The Lived Experience of Hospitalized Women Undergoing Hysterectomy: A Phenomenological Study

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the main gynecological procedures which affect a woman's life 
in numerous ways, including physically, psychologically, socially, and sexually. Following 
hysterectomy, these effects on the women's physical and mental health are contradictory, despite 
improvements in their biopsychosocial function. The aim of the current study is to explore the lived 
experience of hospitalized women undergoing hysterectomy. Design: A phenomenological qualitative 
research design was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Sample: A purposive sample of fifteen 
women who had a hysterectomy. Tools for data collection: three tools were used for data collection; a 
structured interviewing questionnaire; an unstructured interviewing questionnaire; the digital voice 
recorder and field notes. Setting: The interview was conducted at the high-risk pregnancy unit and 
gynecological inpatient department at Obstetrics and Gynecological Hospital which is affiliated with 
Cairo University Hospitals. Results: The overall experience as perceived by the participants could be 
described, within a framework of time sequences, as the following: 1) The immediate reaction towards 
hysterectomy was reflected by different feelings such as acceptance of the diagnosis, shock, sadness, 
and depression; 2) Early post-procedure suffering due to physical and psychological factors; 3) 
Expected later concerns and actual needs such as concern about family and children, sexual concern,
need for affections and support from husband, needs for education; 4) Late post-procedures complaints
due to fatigability, weight loss, social effects, loss feminine role, anxiety, altered sexual behavior and 
excitement. Conclusion: The current study concluded that hysterectomy has negative physical, 
psychological, and social impacts on women’s lives in this study sample. Recommendation: Before 
women are discharged from the hospital, healthcare professionals in postoperative departments must 
address these potentially distressing psychological and physical consequences of hysterectomy.