Self-Reported Reasons for Undertaking Hysterectomy Among the Women Aged 45 Years and Above: Evidence From Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Wave-1 (2017–2018)

Abstract

The article unravels the prevalence and underlying reasons for undergoing hysterectomy among women (45 years and above) across India. LASI Wave-1 data set (2017–2018) (with retrospective methodology) is used for examining the hysterectomy prevalence by sociodemographic characteristics of these women. Heavy menstrual bleeding/pain (32.1%), fibroids/cysts (24.2%) and uterine prolapse (16.3%) are the most cited reasons for surgeries. Overall, 11.5% is the countrywide hysterectomy prevalence rate while the southern (18.2%) and western (12.7%) Indian regions reported the highest prevalence. A significant proportion of these may be attributed to unnecessary rampant surgeries prescribed by doctors in certain parts of India, summoning strict regulation by the government.