If this was not alarming enough, The proportion was highest in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh where at least one in five women above 45 had the surgery. In Andhra Pradesh (23.1 per cent) and Punjab (21.2 per cent) at least one in every five elderly women had undergone the surgery.
It is found that around 11% above 45 age has gone through this surgery which is also known as hysterectomy.
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. There a several types of hysterectomy, depending on what’s removed:
A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact.
A standard hysterectomy removes both uterus and cervix.
A total hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, and one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
What are the short-term side-effects?
Having a hysterectomy can cause several short-term physical side effects. Some may also experience emotional side effects during the recovery process.
The uterus is a crucial organ for pregnancy. Removing it means that you won’t be able to get pregnant, which can be a hard adjustment for some. You’ll also stop menstruating after having a hysterectomy. For some, this is a huge relief. But even if you’re feeling relieved, you can still experience a sense of loss
The lowest proportion of women got hysterectomy in the north-eastern states of India. In Assam, 3.3 per cent, in Arunachal Pradesh 3.1 per cent, in Nagaland 1.7 per cent and in Meghalaya just 0.92 per cent underwent the operation.
What appears truly shocking is that, a higher proportion of women (15 per cent) went for the operation in urban India, where the level of education is higher among women, compared to rural India (10 per cent), the report said. The major reason for the surgery among urban women was uterine fibroids while that among rural women was menstrual disorder.
Let us look at the reasons why this surgery is performed?
Cancer that contributes to 1.8 per cent
Uterine prolapse (sliding of the uterus from its normal position into the vaginal canal) contributes to 14 per cent
Excessive menstrual bleeding or pain which contributes to about 29 per cent of all hysterectomies in elderly women
Uterine disorders (rupture) or injury that contribute to 7 per cent
Are there any health risks?
Hysterectomy is a major surgery. Like all surgeries, it comes with a number of immediate risks. These risks include:
Major blood loss
Damage to surrounding tissues, including the bladder, urethra, blood vessels, and nerves
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to an abrupt halt. It has muddled people with unresolved questions that have left them with a vague picture of COVID 19 in terms of its many causes and effects. The one section that seems to be especially ambiguous in these trying times is the ‘pregnant women’. Pregnancy is a phase where a woman can feel multiple emotions. With Coronavirus coming into the picture, a lot of to-be-mothers are left daunted with uncertainties and fairly so! But here is a thing-Optimism is the opium for all those hullabaloos popping up in the mind. In these times of open-ended possibilities, we talked to a Dr. Manisha Singh (MBBS, DGO, DNB – Obstetrics & Gynecology) at Fortis Hospital, to converge and make sense of all that is disjunct with respect to ‘Coronavirus and Pregnancy’.
Precautions! What to do?
Coronavirus is a subject that is still being widely studied by the researchers. This in itself makes it obvious that it is in the best interest of all people, especially pregnant women to stay indoors and maintain isolation because there may not be an immediate and sure shot solution for COVID 19 infected pregnant women. “When pregnant women get even normal fever, it is always recommended to get a detailed consultation.”, says Dr. Manisha Singh, a senior gynecologist at Fortis hospital. Coronavirus has been spreading all over the world like wildfire. In these times, it is imperative to follow the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisations because everyone irrespective of their existing physical conditions is indiscriminately susceptible to the Coronavirus. “So far we have not dealt with a pregnant woman with COVID 19 but with all that is going on, if a woman gets a high temperature, she must without much ado consult a doctor.” However, WHO on their FAQ section does not mention pregnant women in the high-risk category. In addition, Dr. Singh says that pregnant women should keep in mind to be very honest about their partner’s travel history to the doctors besides keeping general precautions.
Can the Coronavirus be transmitted from mother to baby?
With scant availability of data, the recommendations coming in from various reports across the world are contradictory. Dr. Manisha says that while studies are still evolving, so far it does not precisely indicate that newborns can contract the virus from their mothers. However, she continues, it is a good idea to isolate the baby from the mother as soon as they are born. Her advice aligns with a number of worldwide reports including China and the US. According to the WHO, so far no sample of the virus has been found in amniotic fluid or breast milk. It is still a matter of contention if the COVID 19 can be passed on to the babies from the mothers.
Can pregnant women with Coronavirus breastfeed?
The World Health Organisation says, ‘YES’. Since the virus sample has so far not been found in breast milk, women depending on their wish may/may not opt to breastfeed. Dr. Manisha reiterates that coronavirus is still an open-ended subject and we can never be sure what we learn about it tomorrow so it is important for mothers to be mindful at all times. WHO gives a nod to breastfeeding on conditions such as utmost care for respiratory hygiene, washing hands before and after touching the baby and regularly cleaning the surface that may have come in contact with the infected mother.
In addition, if the mothers feel too weak to be able to breastfeed, they can resort to ‘expressing milk’, ‘Relactation’ and ‘Donor milk’ as alternate options.
Delivery of the baby- C-Section or Normal
In the case of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, WHO advises that normal delivery is the best way to go about it. However, the Caesarean section should be considered only if medically necessary or justified. Moreover, the report also states that the “mode of birth should be individualized and based on women’s preferences alongside obstetric indication.”
Has the COVID 19 lockdown affected pregnant women’s visits and timely consultations?
Dr. Manisha says, “We have definitely limited the patient’s visits to the hospital but we are available for them 24*7 over the call. We keep a tab on their health by constantly staying in touch. However, if there ever arises a need to see a doctor even for a mild fever, we are always around and hospitals are always open.” It is advisable to take adequate precautions while visiting a hospital such as masks, sanitizers, etc.
The psychological effect of coronavirus lockdown on pregnant women
The coronavirus lockdown phase is quite a testing time for everyone in general. Therefore it is quite understandable that pregnancy, which is already an emotionally charged phase in a woman’s life may in a lot of ways affect their mental space. Dr. Manisha suggests that during these times of emotional turmoil, women should always keep in touch with their closest confidante and share everything without any fear of judgment. It is important to talk to someone and feel free to be able to speak up. Most importantly, talk to the doctors, they are always listening and they can always be trusted. A wise person once said, “No question is a silly question, especially during pregnancy.” In addition, physical exercises like walking and yoga coupled with a few minutes of meditation every day can release all that oxytocin and make one feel happier and refreshed.
In conclusion, pregnancy is a beautiful time in the lives of all women and no matter what the circumstances are, it can always be made special with people who matter. Love flavored with some excitement and covered by precautions can surely help one get through this phase of pregnancy with ease. On an optimistic note, while you square up to official WHO guidelines, don’t forget to stop and embrace each moment that is going to bring you a lifetime of joy, happiness and uncontained aspirations for the future.
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