Cervix - to keep or not to keep. TAH/Subtotal?

How do you decide about the cervix? Is there a good reason to keep it? Does it affect response? My doc says no but I am reading yes!

"A sub total hyst is easier for the surgeon". My doc didn't even discuss this so I am not sure what it even involves. What exactly is the difference? Should I change to this procedure? What is a vaginal cuff and why does it cause problems?

Your posts are such a comfort. I am so glad to hear from people who are feeling exactly the same way!

I am going in to have my cervix removed tomorrow after LSH in August. I have heard and am finding that this is very rare, but be warned, it can happen. I chose to keep my cervix initially because there was no medical reason for taking it. I never had a bad pap and my problem was bleeding, so that necessitates the uterus. But, after the LSH I kept bleeding more and more until it was back to full period level. We did freezing of the cervix in office and that didn't work, so back in we go. (My cervix was trying to take over for my now-missing uterus). So, that's my story. Now, from what I have read, the cervix can interfere with the big "O". But, I am seeing more and more evidence that that may not be as reliable a thought as we once thought it was. What I have heard, and my dr. said too, that if you get pleasure from external places on your body you will not notice a difference in sex. But, if you get pleasure from internal places, you may notice it's different. Not gone, just different. And even then, that may not be for all women. You may not notice a difference at all. Sorry, this may be TMI. And a vaginal cuff is where they need to pull your ligaments together and form a closure from where they removed the cervix. You would basically be closed off. It gives, but it is a solid wall there after removing the cervix. Thus, it's very important to give yourself enough time to heal properly after this procedure because you can tear the vaginal cuff during healing and then it's back to the OR. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.

Hi,

I would read and research and then discuss what surgery your dr has chosen for your particular situation. I think once you sit down and discuss your surgery you will better understand the procedure and what to expect.

Here is a page that talks about different types of surgeries:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_anr.htm

You might like to look at our Pre-op articles, and there is article on cervix, vaginal cuff, and other things you will want to know in the list as well:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/articlelist_170.htm

Vaginal cuff is in Post-op articles:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/articlelist_171.htm

s

I agree with the other posts regarding talking with your doctor and doing research. I am having a TVH on the 28th and since it is this route, the cervix must go. I was concerned for a time about this but after reading about possible monthly bleeding with leaving the cervix, there was no way I wanted to keep it. Even if small, if I am having a hysterectomy I at least want to be done with the monthly bleeding. I have had 2 concerning paps the last two times and that makes me want it gone even more. Good luck on your decision.

Hi 50Questions,

I had a LSH and kept my cervix. I am 2 1/2 yrs post op now. My Dr. cauterized my cervix during my hyst and I have not had a mini-period.

In my opinion, if you are thinking about keeping the cervix - just be a good candidate and have a very qualified surgeon to perform the surgery. I was a good candidate since I had normal pap smears for over 10 yrs. and my cervix was sturdy. Today, I am still very pleased I kept my cervix. My Dr. felt the cervix helps with future pelvic support and with sex. For me, it has been true.

Here is a Hyster Sisters article on the cervix to help you with your research:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_96911.htm

Best wishes. Don't worry. You will make the right choice for yourself.

Mary

Hi!

If you are a good candidate to keep your cervix, that's great! Keep as many healthy organs as possible.

My cervix was perfectly healthy and I never had a bad Pap, but I was prolapsing so wasn't a good candidate for keeping it. Post-op I can honestly say, as a woman who had a cervix and now doesn't, that it doesn't make any difference to me or my husband that it is no longer there. Not having it has not had an impact on my orgasms and I haven't had any trouble with pelvic support or any further prolapse of anything--everything is right where it belongs.

Research, ask questions here and of your doctor, and make the best choice for you.

Best wishes to you!

s

I am also weighing in on really, really researching your decision. This is one area I wish I could go back and maybe have a do-over. I decided my cervix must go just because I didn't want to be "bothered" with the possibility of mini-periods. Now boy do I miss that cervical mucus, expecially during sex.

Research. Research. Research. Find out what would be best for YOUR body.

Thanks for replys. They help SO much!

I have just gotten through the first link explaining the different types of procedures.
What does "large" uterus and "large" fibroid qualify as?

How would I know if my cervix was stable enough to leave. Would the doc know? Do they get upset if you call and say I would like to change things a bit? I am willing to self-check if that would help? I would really like to remove as little as possible and go back later if need be. Would a 'go back in' be easier recovery?The idea of cervical mucous hadn't crossed my mind, so that is a good thought to consider.

When I am having a bad day I say take it all now! But then sense comes back. Don't want any regrets.

Hi 50Questions,

My Dr. gave me a short internal exam to establish if my cervix was sturdy. My sister had the same exam. She used my Dr. for a 2nd opinion and he advised a vaginal hyst for her since she had prolapse.

On fibroid size...I remember reading on Web MD that a fibroid over 5 cm is considered large. Okay....that seems to be a lot of ladies!! With me...my fibroids were 9.1 cm total when I went in for surgery.

Mary