Ugh, I just got my period again!

Hi Sisters,
Had my uterus removed-kept ovary's 09/09. Had an ablation(?) 6 yrs ago. I've been getting a period for the last 3 months like clockwork, not as painful as before my surgery but it does last a couple of days. The ablation I had 6 yrs ago stopped my periods, but now they are back, does anyone know how long these will last, or am I stuck with these mini periods until menopause? Each month they do get a little heavier, is this something I should be talking to the Dr about?
Thanks!!

Reading through some of your other posts I see that you had a partial hysterectomy meaning you kept your cervix. Those who keep the cervix and at least one ovary can experience mini periods. The reason for this is that the cervix is the bottom portion of the uterus and not a separate organ. Thus, it can have endometrial lining that response to your hormones. When that lining sheds, you have a mini period. Here is a short article we have on the subject: https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_256483.htm.

If the periods are a bother for you, talk to your doctor. In some cases, the doctor can cauterize the cervix to try to prevent the bleeding. In other cases, a trachelectomy is done (surgical removal of the cervix).

s

when I was making my decicision about what type of hysterectomy, I chose TVH because no outward incision, but mostly because my doctor told me if I leave the cervix and get cancer or periods later the surgery to remove just the cervix is quite complex and recovery can as bad or worse than the orginal hysterectomy surgery. She told me the same thing, that the cervix can still bleed a little each month. Since I'd had abnormal paps I opted for no cervix.

Same here, jeniferd...I have a history of abnormal paps as well, not to mention adeno and fibroids can continue with the cervix. I really don't notice the loss of my cervix, no pain, no discomfort, the vaginal cuff works fine and even my husband doesn't really notice much of a difference in how it feels. Is there a good medical reason to keep the cervix, or is it that the women think that they will be more whole if they keep it?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by MrsBee Same here, jeniferd...I have a history of abnormal paps as well, not to mention adeno and fibroids can continue with the cervix. I really don't notice the loss of my cervix, no pain, no discomfort, the vaginal cuff works fine and even my husband doesn't really notice much of a difference in how it feels. Is there a good medical reason to keep the cervix, or is it that the women think that they will be more whole if they keep it?

I kept my cervix because I had no history of abnormal paps and I saw no reason to remove it. I don't have an emotional attachment to the cervix, it was more about wanting to keep more anatomical structure intact. I know my surgeon did cauterize the inside of the cervix to prevent any mini period/spotting issues. It's too soon to say if that will prevent it totally for me but I'm at peace with my decision and I didn't have to worry about the vaginal cuff healing. Each person's situation is unique so I certainly wouldn't have hesitated to have had the cervix removed if there had been any questions about abnormal pap smears.