Lived experiences of women who had hysterectomy for uterine prolapse in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy aims to relieve symptoms and improve patients’ lives. Yet, the lived experiences of women who had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse in sub-Saharan Africa have primarily been unexamined. This study explored their experiences after hysterectomy at a specialist hospital in Southeast Nigeria.

Objective: To explore the women’s physical, psychological, social, and economic experiences after hysterectomy.

Method: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted on 21 women aged 31-72 at 3- 6-month check-ups after hysterectomy. The interview transcripts were subjected to hermeneutic phenomenological interpretation.

Results: Loss of the uterus was particularly distressing to the women. They questioned their womanhood at its loss. Some continued to experience body pains and symptoms of depression months after hysterectomy, making them limit their economic activities. Their narrations showed dissonant grieving: consoled by the relief of the prolapse but bothered by uncertainty about the surgery and poor empathy from their spouses. Expecting stigmatisation, they reduced their social relationships. They tried to cope by depending more on their children and parental family members, seeking guidance and support from other women who previously underwent hysterectomy, and increasing their spiritual relationship.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that pre- and post-surgery counselling, incorporating verbalization and problem sharing, and self-help groups can be helpful to women who have had hysterectomy.