The Hysterectomy Experience

Abstract

Women who undergo a hysterectomy typically experience preoperative symptoms that severely affect quality of life. The purpose of this study was to understand the hysterectomy experience from the informants' perspective. The research design chosen was ethnography. Research aims included (a) describing the quality of life before hysterectomy, (b) understanding the decision-making process involved in having a hysterectomy, (c) describing the knowledge base women have about hysterectomies, (d) describing concerns and fears about hysterectomies, (e) making comparisons before and 3 months after the hysterectomy, and (f) discovering what advice women give each other about hysterectomies. Ethnographic interviews were conducted and analyzed according to the Spradley method. The informants provided researchers with valuable advice for professionals caring for women who elect to undergo a hysterectomy.