COPING WITH A HYSTERECTOMY, by Dr. Susanne Morgan (Doubleday, revised 1985). This book presents a well balanced overview of the whole question and a discussion of alternatives.

NO MORE HYSTERECTOMIES, by Dr. Vicki Hufnagel (NAL Books, 1988). This book is easy to read, well formulated book which gives details of surgical and hormonal alternatives to hysterectomy. The author definitely favours complicated and long surgical treatment.

HYSTERECTOMY BEFORE AND AFTER, by Dr. Winnifred Cutler (Harper and Rowe, 1988) is a comprehensive guide to preventing, preparing for, and maximizing health after hysterectomy. The author is strongly biased in favour of hormones.

THE CASTRATED WOMAN, by Naomi Miller Stokes (Franklin Watts, 1986). As a result of the serious aftereffects of her own hysterectomy, Ms. Stokes researched the whole question and offers concrete answers to women.

Essential Addresses:

• U.S.-CANADIAN ENDOMETRIOSIS ASSOCIATION, Headquarters Office, PO Box 92187, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. 1-800-426-2END.

• HERS - HYSTERECTOMY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND SERVICES, 422 Bryn Mawr Ave, Bala-Cynwyd, PA, 19004. 215-667-7757.

This foundation was founded by Nora Coffey in 1982 to ensure that no woman is hysterectomized and/or castrated without prior knowledge of the alternative and lifelong consequences of these surgeries. For women suffering from the after effects of surgery, HERS offers coping techniques as well as validation of symptoms. HERS also publishes a newsletter on hysterectomy, and its possible side effects, and sponsors conferences on the topic. It offers a 24-hour answering service and a telephone counselling service at the above number between 9 am and 5 pm EST. There is no charge for the counselling.

• THE CANADIAN PID SOCIETY, PO Box 33804, Stn D, Vancouver, BC, V67 4L6. 604-684-5704.

Their highly recommended booklet entitled, PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE, was written to provide information for women who have PID, their families, and health care professionals. PID is the leading cause of infertility and hysterectomy in young women, yet it is preventable.

• TORONTO WOMEN'S BOOKSTORE, 73 Harbord St, Toronto, ON, M5S 1G4. 416-922-8744.

Any of the above books may be ordered by mail through this bookstore.

• VANCOUVER WOMEN'S HEALTH COLLECTIVE, 302-1720 Grant St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2Y7. 604-736-5262.

• BOSTON WOMEN'S HEALTH BOOK COLLECTIVE, PO Box 192, West Somerville, MA, 02144. 617-625-0271.

This well known public information center contains national and international publications concerning women's health and other issues pertaining to women. All of their books are recommended, especially the newly revised OUR BODIES OURSELVES (revised 1992).

• NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH NETWORK, 1325 G St NW, Washington, DC, 200003. 202-347-1140.

This is a national organization devoted exclusively to women and health. It publishes a newsletter as well as special news alerts concerning issues requiring immediate attention.