New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) – Increased awareness and tighter monitoring are essential to tackle the growing number of hysterectomies in India, economist and Economic Advisory Council to the PM member Sanjeev Sanyal said on Wednesday.
A hysterectomy, a major surgical procedure to remove the uterus — sometimes along with the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries — is often necessary in severe cases of excessive menstrual bleeding, fibroids, cysts, or other uterine disorders. However, the surgery carries significant health risks, including early menopause.
“Nearly 10 per cent of Indian women aged 40–49 have undergone this major surgery,” Sanyal shared on social media platform X. “While it is unavoidable in some cases, hysterectomy takes a serious toll on women’s health. Greater awareness and closer monitoring are needed.”
Citing a media article, he noted that the procedure is rising disproportionately among “less educated rural women and female agricultural workers, such as those in the sugarcane industry.” Many opt for it as a short-term solution to avoid wage losses, under the belief that it helps them endure long work hours without menstrual discomfort.
However, research indicates that early hysterectomy can heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease, ovarian failure, metabolic disorders, cancers, bone density loss, and mental health issues. Sanyal cautioned that the surgery “should never be taken lightly,” as it may ultimately shorten women’s active working years and harm their quality of life.
He also referred to multiple media reports of unnecessary hysterectomies being performed, often covered under central and state-funded insurance schemes.
To address the issue, Sanyal urged the collection of “comprehensive data” on hysterectomy prevalence, wider awareness campaigns about its risks, and “stricter medical audits and surveillance” to prevent unnecessary surgeries.