 1.9% Bowel fistula
21.7% Increase in facial hair 27.4% Increase in facial hair 36.2% Increase in facial hair
15.1% Decrease in pubic hair 10.5% Decrease in pubic hair 24.1% Decrease in pubic hair
6.1% Increase in pubic hair 6.3% Increase in pubic hair 5.8% Increase in pubic hair
1.4% Decrease in facial hair 0.0% Decrease in facial hair 1.6% Decrease in facial hair
23.1% Dry hair 33.7% Dry hair 37.8% Dry hair
18.9% Decrease in thickness of scalp hair 18.9% Decrease in thickness of hair 26.8% Decrease in thickness of hair
17.5% Decrease in scalp hair 18.9% Decrease in scalp hair 29.3% Decrease in scalp hair
16.0% Brittle hair 25.3% Brittle hair 25.1% Brittle hair
11.3% Increase in body hair 16.8% Increase in body hair 18.3% Increase in body hair
9.9% Decrease in body hair 5.3% Decrease in body hair 14.1% Decrease in body hair
3.3% Increase in thickness of scalp hair 3.2% Increase in thickness of hair 4.3% Increase in thickness of hair
2.4% Increase in scalp hair 0.0% Increase in scalp hair 3.5% Increase in scalp hair
22.2% Heart palpitations 23.2% Heart palpitations 32.8% Heart palpitations
21.2% Shortness of breath 20.0% Shortness of breath 30.4% Shortness of breath
18.4% Chest pain 20.0% Chest pain 21.0% Chest pain
10.4% Arrhythmia 10.5% Arrhythmia 9.1% Arrhythmia
36.3% Dry skin 40.0% Dry skin 51.6% Dry skin
21.7% Brittle dry nail 14.7% Brittle dry nail 33.9% Brittle dry nail
20.8% Increased vaginal odor 26.3% Increased vaginal odor 27.2% Increased vaginal odor
18.9% Generalized itching 21.1% Generalized itching 24.3% Generalized itching
16.0% Diminished nail growth 10.5% Diminished nail growth 24.5% Diminished nail growth
14.6% Altered vaginal odor 23.2% Altered vaginal odor 16.7% Altered vaginal odor
8.5% Altered underarm odor 15.8% Altered underarm odor 14.8% Altered underarm odor
4.7% Decreased vaginal odor 8.4% Decreased vaginal odor 9.9% Decreased vaginal odor
3.8% Decreased underarm odor 5.3% Decreased underarm odor 8.0% Decreased underarm odor
31.6% Dizziness 30.5% Dizziness 37.4% Dizziness
21.7% Tinnitus 17.9% Tinnitus 29.1% Tinnitus
17.0% Vertigo 10.5% Vertigo 20.4% Vertigo
2.4% Meniere’s Syndrome 0.0% Meniere’s Syndrome 2.3% Meniere’s Syndrome
36.8% Sweats 41.1% Sweats 53.5% Sweats
36.3% Hot flashes 54.7% Hot flashes 64.5% Hot flashess
35.4% Headache 36.8% Headache 43.3% Headache
20.3% Dry eyes 17.9% Dry eyes 30.3% Dry eyes
12.8% Visual problems 7.4% Visual problems 14.5% Visual problems
8.0% Eye pain 8.4% Eye pain 16.4% Eye pain
50.9% Diminished or absent vaginal lubrication 53.7% Diminished or absent vaginal lubrication 62.5% Diminished or absent vaginal lubrication
34.0% Vaginal dryness or burning 30.5% Vaginal dryness or burning 42.3% Vaginal dryness or burning
27.4% Itching in vagina 29.5% Itching in vagina 30.0% Itching in vagina
21.2% Itching in labia 18.9% Itching in labia 20.0% Itching in labia
3.8% Prolonged vaginal bleeding 3.2% Prolonged vaginal bleeding 2.5% Prolonged vaginal bleeding
33.5% Urinary frequency 31.6% Urinary frequency 42.6% Urinary frequency
26.4% Incontinence 31.6% Incontinence 32.6% Incontinence
26.9% Urinary tract infection 24.2% Urinary tract infection 23.8% Urinary tract infection
22.2% Thin stream of urine 23.2% Thin stream of urine 18.7% Thin stream of urine
16.5% Burning with urination 13.7% Burning with urination 18.0% Burning with urination
17.0% Urinary retention 15.8% Urinary retention 16.1% Urinary retention
8.5% Kidney infection 5.3% Kidney infection 8.6% Kidney infection
6.6% Urinary fistula 12.6% Urinary fistula 9.7% Urinary fistula
6.1% Bladder prolapse 5.3% Bladder prolapse 6.4% Bladder prolapse
32.1% Breast soreness 27.4% Breast soreness 28.1% Breast soreness
18.4% Increased breast size 20.0% Increased breast size 24.9% Increased breast size
