Article: Keep Cervix? Hysterectomy Planning

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Article: Keep Cervix? Hysterectomy Planning
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.