A study of 49 sterilized females

Forty-nine women sterilized for eugenic, medical or socioeconomic reasons were studied in the Outpatients Department of a Women's Hospital. Results indicate that in a considerable proportion of cases, physical as well as mental condition was negatively affected. The most significant factors which influenced the outcome of the operation were the personality of the subjects and the reasons for which they were sterilized. It is emphasized that before this operation is undertaken, a full psychiatric assessment should be performed and a social report obtained.