An analysis of data from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) has revealed that approximately 5% of women in India have undergone a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the uterus. The study, conducted by researchers from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, and the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), New Delhi, highlights that heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common condition leading to this procedure.

The analysis, which covered over 4.5 lakh rural and urban women aged 25-49, found that 4.8% of women in this age group had undergone a hysterectomy. This means that around five out of every 100 women aged 25-49 in India have had the surgery.

The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Evidence, shed light on the widespread nature of hysterectomies in India. The procedure, while often a medical necessity, raises concerns about the underlying health issues and access to proper healthcare and treatment options for women.

Experts believe that the high rate of hysterectomies points to a need for better awareness and management of conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, and other gynecological health issues. It also brings into focus the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure and access to more sustainable treatments for women in rural and urban areas alike.

The study’s results are expected to fuel further discussions on the reproductive health of women in India and the need for more research and support systems to ensure better healthcare outcomes.