Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy

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The physical, emotional and social problems that the hysterectomy patient facesare closely interwoven. The way in which the woman perceives her role in lifegreatly affects her reaction to the loss of reproductive ability. The patient whodefines her role as a woman in relation to her reproductive ability must be assistedin redefining her self-concept, preferably before the hysterectomy. The patientmust be assured of her intrinsic worth and dignity regardless of her reproductiveability. It is also important to explore her relationships with others. An assessmentof the family structure enables to determine if a support system is available to thepatient. Most patients undergoing hysterectomy require a minimum six to eightweeks to recover from the initial surgery. A return to the equal of the preoperativestate may take up to one year depending on the recuperative physical andemotional powers of the woman and the support she receives.The best way to describe some women’s initial response to the announcement ofimpending hysterectomy is to compare the experience to the grief process asdefined by Kubler-Ross. Shock & disbelief are the initial reactions to the need forremoval of the uterus and subsequent loss of reproductive ability. If the surgery isan emergency, it is important to deal with the patient who may not realize the fullextent and implications of the procedure. Denial often is present. An attitude ofisolation and withdrawal may develop. It is important to listen to what the patientsays, and then offer simple, clear, and concise explanations to questions andattempt to determine the extent of understanding available to the patient.When a period of time from diagnosis to surgery is available to the patient, theshock and disbelief at the need for surgery often progresses to anger. This anger isdirected at an intrusive procedure that will result in a loss of reproductive abilityand, often, a conceptual loss of femininity. The anger may be personal and innerdirected. The patient must be allowed to express the anger and hostility she feelsbefore she can begin to cope with the actual surgery. Listening and providingsupport can encourage verbalization.
Depression in the patient before surgery is common. Whenever possible, thewoman should be allowed time to resolve her depression and progress into anacceptance of the fact that she is to have a hysterectomy. At this point, there mustbe assistance to the patient in exploring the redefinition of her role in life and theimplications of the surgery.Fear of the unknown for the patient who has not experienced previoushospitalisation or surgery can be traumatic. Exploring the patient’s fears andhelping her to come to terms with it is important. Active listening should be aprimary tool in dealing with the emotional problems of a hysterectomy patient.Non-verbal communication is also a support mechanism. Support to the patient’sfamily is vital to the success of emotional support for the patient. If the family isstrong, they will provide a needed resource to the patient.The hospital staff, the family and significant others in the patient’s life shouldunderstand what the hysterectomy patient goes through and should deal with herempathetically.References1. Bachmann, G. A. 1990. “Psychosexual aspects of hysterectomy” Women’sHealth Issues 1(1), 41-49.2. Barker, M. G. 1968. “Psychiatric illness after hysterectomy” British MedicalJournal, April 1968, 91-95.3. Cooper, W. 1975. No Change. London: Arrow Books.4. Coppen, A. and Bishop, M. 1981. “Hysterectomy, hormones and behaviour:A prospective study.” Lancet, 1, 126-128.5. Drummond, J. and Field, P. 1984. “Emotional and sexual sequelae followinghysterectomy.” Health Care for Women International, 5, 261-271.
Page 1 and 2: ABSTRACTTitle - Psychosocial Proble
Page 3 and 4: PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS OF WOMEN WHO
Page 5 and 6: Dysfunctional uterus bleeding (DUB)
Page 7 and 8: Vaginal hysterectomy is prefered wh
Page 9 and 10: Vaginal bleeding—this should dimi
Page 11 and 12: hospital reported 1547 hysterectomi
Page 13 and 14: ) The study also gathered first han
Page 15 and 16: and found no evidence of hormone di
Page 17 and 18: Any kind of surgical intervention o
Page 19 and 20: esulting absence of ovarian estroge
Page 21 and 22: penetration during intercourse, and
Page 23 and 24: heavy, prolonged and irregular blee
Page 25 and 26: hysterectomy. She complained of wei
Page 27 and 28: Case no: 2Nirmala is 42 years old a
Page 29 and 30: She did not perceive it as a “los
Page 31 and 32: esult of her hysterectomy. She was
Page 33 and 34: miscarriage following tubular pregn
Page 35: A change was found in the intensity

Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy

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