Why isn't sex important to Drs.

So much information. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I thought I was pretty well educated about my body but I guess I wasn't really. I think some education on the what if there is a problem should be taught along with general knowledge.

I feel so much more in control now. I'm starting to see what options I could live with and which I could not.

And it is all because of all of you.

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Originally Posted by Pearle Does anyone know why the uterus cannot be resuspended?

Some of the prolapse message boards discuss uterine resuspension for members who are not done having babies. It's my understanding that it lasts about 5 years.

Using a pessary is a non-surgical option that is satisfactory for some patients. fallflower, I think that you need to get a diagnosis for your pain, cramping & light bleeding. Perhaps it has nothing to do with your *mild* prolapse, so other treatments may be a better option for you.

Keep us posted on your additional medical opinions. As for your family pushing you to a specific doc, only YOU must live with your post-op results, good OR bad, so take charge of your medical care.

I am sending huge cyberhugs

I had a TVH and I'm glad my cervix is gone! But my prolapse was worse than yours--my doctor said it was grade 2 but it slightly protruded from my body (I could see it with a mirror when I sat on the toilet). On my doc's scale, grade 1 is minor (barely out of place), grade 2 is to the vaginal opening, and grade 3 is most or all the way out. I also felt it when I walked although it wasn't really painful--just bugged me.

I have read that prolapses get worse after menopause and that if you leave your cervix, it may fall later. But if yours is very minor, maybe that won't happen. Mine was already peeking out at me, so I had no choice. My doctor did a cuff suspension so that my vagina won't later fall. He said my bladder was OK and didn't need repair. I'm thrilled my uterus and cervix are gone!

Good luck with your decision!

By all means get another opinion!!! I went to 4 different doctors before making up my mind. The Dr. I went with is a female GYN, and believe me, sex is very important to her. She spent a great deal of time explaining my options, along with the potential drawbacks and benefits of each one. She showed me pictures and explained the mechanism of orgasm in a way that was much more clear than it had ever been explained to me before, and how each of my options would likely impact my orgasm. She encouraged me to read more on my own and not to make a decision until I was sure it was the right one for me.

I agree that another opinion is in order especially if this is causing you so much distress. Whatever you decide to do I think that it's important that you make peace with your decision before your surgery. Your attitude and state of mind are as much part of your sex life as the physical parts. Keeping your mind and body healthy is the best aphrodisiac on the planet!

Definitely get at least a few more opinions. Also make sure you really like the gynecological surgeon. If s/he does not listen to your concerns and discuss them with you until you are happy, s/he is not the right surgeon for you. Mine recommended that I have my ovaries, cervix, and uterus removed (my tubes were removed years ago). I did A LOT of reading and soul searching and decided that I only wanted my uterus removed. She agreed that since I never had abnormal pap smears, I shouldn't have to lose my cervix. She and I discussed good reasons to remove my ovaries so she could make that decision while during surgery. She said there were no signs of cancer or bleeding that would make it necessary, so I got to keep them. My surgeon is convinced that I'll be back in a 3-5 years to have my ovaries removed and maybe even my cervix because MOST women continue to complain about their pain after just having the uterus removed. I hope to be different, but I won't hesitate to tell her she was right if my pain is still too much. One last thing... make sure your doctor is a gynecologist so s/he completely understands a woman's body. A general surgeon may not know all of your options and all of the pros and cons of those options. Good luck finding the best doctor for you!!!

Fallflower, Yes! Re-suspension of the uterus is possible;
I've just had it done. My surgery was Oct. 5 with a uro-gynecologist who is brilliant and caring. I had a 2nd degree prolapse and used a pessary for 2 yrs. It worked fine to hold up the uterus, but I also had a cystocele and rectocele which meant I spent a lot of time running to the bathroom. She did a posterior IVS vault suspension, which means that she inserted a piece of mesh with little "arms" that now holds up both uterus and bladder. It's a new minimally invasive technique that needs no abdominal incisions, only vaginal and posterior ones. As a result, I have healed very rapidly and feel good at 4 weeks. And when I void, the bladder works like it did when I was younger (I'm 20 yrs. older than you). This technique is very new and so no long term data is available on how long it will last. But my Dr. said that the surgeon from whom she learned it, said that he only does this now for prolapse and he feels that for him, it would be unethical to use the old methods. If you want more info, you can PM me. I think the Dr. who has brought this technique to the USA is in Allentown, PA.
I am very happy with my outcome of this surgery. Good luck to you... Jeanne

Thank You for all the wonderful advise. I heard from my Doc last night. Yes on Sunday eve. And he hadn't realized I had so many questions and concerns. He mistook my calmness at the office as agreement. He has scheduled a consult appt so we can disscuss what I will be comfortable doing and which outcomes I can live with. He did say that no matter what I choose that I may still have some problems. When I asked why he said that as much as they want to think they know alot about a womans body that God created something so complicated that they may never know everything. They just try their best to help us with what they do know.

I feel better now that I have talked to him again. He was so considerate and soft spoken and he said he won't do anything until I am sure I can live with my choice.

Fall flower

A second opinion should be independent of your primary doctor. You really need to seek out your own second opinion from a doctor that is in no way involved with your doctor. Do you really expect your doctor to refer you to someone who interprets the situation differently?

Fallflower,

You've found a great place to do research and find some answers. You might also want to go to the check points, there are some questions there you might want to ask the doctor. I know I questioned my doctors throughly and was positive in my decision before surgery.

And personal experience.......I lost my cervix (I would have kept it, but it wasn't an option) and nothing has changed in the sex department as far as that goes. Actually, for us sex is better.

A second opinion before surgery is always a good idea. This is just my opinion, if the first and second agree then you can decide which doctor to go with. And if they disagree then a third opinion would be a good idea.

My best to you in searching your options and making a decision. Remember their are no warranties with hysterectomy, but many do have very good outcomes.

your "sister",
Theresa