The need for counselling of women who undergo hysterectomy: a feminist perspective.
Many women have hysterectomies in Australia each year, yet the consequences of hysterectomy in women's lives are not well understood. Approximately 36,015 hysterectomies are performed annually in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 1998). Recent nursing literature suggests that information regarding hysterectomy is inadequately discussed with the patient, and for whatever reason the patient has made the 'choice' to undergo hysterectomy, it appears little information or counselling is available to many women in this position. Many women view the uterus as their 'function' and with its removal, they may perceive that their femininity is challenged. Nursing literature is gathering momentum, and proposing a greater commitment from nurses to counsel in the gynaecological area (McQueen 1997). Nurses working in all specialities need to develop an awareness of how illness can impact upon the sexuality or sexual health of their client group, and be able to facilitate the provision of appropriate support (Palmer 1998). This paper will explore the symbolic themes of hysterectomy identified in Wood & Giddings' (1991) research, and will consider the reasons why women who undergo hysterectomy are not receiving sufficient information, counselling and follow-up.
Le Cornu
J
J
University of South Australia.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D001828:Body Image; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012944:Social Support