why keep the uterus?

I've had problems with the left ovary and fallopian tube, which has a cyst, since I had PID long ago. I'm 49. The ovaries have increased in size since the last ultrasound a year ago. Ovarian cancer blood test is neg. Dr won't do a biopsy because if it was cancerous, it would release cells into my body. I thought I was going in yesterday to discuss the lapraoscopy, and it was then that I found out both ovaries were larger. I have fibroids, a tilted uterus...possible endometriosis. (no children) I'm leaning towards having a total hyst, leaving part of the cervix. This will be done in April, maybe even March. (at a Veteran's hospital) He said the left ovary was the size of a racket ball. I really wanted to keep an ovary. No more cramps is VERY attractive.
~Michele

Hi Dakan22,

Welll...my 1st Dr. told me the uterus is good for two things - having a baby and a period. She said a uterus was like a X-mas present. Why keep the box - the uterus - when I already had the X-mas present?? My daughter.

So that got me really thinking. I was 46 when I was contemplating my hyst and having another baby was not on my plate. And in having fibroids, my periods were getting scary-heavy . I also had a window of opportunity to have a less invasive hyst (LSH) so all those things became motivating factors in my decision to have my hyst and get my quality of life back.

Sending best wishes~

Mary

	Quote:
Originally Posted by historylady Welll...my 1st Dr. told me the uterus is good for two things - having a baby and a period. She said a uterus was like a X-mas present. Why keep the box - the uterus - when I already had the X-mas present?? My daughter.

I wonder if the doctors who feel that way also feel that once a woman can no longer breastfeed she should have her breasts removed? I believe in keeping all organs unless it's medically necessary to remove them.

I found the following information on the web and will share it here.

	Quote:
The other roles of the uterus and ovaries Once the childbearing years are finished, hysterectomy may seem a logical treatment option. This is because pregnancy is often considered to be the only function of the uterus, which may explain Australian's high hysterectomy rate. However, the uterus has a number of other important functions, including: Sexuality - the uterus rhythmically contracts during orgasm, contributing to sensations of pleasure. Hormone production - some researchers believe the uterus contributes to the maintenance of the female hormonal system. The ovaries also play a major role in maintaining the female hormonal system. Their removal results in instant menopausal symptoms and therefore, unless diseased, they should not be removed during hysterectomy. Self image - the uterus is of considerable psychological importance, whether or not it is menstruating and capable of bearing a child. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/b...y?OpenDocument

There are no guarantees with any surgery, and some women find that after their hysterectomy they have merely traded one set of problems for another. However, it sounds as if you've been doing your research and are pretty sure which direction you'll be taking.

I wish you all the best in your decision.

Thank-you Mary and Catherine. I'm thinking tilted and prolapsed mean the same thing. I can't say how large my fibroids are, but there are two of them. My periods are becoming irratic. I've always had to deal with pain, but some months are considerably worse.
I haven't told my parents the whole truth. They're in their 70's and in part, I don't want them to worry.
and then there's the idea of being a woman, and how that's wrapped up with having those internal organs...about time I cried! (smile)
I'm on prozac for depression. nevertheless, I've been a bit down lately. and tired alot. I could take 2 naps a day (2-3 hour naps), and still sleep at night. I don't know if it's hormone related or a lack of sunshine.
I am the most upset about losing both ovaries. The doctor seems reluctant to prescribe hormones. He seems to be taking a "let's wait and see" attitude. He's mainly concerned about the increase in size of my ovaries. We "shouldn't wait 6 months to do the operation" Removing the uterus is optional. I certainly am gathering a list of questions for my next visit. Thanks again sisters

Hi Dakan22,

We are here to help if we can.

Sending best wishes again,

Mary