Retained cervix ... mini periods???

Hi Everyone!

I'm 4 weeks post-op and, due to complications during surgery, ended up keeping my cervix, which should have been removed.

Has anyone kept theirs and had any experience of so-called mini periods? Is it just spotting? How long does it last? Where does the blood come from as the uterus is gone? Weird!

Any insight would be appreciated!

Actually my gyn says he is taking mine whether I want to or not - that it can continue to bleed like that.

Hi,

I lost my cervix...it was not worth keeping! But...to help explain if I can, the cervix is made of endometrial tissue...like the uterus.
When the ovaries are present they send the message for a period. The endometrial tissue responds by shedding. Because the cervix is small you end up with a mini period. These periods can have the same pms symptoms: back ache, cramping, moods etc.

Mini periods can be spotting or a touch more of really light bleeding for 2-3 days. It will happen monthly and usually get less and less with time.

Don't worry though. Not all ladies who have their cervix will have mini periods. It's just a possibility. If it does happen, it can be treated by zapping the cervix so it won't bleed. I'm not certain about those treatments, but don't worry about it.

I'm sorry that you had the complications. More sorry that you have the cervix when you didn't want it. Just remember many, many do not ever have mini periods. Hope your recovery is going well.
Maralyn

Dear Pooodle,

I kept my cervix. Like Maralyn said, it is the opening of the uterus and is lined with endometrial tissue which is affected by hormones. My first three cycles after surgery, I had a mini period. It would last only 2-3 days. The first time was spotting. I used a panty liner. The second time was minimal spotting, hardly needed a panty liner. The third time there was light color when I wiped. No panty liner was needed. My doctor said this was normal, and that in the future I would not have a mini period.

However, because I still have working ovaries, I am not exempt from symptoms of cycling.

Hope this helps explain things.
Cinderellen

i kept my cervix - but my surgeon made certain he removed the layer of edometrial cells that covers it- taking it down to a layer of cervical cells. (this was remarked upon in the hystology report) So it is now impossible for me to have a mini-period. Indeed I would be having one today if it were

I'm a little over 3 months post op and I've had 3 mini periods, right on schedule. They have lasted 5 to 7 days and all I've needed was a panty liner. That's alot better than what I had to put up with before my surgery. I think I would have decided (my dr let me choose) to keep my cervix even if I had know for sure that I would have these mini periods.
I was disappointed, but am trying to look on the bright side. At least I will know if my ovaries are still working. Although I don't know what difference it would make if I know they are working or not

Dear Maralyn and Cinderellen!

Thank you so much for your informative posts!

I couldn't leave the house for the first 2-3 days of my period as things were soooo bad ... so I think I can manage a little bit of spotting!

Big hugs to you both.

Hi Everyone!

Just found more replies ... thanks for the info ... I'm disappointed with the way things have turned out, but it's not the end of the world ... as long as my cervical smear tests continue to be negative ...

The dr. sealed my cervix with silver nitrate when I went in for my 1-week check-up. I guess this means I still have my cervix? I didn't realize some people kept theirs & some didn't. Does this mean I won't have mini-periods if he sealed it? I go back next week for follow-up & I have a lot of questions.

I am now 6 weeks & no discharge, mini periods, etc.
I am doing the happy dance for sure!

My panties have never been so dry!!!