A comparative study of psychosexual problems in women who have undergone sterilization versus hysterectomy

ABSTRACT

Background: Female sterilization a popular contraceptive procedure that results in loss of reproductive function whereas hysterectomy, the surgical removal of uterus results in loss of both reproductive and menstrual function. These are important events in women that are found to be contributing for psychological problems as these are related with feminine identity. Though the usual age at operation is different for both the groups, the concerns are same like feminine identity and sexual life. Aim: To compare and study the psychological problems in terms of depression and anxiety and sexual problems in women who have undergone female sterilization and hysterectomy and also to find out whether these procedures affect quality of life; and, also to study whether better information education communication (IEC) activities, round the clock medical services and careful selection of cases have impact on outcome of these procedures. Methods: A cross sectional epidemiological Study conducted in urban slums by administering semi structured questionnaire and instruments like Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale(HADS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF scale (WHOQOL-BREF) Results: Though the hysterectomy group showed slightly higher mean scores in terms of anxiety and depression but they are not statistically significant. Quality of life was good in all domains in both groups where as sexual problems are slightly more in hysterectomy group. Conclusion: Thus the knowledge about procedure, round the clock medical facility, careful selection, pre procedural distress has impact on outcome Key message We can minimise psychosexual problems by careful selection and regular follow up counselling