Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomy (EPH): A Taboo for Women

Abstract

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure conducted to remove a part or
whole of uterus with or without ovaries and fallopian tubes. Uterus
also known as “Womb” is a muscular, bag like organ which holds the
embryo later fetus for the whole gestation period till birth. Uterus not
only makes a woman fertile, it also holds endocrine functions which
are very much important for balanced hormonal conditions of a
female. Various medical conditions require hysterectomy for
example, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, prolonged
heavy vaginal bleedings, adenomyosis and adherent placenta. It is the
least option to be selected when there is no option to treat the
undergoing medical condition. Although most of the hysterectomies
are performed in aged women having age above 40 or 50 where all or
most fertile life has been passed, but it is also common in young
women who suffer severe life threatening medical condition like
adherent placenta (placenta previa or accreta) in which placenta is
abnormally implanted deeply in the uterine wall and may attach to
urinary bladder. There are many types of hysterectomies which are
adopted depending upon the medical issues for example, abdominal,
vaginal, radical or subtotal. Hysterectomy leads a woman no longer
able to reproduce, arrival of possible side effects including weight
gain, facial hair growth and no estrogen formation if ovaries are also
removed. Most of females refuse for hysterectomy until the doctors
explain there is no way out. The need of this operation is a major
shock for most of women while relief for some elderly women. Many
myths are associated with this problem. Women feels loss of
womanhood. Anxiety, emotional disturbances after hysterectomy
can lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This risk is more
common in young females who are in their fertile ages.