Psychic attitude of women to irreversible contraception
Sudik, R.; Jäkel, F.; Beier, R.; Wilken, H.
Zentralblatt für Gynakologie 103(20): 1242-1254
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-4197 PMID: 7324627 Document Number: 168504
34 of 100 women who had undergone officially sanctioned sterilization at the Gynecological Dept. of Wismar Regional Hospital were selected at random for a follow-up investigation 1-2 1/2 years after the intervention. The following psychological tests were taken: standardized interview based on abridged psychopathological method, Freiburg personal interventory, record of complaints according to Kasielke, and the multiple choice vocabulary test according to Lienert. Psychiatric examination was added on the basis of a structured psychopathological record system according to Grunes and Kuhne. The following results were obtained from the study. All subjects exhibited positive attitudes to the method of sterilization. They said they would select the same option if they were asked again and they recommened the same decision to other women. Inner conflicts due to the irreversible nature of the intervention, problems of self-worth, and impairment of the partner relations were not reported. Nor did any of the women desire refertilization. The gynecological intervention did in no 1 case result in neurotic developments or in any other psychiatrically relevant symptoms. However, the possibility of neurosis must be reckoned with, as it must with any medical intervention. Risk may be effectively encountered by due consideration of the patient's personality, clarified indication, adequate information, and therapeutic support for the patient's efforts to come to grips with the psychological problem. Thus sterilization can be an alternative for women over age 35 for whom reversible contraception is contraindicated, despite the completion of desired family size. (author's)