Hysterectomy is proving harmful for women in rural India, who face illiteracy, social pressure and limitations in health insurance. A recent study published in the “Journal of Medical Evidence” shows that illiterate and obese women living in rural areas are more likely to undergo hysterectomy than urban women.
According to “Times of India” report, the prevalence of hysterectomy among Indian women aged 25 to 49 years has increased from 4.8% (2015-16) to 4.9% (2019-21). In particular, women employed in agriculture are 32% more likely to undergo this surgery. For example, in Maharashtra, the percentage of hysterectomies among employed women aged 25 to 49 was 2.2%, while among women in the agricultural sector it reached 4.4%.
According to the study, more than 70% of hysterectomy surgeries are performed in private health facilities. Experts say many private practitioners push women to undergo this surgery unnecessarily, especially when other treatments are also possible. The report also mentions that for profit, private doctors insist on hysterectomies even for minor problems.
Social taboos related to menstruation and limited information about reproductive health are also major reasons for the increasing cases of this surgery. Many women decide to have a hysterectomy to avoid menstrual complications or out of fear of reproductive health cancer.
The study also found that the prevalence of hysterectomy is higher among women with health insurance coverage, because private hospitals easily convince these women to undergo surgery by taking advantage of insurance.
Andhra Pradesh (12.6%), Telangana (11.1%), Bihar (8.6%) and Gujarat (6.2%) are among the states where the prevalence of hysterectomy is highest. Its main causes were excessive bleeding (55.4%), fibroids/cysts (19.6%) and uterine disease (13.9%).