14.2% Decrease in breast size 6.3% Decrease in breast size 14.1% Decrease in breast size
4.7% Change in nipple color 5.3% Change in nipple color 8.8% Change in nipple color
3.8% Nipple discharge 5.3% Nipple discharge 5.1% Nipple discharge
.09% Change in breast shape 5.3% Change in breast shape 1.2% Change in breast shape
11.8% High blood pressure 11.6% High blood pressure 19.0% High blood pressure
5.2% Low blood pressure 3.2% Low blood pressure 7.5% Low blood pressure
7.5% Hypoglycemia 4.2% Hypoglycemia 9.9% Hypoglycemia
7.5% Hypothyroid (underactive) 7.4% Hypothyroid (underactive) 13.3% Hypothyroid (underactive)
1.4% Hyperthyroid 7.4% Hyperthyroid 2.8% Hyperthyroid
12.3% Itching of face 8.4% Itching of face 15.4% Itching of face
10.4% Tingling of face 7.4% Tingling of face 15.5% Tingling of face
8.4% Burning of face 10.3% Burning of face 15.4% Burning of face
5.7% Numbness of face 4.2% Numbness of face 10.3% Numbness of face
20.3% Dry eyes 17.9% Dry eyes 30.3% Dry eyes
22.6% Sinus problems 23.2% Sinus problems 29.0% Sinus problems
18.9% Allergies 16.8% Allergies 25.8% Allergies
16.5% Hoarseness 7.4% Hoarseness 18.8% Hoarseness
16.0% Susceptibility to colds 10.5% Susceptibility to colds 19.0% Susceptibility to colds
6.6% Asthma 5.3% Asthma 5.1% Asthma
17.5% Wrinkles 16.8% Wrinkles 31.2% Wrinkles
15.1% Brown spotting on skin 15.8% Brown spotting on skin 35.4% Brown spotting on skin
6.6% Gooseflesh 5.3% Gooseflesh 10.7% Gooseflesh
10.8% Speech difficulties 12.6% Speech difficulties 16.5% Speech difficulties
9.4% Hearing loss 7.4% Hearing loss 11.4% Hearing loss
19.8% Dental problems 13.7% Dental problems 27.0% Dental problems
5.7% Gallstones 3.2% Gallstones 4.3% Gallstones
1.4% Diabetes 1.1% Diabetes 1.9% Diabetes
10.8% Speech difficulties 12.6% Speech difficulties 16.5% Speech difficulties
9.4% Hearing loss 7.4% Hearing loss 11.4% Hearing loss
23.1% Nausea 25.3% Nausea 28.3% Nausea
24.1% Edema 26.3% Edema 37.7% Edema
The following occurred in the first 60 days after surgery The following occurred in the first 60 days after surgery The following occurred in the first 60 days after surgery
26.9% Urinary tract infection 16.8% Urinary tract infection 22.6% Urinary tract infection
15.6% Required blood transfusion(s) 14.7% Required blood transfusion(s) 9.1% Required blood transfusion(s)
12.7% Double vision or other visual problems 7.4% Double vision or other visual problems 14.5% Double vision or other visual problems
7.5% Speech problems (occurred first 60 days) 6.3% Speech problems (occurred first 60 days) 5.7% Speech problems (occurred first 60 days)
4.2% Hemorrhage 4.2% Hemorrhage 4.8% Hemorrhage
4.2% Damage to ureter 4.2% Damage to ureter 2.3% Damage to ureter
4.2% Rupture or opening of surgical incision 5.3% Rupture or opening of surgical incision 6.1% Rupture or opening of surgical incision
3.3% Damage to internal organs 3.2% Damage to internal organs 4.8% Damage to internal organs
3.3% Infection of surgical incision 11.6% Infection of surgical incision 7.5% Infection of surgical incision
2.4% Bowel fistula 4.2% Bowel fistula 3.2% Bowel fistula
1.9% Pneumonia 5.3% Pneumonia 1.6% Pneumonia
1.4% Perforation of bowel 3.2% Perforation of bowel 2.3% Perforation of bowel
1.4% Perforation of bladder 4.2% Perforation of bladder 2.3% Perforation of bladder
1.4% Angina 3.2% Angina 2.9% Angina
0.9% Peritonitis 5.3% Peritonitis 1.2% Peritonitis
0.5% Blood clot in leg 2.1% Blood clot in leg 2.2% Blood clot in leg
0.0% Pulmonary embolus 0.0% Pulmonary embolus 1.0% Pulmonary embolus
0.0% Stroke 0.0% Stroke 0.3% Stroke

Adverse Effects Data Chart 4

Response from all 1,000 women whose uterus was removed with or without removal of their ovaries.
