Keeping Your Cervix

There's a new article in October's Prevention magazine on page 56 about the benefits of keeping your cervix if you have a hysterectomy. It says about 33% of doctors will ask if you want to keep it (the rest have to be asked by the patient), assuming that is an option for you. However, keeping the cervix means a shorter surgery, shorter recovery time, and better long-term support for pelvic organs.

Hi Golddie,

My Dr. told me there were also benefits to keeping the cervix.

He said the cervix may help with future pelvic support, decrease risk in vaginal prolapse and it may help with sex. Also, the cervix secretes a mucus that helps to prevent vaginal dryness.

I had my cervix cauterized to prevent the mini period that is mentioned on some cervix forums.

Best wishes,

Mary

Hi Mary,

Can I get some feedback on your post? I just went for my pre-op office visit with my doctor. We discussed keeping the cervix and I decided to keep it. Doc advised that she cauterizes it really well for the same reason you mentioned (not to have those mini periods I hear about). So, since your surgery, have you had any "mini periods"?

Thanks Mary!

Cook

To: Cook

I have had no mini-periods in post-op. I had the normal post-op spotting for a few days and then that stopped and I have not had any bleeding since.

Best wishes,

Mary

I decided to keep my cervix too. I haven't heard of these "mini-periods". What are they? Is it a regular period? I will ask my doc about cauterizing it really well. I need to make a list!

Maria (BlueRidgeBlue)

To: BlueRidgeBlue,

From what I understand, a mini-period is when enough endometrium tissue is left on the cervix after a hyst to cause a monthly period.

Coring out and cauterization of the cervix during surgery helps to prevent the mini-period.

Best wishes,

Mary

I didn't keep my cervix as I had an LAVH and so far haven't noticed any difference.