Psychological effect after hysterectomy

Uterus in a woman is a sign of feminism and so is the menstruation. When a woman looses her uterus after hysterectomy, her menstruation too ceases unnaturally and there are various psychological effect of that condition.

Depression after hysterectomy

A common after effect of hysterectomy is depression. Depression occurs more often in woman who have not been properly counseled, or in those who feel they had no other option like in the cases of cancers. Those woman who have many interests like those working outside home, adjust better to these situation. Home bound woman, who concentrate all their energies in running the house, looking after their children, feel incomplete. They feel they have lost a part of themselves, a part of womanhood. There is speculation that may be the uterus also produces some hormone like substance, which after a hysterectomy is not there hence causes depression. This speculation applies to woman in which ovaries are left intact.

When the ovaries are also removed in hysterectomy, the depression is attributed to an early artificial menopause and its related problem. Due to artificial menopause there may be hot flushes due to estrogen deficiency and this leads to insomnia and aggravate depression.

Improper counseling creates a myth in the woman’s mind that there may be loss of libido and her sexual ability may hamper and this becomes another reason for depression after hysterectomy.

How to cope up with psychological effect after hysterectomy

To combat psychological effect after hysterectomy the role of doctor, counselor, family and the woman herself is equally important.

The doctor needs to explain all the after effect of hysterectomy, its hazards, its necessity so that a woman may be mentally prepared for the operation. He should explain the how hysterectomy can be beneficial for the disease she is suffering.

The counselor which can be doctor him/herself should explain that there is no loss of womanhood at all and just a physiological process ceases which was not even present before puberty. There is no loss in the sexuality or libido of the woman as the clitoris is intact and a woman can attain full orgasm even after hysterectomy.

The family, especially the husband’s support is very important as he is the person who can make her feel that she is as normal as a woman and same as before hysterectomy.

The woman’s role is also important as she should know all the facts about hysterectomy and should know whether there is any alternative to hysterectomy, how hysterectomy can be beneficial for her disease. What if she does not undergo hysterectomy? She should ask all the questions about hysterectomy and should be completely aware of. See here Awareness about hysterectomy.

She should know all the risks of hysterectomy and also the risk if she does not perform the operation,

Hot flushes and other problems related to artificial menopause can be treated by hormone replacement therapy. Vaginal dryness sometimes occurs which can be treated by estrogen cream.

In severe depression the patient may require tranquilizers and fluoxetine for the treatment. In severe cases fluoxetine along with regular counseling and other behavioral therapy may cure this problem.

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