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The Psychosocial Dimensions of Hysterectomy: Private Places and the Inner Spaces of Women at Midlife

Although the literature on hysterectomy is well represented by the medical and nursing professions, there is a paucity of social work research on the psychosocial dimensions of hysterectomy and surgical menopause. With over one-half million women undergoing the surgical removal of their reproductive organs each year, clinical social workers need to be aware of the potential effects of hysterectomy on the physical, affective, social, spiritual, and sexual domains of women's lives. The sequelae of a hysterectomy portend consequences for the quality of a woman's life. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, a Web-based questionnaire was used to examine women's lived experiences of hysterectomy in each of these domains. The findings of this exploratory study (n = 74) suggest that younger women may be at greater risk for depression than older women following hysterectomy and that physician gender may influence pre-surgery decision making.