79.1% Personality change 29.8% Pain that runs down the back of the leg 15.3% Pain in sternum
79.0% Irritability 29.5% Heart palpitations 15.0% Change in breast shape
77.5% Loss of energy 29.4% Brittle dry nails 15.0% Hypothyroid (underactive)
76.9% Profound fatigue 29.3% Vaginal itching 14.9% Speech difficulties
75.2% Diminished or absent sexual desire 29.0% Brown spots on skin 14.0% Itching face
69.1% Difficulty relating to and interacting with others 28.8% Breast soreness 13.8% Eye pain
68.8% Loss of stamina 28.4% Vaginal pain 13.7% Electrical impulses in vagina
68.2% Difficulty socializing 28.3% Deep vaginal pain 13.6% Tingling face
66.9% Short term memory loss 27.9% Diminished or absent nipple sensation 13.5% Altered odor, underarm
66.4% Diminished or absent pleasure with intercourse 27.4% Shortness of breath 13.3% Burning face
65.6% Diminished or absent sexuality 26.9% Sinus problems 13.3% Decrease in breast size
64.8% Diminished frequency of intercourse 26.8% Wrinkles 13.0% Diminished or loss of sensation in toes
63.0% Diminished or absent sensuality 26.8% Dry eyes 12.6% Decreased tactile sensation
61.6% Diminished or absent pleasure with foreplay 26.7% Nausea 12.2% Decrease in body hair
60.6% Loss of affect 26.5% Pain with sitting 11.3% Bowel obstruction
60.5% Insomnia 26.4% Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or thumping in ears) 11.1% Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
60.0% Diminished or absent orgasm 25.8% Arthritis 10.6% Hearing loss
59.9% Pain in joints and bones 25.7% Decrease in scalp hair 9.8% Fibromyalgia
59.4% Difficulty recalling words and names 25.7% Increased odor, vagina 9.5% Agoraphobia
59.0% Diminished or absent vaginal lubrication 25.0% Loss or diminution of dreaming 9.3% Urinary fistula
57.3% Hot flashes 24.5% Bladder infection 9.3% Gooseflesh
56.8% Anxiety 24.4% Increased odor, underarm 9.2% Suicide attempt
55.2% Aching muscles 24.3% Decrease in thickness of hair 8.8% Hypoglycemia
53.8% Diminished or absent sensation in vagina 24.0% Difficulty walking down stairs 8.7% Numbness of the face
53.7% Stiffness 23.9% Dental problems 8.6% Decreased odor, vagina
53.4% Suicidal thoughts 23.2% Allergies 8.2% Kidney infection
52.6% Back pain 23.1% Brittle hair 7.5% Change in nipple color
52.1% Weight gain 23.0% Increase in breast size 6.8% Decreased odor, underarm
51.1% Nervousness 22.8% Generalized itching 6.6% Low blood pressure
49.1% Unable to maintain previous level of employment 22.6% Numbness in hands 6.2% Bladder prolapse
48.4% Sweats 22.3% Tingling in arms 5.9% Increase in pubic hair
47.1% Dry skin 22.1% Tingling in feet 5.5% Vaginal prolapse
47.0% Pain with intercourse 21.9% Tingling in legs 5.3% Asthma
44.0% Diminished or absent sensation in clitoris 21.8% Long term memory loss 4.8% Nipple discharge
43.8% Constipation 21.3% Diminished nail growth 4.5% Gallstones
43.5% Diminished or absent sensation in labia 20.8% Decrease in pubic hair 4.4% Angina
40.9% Headache 20.8% Diarrhea 4.3% Rectal prolapse
40.1% Loss of maternal feeling 20.3% Chest pain 4.2% Fibrositis
39.5% Urinary frequency 20.1% Labia itching 4.0% Increase in the thickness of hair
39.3% Vaginal dryness and burning 19.8% Thin stream of urine 2.9% Increase in scalp hair
36.3% Difficulty walking up stairs 19.4% Numbness in legs 2.9% Hyperthyroid (overactive)
35.1% Dizziness 18.5% Numbness in arms 2.8% Prolonged vaginal bleeding
34.2% Dry hair 18.4% Diminished or loss of sensation in legs 2.1% Bowel fistula
34.1% Pelvic pain 18.5% Vertigo 2.1% Meniere’s Syndrome
34.0% Unable to maintain previous level of activity at home 17.9% Chest pain 1.5% Osteoporosis of wrist
33.9% Panic attacks 17.5% Susceptibility to colds 1.4% Decrease in facial hair
33.5% Edema (retention of fluid) 17.2% Hoarseness 0.9% Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
33.0% Visual problems 17.2% Burning with urination
32.2% Increase in facial hair 16.8% Altered odor, vagina
31.1% Urinary incontinence 16.7% High blood pressure
30.2% Pain in buttocks 16.7% Numbness in feet
16.6% Increase in body hair
16.2% Urinary retention
16.2% Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
16.0% Pain in clitoris
The following occurred in the first 60 days after surgery
22.5% Urinary tract infection 4.6% Hemorrhage 1.7% Blood clot in leg
17.4% Urinary retention 3.8% Damage to other internal organs 1.7% Urinary fistula
13.4% Double vision or other visual problems 2.9% Bowel fistula 1.5% Peritonitis
10.1% Required blood transfusion(s) 2.6% Damage to ureter 1.3% Phlebitis
6.9% Infection of surgical incision 2.6% Angina 0.7% Pulmonary embolus
6.1% Speech problems 2.3% Perforation of bladder 0.2% Stroke
5.3% Rupture or opening of surgical incision 2.1% Perforation of bowel
2.0% Pneumonia

Reproduction of the information contained in the Charts by any means is strictly forbidden without written consent from the HERS Foundation.

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