[Differences in the psychological status of hysterectomy and non-hysterectomy women].

Purpose Of The Study: Despite numerous investigations on the well-being of hysterectomized women, this issue is still discussed controversially. The aim of the present study was to reveal differences between a group of hysterectomized women with a fairly long follow-up period (7.9 years) and a group of non-hysterectomized women with respect to their psychological well-being.

Research Method And Material: In a questionnaire study we compared a group of 216 women who underwent hysterectomy with a group of 90 non-hysterectomized women. Dependent variables were: body complaints, psychological well-being, dysphoria, socio-sexual assertiveness, and gender-role orientation.

Results And Conclusions: The group of hysterectomized women showed significantly higher levels of body complaints, depression, and unassertiveness in sexual situations, as well as decreased psychological well-being, and a more traditional gender-role orientation. Within the group of hysterectomized women, duration since hysterectomy, surgical techniques, and hormone substitution therapy seem to be unrelated to the psychological variables. The group differences cannot be causally attributed to the hysterectomy, since they may already have existed premorbidly. Nevertheless, the results suggest that a more thorough psychological examination prior to hysterectomy, as well as provision of support for the coping process after intervention is advantageous.