Cervix vs no Cervix and this "mini period"

Having just read the thread on to keep or not to keep the cervix, I can see there are many pros and cons -- the thing I don't understand is the "mini period" -- is this a "one time" thing or is it something that happens all the time or monthly? Having had unpredictible hemorraging for years -- the last thing I want is a "band-aid" fix or a "mini-period" whenever the mood strikes my body. LOL

Seriously, can anyone explain this "mini period" thing a little bit more?

Thanks!!!

LB

Hi there,
From what I understand, if the cervix is left there is a possibility of having some spotting/bleeding during period time. I don't know statistics on it - I only know that my doctor told me that it was infrequent for women to still get mini-periods. He said that it was more like a spotting than bleeding. But yes, it would happen monthly. My doctor also said that the surgery wasn't as difficult, and said too that as long as I still get yearly paps it should be fine (as far as the risk for cervical cancer). He also emphasized that my paps had been normal, so it would be ok. Please remember, this is the opinion of ONE doctor. However, it seems like most of the literature is in agreement with what he says.

I don't like the thought of STILL bleeding or even spotting either (I am soooo sick of it). But I started that earlier thread about the cervix hoping to get others opinions on keeping the cervix. To ME, I'm thinking... that I would rather put up with the possiblility of mini-periods rather than the possibility of the negative stuff of not keeping it.

Please let me know if you find out any new information! And about your decision.

Best, lisandboo

Thank you for your reply!!!

After six years of almost non-stop hemorraging, the "thought" of even having a "mini" period is just out of the question in my mind. I haven't had my appointment yet with the specialist -- so, I'm collecting all the information I can beforehand. (I like to be informed.....just me.) Plus, having a general anemia problem (besides what this female issue is doing to me)......I just don't want to have the thought that I "might" get a period again -- no matter how "mini" -- guess I have reached the point of being "over it all" -- don't know if that makes sense or if others can relate.

My mind just screams "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" as I run down the hall.

Hee hee! I hear you! My bleeding is different than yours - very heavy during periods, only sometimes hemmorage-like. Mine is more like constant spotting/bleeding all month long.

Do you have a surgery date yet? Let me know what you find out at that appt. with the specialist! The more info I have the better!

Hi,

If you keep your cervix and at least one ovary, there is a small chance of having mini periods. This is because the cervix, being simply the opening of the uterus, may contain some of the endometrial lining of the uterus. This lining may respond to the hormones secreted by the ovaries each month, causing some spotting during the time when you would normally have your period.

Most of the time, this just necessitates a panty liner for a day or two, though I have read of several ladies having substantial bleeding and later having to have further surgery to remove the cervix.

Usually during surgery, the doctor will core out or cauterize the cervix to prevent mini periods. If you decide to keep yours, you may want to talk to your doctor to make sure that he or she will do this.

s,

Lisa

Hi Lizard Breath,

I agree with what Shashi said. Check to see if your Dr. will cauterize your cervix during surgery. I had my cervix cauterized with my LSH and I have not had a mini-period and I am almost 11 months post-op.

Best wishes,

Mary

I'm one of those women (5%-7% of those who keep their cervix) who has cyclical bleeding.

It's just a panty liner and it assures me that my hormones are at normal levels.

If I had it to do all over again, I would still keep my cervix. I have no idea for sure if it actually does change your sexual response and pleasure to keep it, but my sex life is as good (better because we have an extra week to fool around) than before. The bleeding is so minor, it doesn't even interfere with sex.

That's just my story and my opinion. The chances of getting cyclical bleeding are quite low, but it it's one of your reasons for having a hyster, I can imagine how that fear would bother you. Read up and find out what's most important to you, as only you can decide.

Take care.

Juniper-Can you elaborate? o you mean only 5-7% keep their cervix or 5-7% who keep their cervix have bleeding? That's really low.

Pammy, the studies that I've read have said that 5-7% of women who keep their cervix (whether it's an abdominal SAH or laproscopic assisted) will have cyclical bleedig. It is a very low chance - and I gambled and took that chance.

I can try to find the studies that cite that if you want. One of them was a very small sample (and that study said that there is very little short term recovery benefit to a SAH over a TAH - SAHs have less post-op fevers but that's about it) but I believe the figures were consistent with other larger studies.

Now, I understand completely when a woman is having a hyster for endo or adeno that you don't even want to take any chance that there'll be any endometrium left anywhere - but if your cervix is healthy (no high risk strains of HPV), I don't see any reason not to keep it. But that's just me, other folks feel differently about their cervixes.

Take care.

Hi Juniper,
It would be great if you had some of those references/cites about keeping the cervix. I would like to be able to look at those myself. I'd like to keep mine - doc said I could (so far). Best, lisandboo