 Keep Cervix? Hysterectomy Planning |
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I've been reading about the possible option of keeping my cervix when I have my hysterectomy. Why keep it?
This is a difficult question to answer as each woman is unique in her needs and her medical history.
There is new thinking within the medical community in regards to retaining the cervix during a hysterectomy.
By definition, the cervix is part of the uterus. So, removing the top of the uterus and leaving the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) may be an option to some women. This is then called a "Partial Hysterectomy" or a "Subtotal Hysterectomy".
This option is definitely a topic that must be discussed with your surgeon who knows your medical history.
If your cervix is healthy and you have no history of bad pap smears, you are most likely a good candidate for keeping your cervix.
Some believe that the cervix helps to provide pelvic floor support for the bladder (incontinence) and lower abdominal area with the hope of relieving possible vaginal prolapse issues.
Some also believe that retaining the cervix helps with sexual health with nerve endings in the cervix and lower uterus may be the center of orgasmic responses.
Pap smears are still necessary after your hysterectomy if you keep your cervix.
On the downside, some HysterSisters who keep their cervix report possible mini-periods (from the uterine lining still attached to the cervix) even if the surgeon cauterized the lining during surgery.
Also on the negative side is the possibility that the cervix will have to be removed in another surgery. HysterSisters.com reports more than one woman who retained her cervix only to develop cervical cancer soon after her surgery.
Deciding to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult question by itself. It is important to explore all the options (Keep ovaries? Keep cervix? Abdominal surgery? Laproscopic surgery? Vaginal surgery?)
Talk over your concerns with your surgeon and do the best you can with the information that you have and your recommendation of your physician.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Susan Carter, M.D.
North Colorado Medical Center/ MCR
1800 15th Street, Suite 220
Greeley CO 80631
970 353 1335 |
Jennifer Cova, M.D.
7700 Washington Village Drive Suite 210
Dayton OH 45459
937-433-6513 |
Arnold Advincula, M.D.
Florida Hospital Celebration Health
400 Celebration Plac
Celebration FL 34747
407-303-4190 |
Thomas Wolfe, M.D.
6700 N Rochester Road Ste. 112
Rochester Hills MI 48306
248-650-1534 |
Elizabeth C Chase, M.D.
770 Central Avenue
Garrison Women's Health Center
Dover NH 03820
603-742-0101 |
Michael Wong, M.D.
4282 Genesee Ave
Suite 201
San Diego CA 92117
858-268-0300 |
Michele Cowling, M.D.
303 Nicollet Blvd
Burnsville MN 55337
952.460.4000 |
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D.
5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN
Dallas TX 75290
214-645-3888 |
Boniface Ndubisi, M.D.
2964 N. State Road 7
Suite 100
Margate FL 33063
954 974 5190 |
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-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
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