A Study on the Effects of Hysterectomy on Gender Identity among Badaga Women in Nilgiris District, Tamilnadu

Document Type : Primary Research paper

Authors

Department of Communication, PSG College of Arts and Science

Abstract

Purpose: Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Removal of uterus also removes the child bearing capability of a woman. In India, community based studies and media reports indicate that there is a surge in number of young women undergoing hysterectomy in the past few years. Menstruation is one of the physical identities of every woman to celebrate their ‘womanhood’ throughout their life. Since there is an increase in hysterectomy among young women, the study explored the physical, psychological and self-concepts effects after hysterectomy among pre-menopausal Badaga women in Nilgiris District, Tamilnadu and how it affects the gender identity.
Methods: The study employed quantitative approach for the collection of data and the findings have been discussed in the light of gender identity theories. The study also explored the source of information, communication and information seeking behavior among women with regards to decision making on gender identity.
Results: The study has found that the physical health after hysterectomy was not satisfactory among the Badaga women. On the contrary, the psychological health and self-concepts after hysterectomy were satisfactory.
Conclusion: The study has suggested the need for education towards decision making on hysterectomy and the importance of uterus in construction of feminine identity.

Keywords

Int. J. of Aquatic Science
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
June 2021
Pages 3590-3604

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