Abstract:
This research is aimed at studying the meanings of the uterus and menses and their effect womens experiences in relation to gender identity, sexuality and sexual health. In addition , this research will examine the effect of socio-economic factors on women who have undergone hysterectomies and the effect of the hysterectomy on their gender identity, sexuality and sexual health in their marital life. The samples were nine women, ages 35-44, who had undergone total or subtotal abdominal hysterectomy three months-five years before, due to cervical cancer and uterine fibroid. They had received post-hysterectomy examinations at the OPD Section, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Ratchaburi Hospital. As well ,there were two husbands and three key informants included. Everyone was studied through in-depth interviews. The field data was collected from July-November 2007.
The study suggests that the female samples who had undergone hysterectomy perceived the uterus as the major female reproductive organ, producing hormones and menses and used for having sexual relations. They regarded that having no uterus changed their feminine identity: they believe that they are unhealthy, unattractive and incomplete women, The changes in their sexuality were found to be both negative and positive. After undergoing hysterectomy, one group had better sexual desire and pleasure and the other group had no sexual desire and encountered various sexual problems including vaginal dryness. The lack of sexual desire and pleasure among women after undergoing hysterectomy is reinforced by the existing social and medical discourses related with hysterectomy and its effect on womens body and sexuality. These discourses are produced and reproduced in everyday use of language by womens friends, neighbors, and doctors.
The study suggests that the samples did not access the relevant information. Full of negative social and medical discourses relating to gender and sexuality of women after undergoing hysterectomy, they deferred to discourses and experienced changes in their gender identity and sexuality. Therefore, concerned agencies should provide health services which provide sexual health information and counseling for the patients and their husband before and after hysterectomy.