Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jay R. Greiner

Abstract

Over half a million women undergo a hysterectomy procedure for reproductive issues each year. For over a decade, researchers have explored the impact of a hysterectomy on women over age 35 with a diagnosis of malignancy. Much less is known on the impact of an elected hysterectomy over alternative treatments for younger women with benign reproductive issues. The purpose of this study was to understand women’s postsurgical attitude towards an elected hysterectomy. A qualitative phenomenological design was used with purposive sampling to interview 15 women between 18-40 years of age who had a hysterectomy for a benign reproductive issue using a social media forum. The research questions were answered by examining women’s postsurgical experiences through a structured interview performed live online. Emerging themes about sexual desire, arousal, climax, satisfaction, perceptions of womanhood, femininity, motherhood, healthcare professional communications, and attitude about decision were extracted from each interview through descriptive coding and validated with member checking. The results indicated that the majority of women experienced a positive attitude towards their decision to elect a hysterectomy based on their perceived sexual functioning and satisfaction; ideas of womanhood to include motherhood and femininity, and their trust in presurgical information from healthcare professionals, or other women. This research is significant to healthcare professionals and women contemplating a hysterectomy for a benign condition. The results of this study could positively impact social change on women’s healthcare practices for patient and physician communications, informed decision-making of alternative treatments and postsurgical implications.

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