Counselling the hysterectomy patient.

Abstract

The problem of psychosexual disorders following hysterectomy is reviewed. A search of the current literature suggests that a large number of women who have post-hysterectomy depression, loss of libido, or other neuroses have a previous history of depression and neurosis, that they have a generally poor knowledge of their own anatomy and physiology, or that they have received poor counselling and explanation from their own doctor. The fact that the decision to perform a hysterectomy may have been incorrect has also been suggested as a possible cause for regret for the loss of their uterus in some women, whilst in others it is often related to the concept that the uterus is the source of a woman's femininity and the loss of this organ makes her less than a woman. A regime of counselling and the use of an explanatory pamphlet is proposed for all women who are to have a hysterectomy.

• Authors: B G Wren
• Journal: The Medical journal of Australia (Med J Aust) Vol. 1 Issue 2 Pg. 87-9 (Jan 28 1978) ISSN: 0025-729X [Print] Australia
• PMID: 565865 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Counseling
• Female
• Humans
• Hysterectomy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pan troglodytes
• Postoperative Complications (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological (epidemiology, prevention & control)