Hoping someone can answer these questions...

As I research this a bit better, I realize how little I knew about hysterectomies. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer...(I hope this is the right forum category)
1. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, do you have to have your cervix removed?
2. What are the benefits or downfalls of having your cervix removed? Is it harder or impossible to climax?
3. If you don't have your cervix removed and do keep your ovaries, is there a chance you can bleed or spot? If yes, do you know why?
4. If you don't have your cervix removed and don't keep your ovaries, is there a chance you can bleed or spot? If yes, do you know why?

Since I don't get to see my doctor until a few days before I am scheduled for surgery, I'd like some time to think about these things so I can discuss it with him at that appointment so I know what I want and he can make sure I am not going into this "blind". I am scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy but I am getting the feeling that there is no real medical reason that I can't have a vaginal one unless I have to have my cervix removed (which I don't think I want done). My husband thinks it's just easier for the doctor to do it that way...
Thanks in advance!!

i am having a LAVH and i am keeping my cervix. thats about the only thing that i can answer though. but great questions - sigh, i love this site

	Quote:
Originally Posted by itshotinjt As I research this a bit better, I realize how little I knew about hysterectomies. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer...(I hope this is the right forum category) 1. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, do you have to have your cervix removed? Yes 2. What are the benefits or downfalls of having your cervix removed? Is it harder or impossible to climax? Removing the cervix eliminates the possibility of cervical cancer. Also some docs only do certain procedures so you need to be sure you surgeon can give you the option of keeping your cervix. For me personally, so far the orgasms have been incredible without my cervix 3. If you don't have your cervix removed and do keep your ovaries, is there a chance you can bleed or spot? If yes, do you know why? Yes, I believe because your cervix is part of your uterus and so you may have mini periods. Not sure if I have the technical part right. 4. If you don't have your cervix removed and don't keep your ovaries, is there a chance you can bleed or spot? If yes, do you know why? [b]No Since I don't get to see my doctor until a few days before I am scheduled for surgery, I'd like some time to think about these things so I can discuss it with him at that appointment so I know what I want and he can make sure I am not going into this "blind". I am scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy but I am getting the feeling that there is no real medical reason that I can't have a vaginal one unless I have to have my cervix removed (which I don't think I want done). My husband thinks it's just easier for the doctor to do it that way... Thanks in advance!!

I think you should schedule an appointment sooner than your pre op to discuss these issues/questions.

Your cervix is part of your uterus. It has endometrial lining of it's own, which is what is shed during your periods. If you keep your ovaries and your cervix, yes, you can have a period after hysterectomy. The endometrial lining can be cauterized off, which should prevent that from happening, but you would need to discuss it with your doctor.

Here is the link to the HysterSisters article about keeping or removing the cervix: https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_96911.htm

Hope this helps. If you have many questions, you should try to get in to your doctor sooner so you can ask them and have time to process the information he gives you. Take really good notes, too, so you will remember what you have found out.

Okay, here is my best shot at your answers:

1. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, do you have to have your cervix removed?

Yes, although there are a few very rare doctors that are doing them and leaving the cervix. Those doctors are very, very rare and I think that we have had only one lady on here that I have ever seen keep her cervix after a vaginal hysterectomy. The reason is that they can't get at the uterus and remove it through the cervix so they have to cut around the cervix to remove the whole thing in one piece.

2. What are the benefits or downfalls of having your cervix removed? Is it harder or impossible to climax?

The one benefit is that you don't have to deal with a vaginal cuff as the stitches are on the other side of the cervix (in your tummy). As to climaxing, it seems to be pretty well the same for ladies whether they keep or lose their cervix. Some have difficulties after but most don't.

3. If you don't have your cervix removed and do keep your ovaries, is there a chance you can bleed or spot? If yes, do you know why?

Yes, there is a chance if you have some of the lining of your uterus that goes down into the cervix. There isn't a definite line where the lining ends so it is a guessing game for doctors on where to cut. A lot of them cauterize the cervix in the hope of minimizing the bleeding and some like my doctor, don't. His reason was to minimize cauterization inside me to prevent adhesions (scar tissue) as much as possible.

4. If you don't have your cervix removed and don't keep your ovaries, is there a chance you can bleed or spot? If yes, do you know why?

As far as I know, you shouldn't bleed because your ovaries are not longer producing hormones that cause a cycle. Now, if you are on HRT, it might be a possibility... I really don't know the answer to that one.

I hope this helps.