Unnecessary Hysterectomies in India

Many of us might have read the shocking news about the removal of uterus of 226 women in Rajasthan. But this is not all. This is only one of the many cases that have surfaced. Many gynecologists carry out hysterectomies of young women even though there is no such clear indication. Money is the reason behind such malpractices.

Several times doctors cite heavy bleeding as a reason for removal of uterus. But with advances in medical science hysterectomy is no more the only available option. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding can opt for oral remedies, intra-uterine devices (IUD) or endometrial ablasion. Doctors should resort to hysterectomy only when all other treatments fail to give results.

Patients with a problem of excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) can also consult an alternative medicine practitioner. There are several beneficial herbs and medicines in Ayurveda which can help solve this problem and prevent hysterectomies.

The rising concern about unnecessary hysterectomies is not just about the removal of uterus, but it is about the complications that follow as even the ovaries are removed for prophylactic reasons. Therefore, the patient has to be on a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the rest of her life. This HRT does no good to lessen the side-effects like mood swings, vaginal dryness, itching, osteoporosis, weight gain, decrease in libido etc.  

Less awareness about women’s health among the rural population is one of the major reasons why doctors get away with such kind of malpractices. Women should be aware about the side effects of hysterectomy. They should discuss it properly with their gynecologists and opt for hysterectomy only when the benefits outweigh the risks.