Rate Of Hysterectomies Unexpectedly Held Steady

The rate of hysterectomies in the United States held steady between 1988 and 1993 even as more and more baby boomers reached the age when the operation becomes more likely, the government said Thursday.

“Now that we have more women who are over the age of 40, we would have expected an increase,” said Susan Hillis, an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said the lower-than-expected rate may be a result of health care reforms that encourage patients to get second opinions. Also, alternatives have become increasingly available, such as laser therapy and medication to shrink fibroid tumors.