To Keep Cervix or Not?

I'm scheduled for a laparoscopic hysterectomy on September 14th and I need to make a decision as to whether I keep my cervix or not.

Quick history: I'm 29 and have made the decision to move forward with this because I have extremely heavy periods. I have a very thick uterine lining, plus combined with Von Willebrands disease. I have 4 children (via c-section) and we're done having kids (hubby had a vasectomy a year ago.) I've tried all the alternatives - natural remedies, Mirena IUD twice, hormones, even considered an ablation - and this is the best option for me at this point. I'm nervous, but ready to get this done with and move on with my life!

Back to my question - I originally wanted to keep my cervix as I've heard it provides support for the bladder. I don't have any extra risks for cervical cancer or issues there (never had an issue with my regular PAPs) so I didn't see why I shouldn't.

I had my pre-op with my doctor this past Tuesday and she is recommending that my cervix be removed. She said, in her experience, about 15-20% of women will continue to have a period when keeping their cervix. I don't want that to happen to me. Especially because I have von Willebrands and am prone to bleeding.

My doctor did say it's my decision and she will go with whatever I want. I can just tell her on the morning of the surgery. I'm having a laparoscopic hyst and they plan to remove everything vaginally, unless I decide to keep my cervix, in which case it will be laparoscopic removal.

I need opinions and advice here. I'm not sure what to do.
Thanks...

I decided to have mine removed. I heard about the mini periods Plus what effects your uterus could also effect your cervix because it is part of your uterus. I did not take this decsision lightly. I was given the option and I first told my doctor I wanted to keep both my ovaries and cervix. I had a lot of sleepless nights wondering about this decsision When I went back to my doctor for my pre op appt 4 days before surgery I told him yup I changed my mind, take it out. I signed a new consent form before I left I am happy my decsision. But ultimately the decsision is yours to make hun.

Here's my for what it's worth... I would not remove your cervix if you don't want it removed.

Is your most serious problem heavy periods? If it is, then removing your cervix might seem like a reasonable solution. But from what I've read here, the so-called "mini-period" is nothing nearly as much as an actual period, often requiring just a pantiliner.

On the other hand, the cervix is not the be-all-end-all of womanhood, either. I personally did not know I had a cervix before, and I can't tell that it's gone now. I just went to a urologist and she proclaimed my pelvic floor very "sound" and congratulated me on my ability to do the Kegel exercise. (I know... I'm just THAT good. )

If the doc feels you are prone to prolapse, that might be another argument for retaining the cervix. And finally, you can always have it removed later if it turns out you are still having difficulties later.

This really is your decision... and we'll be here for whatever you decide. Best wishes to you.

Dawnsy, that's my concern too - I'd hate to go through all this and still have a period, even if it's "mini." Chances are good that wouldn't happen, but I tend to be the "oddball."

mjd, yes, the reason I'm having a hyst is because of very heavy bleeding. That's the BIG and only reason. I would be more likely to have a continuing "mini" period than others - I would think. Thanks for sharing your experience - it makes me feel better. I am leaning more towards following my doctor's advice and having it removed. I've had four kids, but they were all c-section babies so I've had no bladder or pelvic floor issues and can do kegals like nobody's business. Lol.

I don't know if this helps, but my gyn. is actually a pelvic floor specialist. I see her because of some random things that popped up and landed me in her office for something totally unrelated to my uterus.

In my case (I'm undiagnosed as to cause) she strongly advocated removing the cervix. There are a few reasons for this; one is the mini-periods and she seems to think that might be my fate, another is removal all tissue that can cause issues. I think she believes my cervix is not healthy. I was so involved with some details that I didn't ask too many questions the day we decided to do this.

But she has said in the past, even the day of my last visit, that she wants a few things to happen to maintain pelvic floor integrity. She does not seem at all worried about issues related to removing the cervix. I had anticipated the exact opposite of this, to be honest.

So it's not a 100% rate or anything.

My cervix was removed due to fibroids so I didn't have a choice. I have no children but was worried about prolapse regardless. As far as recovery goes, I wouldn't know my cervix was gone until recently. Now that I am medically released, I can tell it is gone. I have no pain, when I used to think the pain was from my uterus, sex is better for both dh and myself. I did not have any pain or bleeding after surgery, either. Talk to your dr about your concerns because when I asked mine about keeping my cervix, she said that it is a much worse surgery to do after you've already gone through the hysterectomy. Maybe she was feeding me a line, I don't know but I can tell you that I'm glad I did it her way because I feel great. God bless and please know that I am sending you good thoughts and prayers as you wait.

Mine is gone. Can't tell yet any differences as I am hardly past 1 week post op. I asked my doc about it before and he STRONGLY recommended it goes as well. Said more often than not it just causes more problems. If you insist on keeping it and your current doc does not feel ok with that I would suggest a second opinion. If your contractor does not install metal roofs, you shouldn't insist on them putting on a steel roof.

I kept my cervix and I am so glad I did. Dr said less than 5% of women will get mini periods and if you do they are only visible when wiping in the bathroom, not even a panty liner would be required. My surgery ws June 1st and I have not had any bleeding at all. Not a drop since before surgery. And thank God I do not have to deal with that vaginal cuff. Sex was resummed after 3 weeks, and it was so much better, no pain at all and the Big O, was better than ever. I had my hyst due to fibroids, so my Dr trimmed the cervix down to almost nothing, so no fibroids could form on it. Good luck

My doctor's general practice is to remove them, but she let me choose, as I've never had any bad paps and had no other issues besides fibroids.

In the end, I decided to go ahead and have her take it. I was worried about the mini-periods, like you, and also the small chance that a fibroid could grow back on the cervix. Plus, I had heard, as another poster said, that if your cervix has to come out later for any reason, it's a much bigger deal than doing it while they're already in there for the hysterectomy.

It's still early in my healing process, but so far, the only negative I've found in the recovery is a little discomfort if I sit for too long. Other than that, I wouldn't know it was missing.

I'm scheduled for LAVH on Sept 18.

I have enlarged uterus, thickened lining, fibroids and heavy bleeding with large clots. All the bleeding has left me severely anemic.

Since I have fibroids, there is a possibility that one could grow back on the cervix. So just to be on the safe side, all of it is coming out.

I'm just so tired, both physically and mentally that I don't want to have to deal with this anymore. I want it all gone.

It is your decision. I wish you all the best in your upcoming surgery.