PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF EARLY MENOPAUSE INDUCED BY HYSTERECTOMY AMONG WOMEN

Abstract

Hysterectomy is among one of the most common surgeries performed globally by the gynecologists. The current study focused on examining psychological and social effects which women with hysterectomy experience leading to early menopause. It is therefore important to establish the relationship between hysterectomy and psychological problems because women are vulnerable to long term emotional and psychological problems after the surgery. Consequently, this qualitative study employed a case history research method together with snowball sampling technique in order to explore the psychological effects of early menopause as a result of hysterectomy. Data was collected from 5 women who had undergone hysterectomy and had menopause. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data. The study concentrated on the psychological, physical and social effects of hysterectomy among women and the data was gathered through semi structured interviews. The themes identified focused on the aspects of the participants’ experience of psychological distress; risk factors for the distress; and management strategies. Some of the observed findings were significant pain relief and psychological pressure, improved quality of life and behavioral change. But, as to fertility and hysterectomy, concerns were less among women who were either nulliparous or had had fewer children. Besides, new concern areas were identified, including body image issues. The study emphasized on the complex psychological effects associated with early menopause due to hysterectomy, underlining the need for individualized care and comprehensive counseling to support affected women.