Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy

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• Premature menopause (even if the ovaries are left in place)• Sexual problems such a loss of desire and reduction in orgasm• Pelvic pain• Depression• Thromboembolism• Pulmonary problemsPHYSICAL IMPACT OF HYSTERECTOMYWeight gain—weight gain is not an inevitable result of hysterectomy. It mayoccur owing to lack of exercise and/or over-eating because of boredom during therecovery phase. Weight can be controlled by diet at this time just as at any other.Constipation—this may occur at first owing to lack of muscle tone, and ispreferably controlled by eating high fibre foods. In some cases the doctor mayprescribe a laxative.Urinary symptoms—slight leaking of urine may occur at first owing to lack ofmuscle tone. This will be improved by carrying out the exercises already taught bythe physiotherapist or learned as postnatal exercises. Discomfort or burning onpassing urine may indicate cystitis and the doctor should be consulted fortreatment, which will rapidly relieve the problem.Tiredness—this will occur at first to a sometimes surprising degree, but graduallyimproves as one becomes stronger. Despite feeling tired, difficulty may beexperienced temporarily in sleeping. The problem will go away as normal routinesare re-established.Abdominal pain—this and other aches and pains, for example backache, may beexperienced during the early days at home until strength is regained. The doctorshould be consulted in the unlikely event of more severe pain.
Vaginal bleeding—this should diminish and become brownish rather than brightred in colour before ceasing altogether. Occasionally a tiny amount of bright bloodmay be noticed, indicating that a catgut stitch has come away. Any heavy,prolonged, bright red loss should be reported to the doctor.Hot flushes—Some women experience a few hot flushes during their earlyconvalescence owing to disturbance of the organs during operation. If these persistor worry the patient, she should talk to her doctor, who may be able to prescribesome tablets to help over this stage.Sexual intercourse—as with other activities, this may be resumed when thepatient feels ready, and according to the surgeon’s instructions. There may beslight soreness the first couple of times, but this will soon disappear. A fewwomen feel drier than before and this may cause soreness. In this case a simplelubricant such as KY jelly may be used.Tearfulness or depression—the patient should discuss it with her doctor, whomay think it appropriate to give some treatment to help over this period.ALTERNATIVES TO HYSTERECTOMY:As many as 30% to 40% of all hysterectomies performed may be unnecessary; forcertain problems, alternative procedures may be better (Ammer, 1989; BWHC,1992). However there is a lack of agreement about what is necessary. The qualityof women’s life before and after surgery and the risks and benefits of having ornot having to procedures need to be considered before judging whether ahysterectomy is necessary (Easterday, Grimes, & Riggs, 1983). Women need toknow that there may be alternatives to hysterectomy, and they should considergetting a second opinion before making a decision to have surgery.Depending on the clinical presentation of individual patient, gynaecologists maychoose options including NSAIDs, hormonal agents such as oestrogen,progestines, androgens, danazol, GnRH, agonists, antiprogestines, antibiotics and
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: Vaginal hysterectomy is prefered wh
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 and 36: A change was found in the intensity
Page 37 and 38: Depression in the patient before su

Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy

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