The significance of uterus removal for women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To identify the myths accepted by women about to undergo hysterectomy regarding the consequences that removal of their uterus might have on their lives. METHODS. A sample of 10 hospitalized women with surgical indication for hysterectomy was used to perform a qualitative study, with semi-structured interviews carried out during the preoperative period. A profile questionnaire was used with questions about personal features and semi-structured inquiries to facilitate deeper questioning. With authorization of the subjects, interviews were recorded and transcribed to perform a thematic analysis of the content. RESULTS. The myths most often mentioned during the interviews were: loss of femininity, frigidity, change in personality, possible change in body appearance (since they would be "hollow", "empty", "have a hole inside their belly"), interference in the affective and sexual life and the belief that their companion might change in relation to them (assuming that they would be hollow, cold, and with no sexual attraction). CONCLUSION. The interviewed women accepted a number of myths about the consequences that removal of their uterus would have on their lives. These myths are related to the social identity of the gender and to a lack of knowledge about their body its organs and functions.