Sex, Lies and Secrecy: Dissecting Hysterectomy is the shocking and untold story of women, 98% of whom undergo unnecessary and devastating surgery on their reproductive organs, often with life-long physical, emotional and sexual consequences.

A group of Newfoundland women talk about a woman's right to accurate information, as does Dr. Bakhet, an Egyptian gynecologist who now lives and practices in Gander, Newfoundland. (runtime 1:41, Windows Media)

Dr. Nicholas Leyland, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto discusses less invasive alternatives to hysterectomy. (runtime 1:10, Windows Media)

Today, three-quarters of a million hysterectomies are performed annually in North America. Close to 80% of these women are 'castrated' at the time of surgery - the removal of their ovaries robs them of a natural and healthy hormonal balance. After surgery, almost half of the women suffer from digestive problems, incontinence, loss of maternal feelings, depression, memory loss and absence of sexual drive or pleasure. Nevertheless, it is estimated that one out of every two women in North America will have had a hysterectomy by the age of 65.

There are alternatives but not at a price most hospitals can afford. Five hospitals in Canada have surgical suites that can support a wide range of minimally invasive procedures.

Lise Cloutier-Steele

Zelda Abramson

The rate of hysterectomies is five times greater in Newfoundland and the southern states in the U.S. than in the rest of North America. Sociologist Dr. Zelda Abramson visited Gander to meet the women and find out why. Participating in the documentary are internationally renowned scientists and physicians, including Toronto surgeon Dr. Nick Leyland who specializes in non-invasive alternatives, as well as the author of "Misinformed Consent" Lise Cloutier-Steele and her collaborator Mary Anne Wyatt.

Sex, Lies and Secrecy is produced ,directed and written by Carol Moore-Ede. Michael Allder is executive producer of The Nature of Things with David Suzuki.