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The cervix is shaped like a small column, about 1-1/2 inches long and sits at the lower part of the uterus. It performs many important functions that benefit reproductive and pelvic health, such as preventing uterine prolapse.
In NWHRC's survey of 981 women, the majority of women (60%) correctly identified that the cervix supports the organs above it. However, less than half were able to name more specific functions such as: provides a barrier to bacteria (45%); secretes mucus which nourishes sperm (40%); or provides a barrier to sexually transmitted diseases (13%).
"When women understand how important your cervix can be to your overall well being, they will take the necessary steps, such as getting regular PAP smears, to keep their cervix healthy," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN and executive vice president of the NWHRC.
Dr. Viviane Connor, Co-Director of the Section of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, also believes all women should be informed about cervical health in order to participate in important health decisions. Very often, women facing hysterectomy have a choice whether to keep their cervix intact or have a full hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus.
"Most women don't realize that the cervix is actually the bottom part of the uterus and the majority of hysterectomy procedures routinely remove the whole uterus, including a healthy cervix," said Dr. Connor. "In my experience, and the new survey also suggests this, women do not see the cervix as a disposable body part. With recent advances in cervical cancer prevention, women should feel even more confident about choosing to keep their cervix, with the understanding they must continue to get an annual pap smear."
The NWHRC survey found that physicians play an important role in the decision to keep or remove the cervix. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of women report they would do what the doctor recommended, and this is true for those who had a hysterectomy as well as those who did not.
Dr. Connor believes it is imperative that women have a proper dialogue with their health care provider to discuss their feeling about the value of their cervix and determine the best treatment option.
"There is a minimally invasive hysterectomy called a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) that only takes out the top part of the uterus where the problem is and leaves the normal cervix in place," continued Dr. Connor. "LSH also causes less scarring, is a less painful procedure and has a significantly shorter recovery time than the traditional open abdominal hysterectomy that most women undergo. Women who are facing hysterectomy should talk to their health care provider about whether they are a candidate for an LSH. At the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, the vast majority of hysterectomies are performed laparoscopically and the cervix is retained."
As part of the campaign, NWHRC has created Your Guide to Cervical Health, a booklet which includes information on cervical infections, HPV and cervical cancer, hysterectomy, resources and questions to ask your health care provider about cervical health. For a complimentary copy or to learn more about cervical health, visit www.healthywomen.org.
This campaign is made possible through support from Ethicon Women's Health & Urology, a division of ETHICON, Inc.
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The National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. The non-profit organization develops and distributes up-to-date and objective women's health information based on the latest advances in medical research and practice. NWHRC believes all women should have access to the most trusted and reliable health information.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the National Women's Health Resource Center between February 16 and February 22, 2007 among 981 women aged 21 and older. Figures for age by sex, education, household income, region, race/ethnicity online were weighted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.With a pure probability sample of 981 one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-3 percentage points. Sampling error for subsamples would be higher and may vary. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
About Harris Interactive®
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiaries Novatris in France and MediaTransfer AG in Germany, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com. To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to participate in online surveys, register at www.harrispollonline.com.
Contact:
Amber McCracken
888-406-9472
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