Keep Cervix? Help me tell my doctor!

I'm having a total hysto on 1/27. My doctor wants to take everything out, including the cervix. I'm not crazy about this idea--there's nothing wrong with my cervix. Having the hyst for large fibroids and a large ovarian cyst.

I need to know reasons why I shouldn't have the cervix removed. My sister said my vagina could collapse, and that sex wouldn't feel the same.

Any experience with this?

Cindy, I'm having a TAH/BSO on February 4th; my doc is taking everything! I've talked to many friends and women on this web-site who say having their cervix removed didn't cause problems for them. However, I'm sure there are those who would say they felt different afterwards. I think it depends on how much pain you've been in prior to surgery. Sometimes after all the diseased organs are gone; sex can actually feel better. My mother had her cervix removed years ago; she is 70 years old; still sexually active!

Best wishes to you and maybe you could research this subject a bit further to help you decide.

Blessings,
Debby

Cindy,

Reasons to keep your cervix - to provide additional pelvic support, to increase sensations during intercourse.

Potential downside - possibility of mini-periods, particularly if you are keeping your ovaries.

Be sure to ask if your fibroids are near the cervix ... this could be part of the reason your gyn is recommending removal of your cervix. Ask your gyn to tell you why he/she recommends removal.

Let us know what you you decide.

Beth

	Quote:
Recently, an old operation for removal of the uterus has been updated with modern technology, and the result is remarkable. The operation is called a "Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy". The procedure is performed through tiny incisions as previously described, but the cervix is not removed. The body of the uterus (with or without the ovaries and tubes) is removed through one of these small half-inch incisions utilizing a new high-tech instrument called a power morcellator. By allowing the cervix to remain intact, the special anatomical relationship of the cervix to the bladder and upper vagina is not impaired. This results in a lesser tendency for bladder injury and dysfunction, and it has been observed that later problems with prolapse may be lessened significantly. Allowing the cervix to remain avoids any shortening of the vagina that may occur with conventional hysterectomy, as this problem may cause post-operative pain with intercourse. The cervix is a highly erogenous area for many women, and the supracervical technique will not affect this structure. Whether or not sexual performance is better if the cervix is not disturbed is indeed controversial as there is no scientific way to truly evaluate this question. We have seen however much faster resumption of sexual activity (2 weeks) if the supracervical technique is utilized. (ie. there is no vaginal incision to heal, which normally takes 6 weeks).

http://www.obgyn.net/women/articles/...anter_0512.htm

http://www.findings.net/positive-exp.html
http://www.oxford.net/~tishy/hystasm.html
http://health.discovery.com/centers...st_options.html

http://secure.cihi.ca/hreports/research/clini
http://www.reproductivecenter.com/reducing.html

There is some excellent info out there Cindy, maybe printing some of it off then weighing the pros & cons of both options can help you better in making this decision?!? Good Luck Please let us know how your doing...((hugs))

I believe your cervix is kind of "part of the package." I too was concerned, but I don't think it is very easy to leave your cervix if there is no uterus? I'm not a Dr. I can tell you that 6 months after surgery my husband feels no difference, and neither do I. I'm not worried about my vagina collapsing, there are alot of muscles inside you to prevent that. Please don't be frieghtened, after you heal it is wonderful to have sex with no pain!

I am concerned about the same thing. I have no personal or familial history of cancer of any kind. I imagine it's an easier operation for the docs to remove everything. I did find an article on Webmd about the subject. there was a study done in england amongst 279 hysterectomy patients. Some kept the cervix and some didn't. They could find no difference in the sex drive or performance between the two groups of in their bowel functions. The advantages of KEEPING the cervix was; fewer problems with urinary function/recovery was faster but 7%continue to have some monthly bleeding. Advantages of REMOVAL of cervix; no chance of future cancer. I still haven't completed decided. I don't have a date yet, but I might go for keeping it. It seems that more U.S. surgeons are inclined to removed everthing as compared to the British. I wonder if our current healthcare/insurance systems has anything to do with that.

Dear Cindy,

I had a TAH and didn't know to even ask about possibly keeping my cervix beforehand. So it's good to bring this up with your doctor, and find out if there is a medical reason why he feels he has to remove your cervix too, or if it's his preferred style or whatever. I had numerous fibroids like you, and one very large one on my cervix, so I suspect I couldn't have kept mine anyway. I remember my doctor telling me he was switching to an abdominal approach, because he was very concerned about the fibroid in my cervix being so close to the ureters.

I too was/am concerned about pelvic support issues, and in fact I got checked out for this about 5 months after surgery. My pelvic support is great. If your doc is skilled, this shouldn't be a concern, because they secure the vagina to the uteral ligament complex.

You may want to do a search on this site about cervixes. I also know I came across a study in the UK (you could search on Medline for this) showing no difference in sexual pleasure or pelvic support or urinary issues between SAH and TAH.

But discuss it with your doc and find out why he feels your cervix should be removed...

The cervix provides some lubrication and also produces some chemicals but I can't remember what they are now I've never had problems with dryness even during the months without HRT. I'm happy I kept mine...especially for the bladder support. I also healed quicker "in there" since I wasn't folded and stitched. Also there was no reason to suspect that I was at risk for cervical cancer. Read, read, read and go with what feels right for you and your Doc. You do have a say in this but it may effect the proceedure done (you can't have a vaginal hyst if you want to keep the cervix).

Best of luck to you, we'll see you on the other side.

The cervix provides chemicals called prostaglandins. Before my surgery did the research. Kept my cervix, but only because the Dr. found scar tissue, making it a better idea to keep. Insurance company told me I had to have it removed! Always thought the Dr. knew how I felt, and left it. If you must have it removed, be sure to take EFA's (essential fatty acids) which provide prostaglandins similar. As for mini-periods, never were much of an issue, but I guess I was close to menopause. Good luck.

hi Cindy...
I had a total hyst. one year ago this month... My doctor suggested I keep the cervix - saying that he felt it would be best for pelvic support, bladder form and sexual feeling...... He said that many of his patients who had the cervix removed were not happy and wished they kept it.... they all had different reasons...

He also said if the cervix is healthy - its a matter of personal opinion....

I wish you all the best in your decision... and in your recovery...

Make sure you get LOTS OF REST and HELP when u get home and PLEASE take good care of yourself.. YOU ONLY HEAL ONCE....

Regards
Sukii