Removal Of Cervix with Hysterectomy?

I'm scheduled for my hysterectomy & my doctor has left the decision of keeping or removing my cervix up to me. After reading several sites about the pros and cons of both I'm even more confused then ever! Any suggestions/experiences or info that can help me decide?

Hi KLarkin to HysterSisters!

There is much debate in the medical community pn keeping your cervix - which I am sure is what you have run into. Here is another article to read: Cervix | Should I Keep It?

Here is also a video: Ask the Doctor: Should I keep my cervix?

I lost my cervix - I had no choice. I have not had any prolapse or other health issues associated with its loss.

This can be a difficult decision, but make the decision that is right for you.

I got rid of mine by choice. The thought of cervical cancer after already getting rid of everything else was scary. So it was done all at once. Good luck.

Was happy to see mine go -- I've never had kids, so prolapse issues weren't a concern, and my surgeon let me know that everything looked "tight" and in good shape. I also hated the idea of getting even a "mini" period, but the clincher for me was not ever needing a pap smear again. Those exams were hellish without exception, to the point where at the age of nearly 48, I have managed (I think) two successful pap smears that I can recall, both many years ago and both horrific. When my surgeon let me know that I wouldn't need a pap anymore, I almost grabbed an x-acto knife and some bandaids and asked her to talk me through it over the phone. YMMV.

I have to make the same decision. It seemed like a big decision to let it go. My body is so predictable. I have only missed a period during the two time periods where I was pregnant. I have been rarely if ever late. I am afraid if I keep my cervix, my body will find a way to follow through.

Also, the thought of cervical cancer down the road as I age is stressful.

I believe I am going to let it go.

When my dr and I discussed my need for a hyst, he didn't even offer to keep my cervix.
I think this is because I've had abnormal paps in the past and I had a friable cervix, it would bleed with barely being examined.
I had time before my surgery, to read about the pros and cons and decided with my previous abnormal paps, and the chance of having "mini" periods from the retained tissue in the cervix-I agreed with my dr- the cervix was outta there.
Read some reputable articles on the topics and come to a decision you are comfortable with.
Best of luck to you and take care.

My doctor didn't even give me a choice really. He just said we will remove the uterus and cervix as it is attached! After much reading up on this I don't think I am unhappy. Rather out now than have to go back later.
Good luck with your surgery, wishing you a speedy recovery.

I had mine removed and I am very glad. No worries about mini periods or cervical cancer and no more pap smears!!!

I had the choice, but my Dr also reminded me that I had had abnormal PAPs in the past, so for that reason, and the fact that I could still be susceptible to cancer later in life (with or without the abnormal PAPs), and I now have no need for my cervix, prompted me to have him take it out. There is always a risk of vaginal vault prolapse some time down the road (whether or not you have had children), but that can be dealt with if and when it happens. I'd rather be rid of the cancer risk, and the need for further surgery down the road. I kept my ovaries as they looked good and it will help with the hormones. Hopefully there will be no need to remove them later on.

I hope all goes well with your surgery and you will be happy with whatever decision you make.

My doc gave me the pros and cons and let me decide. For me, the thought of eradicating the risk of cervical cancer was all the push I needed to get rid of it. My Pap smears were always normal, but now I don't even need them! Not too concerned about prolapse; if it happens then ill deal with it. Take your time with your decision! Best of luck