cervix..what's it for?

I have a question. I read so many posts about the cervix...to remove or not to remove, will having it removed affect sex, etc. What is the purpose of the cervix? I know that it has a purpose during pregnancy and childbirth, but aside from that, what's it for? How does it make sex any different by keeping or removing, when from what I know, the uterine contractions are the "things" that give an "o" it's intense feelings? Speaking frankly, which I know I can do here, have men complained that having a cervix removed feels like there is nothing there...like an endless tunnel? Do women feel like that? Why would I want to keep my cervix? Why would I consider having it removed? (Obviously for someone that might be experiencing cervical cancer or a condition related to the cervix, obviously this is a reason to remove it). For those that have/had a healthy cervix, why did you keep it...or remove it?

I'm very interested and hopefully it will help me when I need to decide.
Thank you

Oh wow! Now here's a debate in the making. Some women will say that sex is different/not as good without the cervix. Some don't notice a change at all. The cervix keeps everything inside. If you have the cervix removed then a vaginal cuff is done and that holds everything in like the cervix used to.

I was supposed to keep my cervix, but after my doctor got inside he said that my cervix was way too damaged and he had to remove it. I've had three "O" since surgery and each have been the same or actually more intense.

To keep it or not is (a healthy cervix) a personal choice. Not to mention that I believe a lot has to do with a positive outlook. All because you lose your cervix doesn't mean that sex will not be good and all because you keep your cervix doesn't mean sex will not be good.

Linda

This is the way my DR explained it to me: the cervix is not a separate organ; it is part of the uterus, basically just the opening to the uterus. Once the uterus is gone it no longer has a function. It is about the size of a coat button. It serves no function in supporting other organs. During surgery the vagina is attached to other structures in the abdomen. Keeping the cervix there is still a risk for cervical cancer, and if you keep one or both ovaries there is also a chance of “mini periods”. The bladder has its own ligaments for support.

My experience with sex is it is the same without the cervix as it was with it.

If you're having a vaginal hyst the cervix has to go, it is essentially destroyed by the uterus being removed through it.

Whether or not to keep your cervix is a difficult question to answer, each of us has to make a decision that's best for ourselves, but I can give you some things to think about. Discuss these things with your doctor, and between the two of you, you can make the best decision for YOU.

1. Cancer. Is there any history of cancer in your family? Removing the cervix drastically lowers your chances of cervical cancer (still a remote possibility due to the chance of some cells being left behind)

2. Bleeding. Some women who keep their cervix end up having "mini-periods" monthly (only if they also have at least one ovary). These seem to be rare, and are very light, but are a possibility.

3. Sex. There are many conflicting opinions on whether the cervix contributes to sexual pleasure. Ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers. I can say in MY case, at least, sex is wonderful after the surgery (I had my cervix removed). My doctor told me it wouldn't make a difference, and in my case at least, she was right - neither myself nor my husband can tell any difference.

As far as what men feel, my husband didn't notice any difference. And it doesn't really end in an endless tunnel (although that's what I thought at first, too!). If your cervix is removed, the doctor creates a vaginal cuff at the end of your vagina, which closes it off. Picture a tube of toilet paper, with one end pinched off and sewn closed.

Keep reading, talk to your doctor, and good luck with your decision!

Hi I am new here - have made the decision to take the plunge and have the surgery after many years of suffering. I am so glad someone asked this about the cervix, as I always felt too stupid to even ask my doctor! I thought my doc said something like, if she could do mine laparoscopically, the cervix could stay. Does this seem to make sense? :confuse:

	Quote:
Originally posted by messydeskwoman I thought my doc said something like, if she could do mine laparoscopically, the cervix could stay. Does this seem to make sense? :confuse:

Yes, it's a relatively new procedure called a Laparascopic Supracervical Hysterectomy or LSH. It's done with 3 or 4 small incisions instead of one large abdominal incision, or vaginally. Although it is touted as being "easier" to recover from than one of the other methods, it is still major surgery involving the removal of an organ.

The cervix can also be left with the more common abdominal incision, or SAH

Best wishes.

For me, sex is better. The big O is just as intense.. and I still feel the contracting just like before my TVH. I assume its the vaginal muscles doing all the contracting but it still feels the same as before.

My DH says nothing feels different to him and he cant tell that its gone, and I only noticed that things are better.

I'm glad mine is gone. Keeping it can cause more problems than its worth in my opinion!

My doctor told me that they cervix is only there for delivery of a baby. Mine is removed and there have been no problems in the sex dept.

Thank you all for replying. I have a better understanding now and just like the others, feel that when the time comes, it will be quite a decision.

Picking up though on something a couple of you said that I was shocked about...I mean, my jaw just went wide open...was talk of "mini periods"...by leaving at least an ovary and keeping cervix. What is this????? I never heard of that. If you don't have a uterus (which is going to build up lining, break down, and shed causing a real period) where is this blood coming from?

Explain more about these, if anyone knows about them, or experienced them. I would be shocked to have a hysterectomy feeling like I have finally overcome my battles, only to have a thing like this happen.

Wow, this just proves that no matter how much you research and read, you can never know it all. Thanks for your help.

Hi esa

The cervix is not a separate organ from the uterus, it is the opening of the uterus. Since it's not separate there can be some of the cells from the uterine lining left behind because there is no "line" to cut on. If you keep the ovaries you will still be cycling, so if there are any of the cells left behind "mini periods" can happen.