At 48 should I keep my ovaries and cervix

[center] Hi I'm new to this website and have found it to be helpful I am schuled for a abdominal hysterectomy in 4 DAYS ! I'm 48 yrs old and for the most part have not had peroids for the last 3 years. I have a 16 wk uterus with fibroids and cannot deceide whether to keep my ovaries and cervix. Have always had normal paps, no menopause systems . The dr said take them out you don't need them anymore they are not working but reading info have learned otherwise.

Hi Kat eyes
I am 43 and recently had TAVHBSO surgery, I had fibroids, endometriosis,
and I am not sorry I did it, at 48 with no periods in 3 years, you are probably already in menopause and the ovaries are more of a burden than a benefit in terms of cancer risk etc. Unless OV CA is in your family history the risk is not as high as such as breast cancer, but it is insidious when it happens and often found too late. So your doctor's advice is not entirely unreasonable. But ultimately you will need to decide for yourself.
I can only tell you that I have never felt better, and that I am not sorry I did have my cervix/ovaries out.
hope this helps
God bless

Hi Kat eyes,

I was 46 when I had my hyst and I kept my ovaries and cervix.

With the ovaries..mine were healthy and ovarian cancer does not run in my family. My Dr. said that ovarian cancer occurs in approx. 5% or less of women...so that was good odds for me to leave my ovaries. Also, in my research, I read that the ovaries secrete important hormones that help with the bones, skin and hair to name a few. And newer studies are showing that the ovaries secrete their hormones well into menopause and the hormones are free. Even though your periods have stopped...the ovaries can still be trickling out important hormones that help with overall health.

On the cervix..mine was sturdy, and like you..I had normal pap smears for years. The cervix is the size of a large button and the neck of the uterus. My Dr. told me that he felt the cervix helps with pelvic support and with sex. For me, that has been true. Drs can vary on their opinion on the cervix..and...since I was a good candidate to leave it, I wanted to retain it. If you choose to keep your cervix, ask your Dr. about cervix cauterization. If a Hyster Sister keeps one or both ovaries and the cervix, there can be a chance of a mini-period in post-op. I had my cervix cauterized during my hyst and it has helped me to not have mini-periods. Ladies generally report needing a panyliner at that time of the month with a mini-period

In the end...MOST IMPORTANT...just do what is *right* for you!! Drs give us options..and we make the final decision when it comes to our bodies.

Best wishes~

Mary

i was 44 when i had my surgery and kept my cervix and ovaries. i felt it was important to leave anything healthy because every organ has a function, the recovery should be quicker if the cervix is left, and even after menopause..your ovaries continue to provide you with some hormones. i didnt have any ovarian cancer risks and felt very confidant about my decision.
there is no right or wrong answer here...you can only do what you feel is best for you. do lots of research (google) and once you make your decision..let your dr know what it is. good luck and i wish you the best

	Quote:
Originally Posted by historylady Hi Kat eyes, I was 46 when I had my hyst and I kept my ovaries and cervix. With the ovaries..mine were healthy and ovarian cancer does not run in my family. My Dr. said that ovarian cancer occurs in approx. 5% or less of women...so that was good odds for me to leave my ovaries. Also, in my research, I read that the ovaries secrete important hormones that help with the bones, skin and hair to name a few. And newer studies are showing that the ovaries secrete their hormones well into menopause and the hormones are free. Even though your periods have stopped...the ovaries can still be trickling out important hormones that help with overall health. On the cervix..mine was sturdy, and like you..I had normal pap smears for years. The cervix is the size of a large button and the neck of the uterus. My Dr. told me that he felt the cervix helps with pelvic support and with sex. For me, that has been true. Drs can vary on their opinion on the cervix..and...since I was a good candidate to leave it, I wanted to retain it. If you choose to keep your cervix, ask your Dr. about cervix cauterization. If a Hyster Sister keeps one or both ovaries and the cervix, there can be a chance of a mini-period in post-op. I had my cervix cauterized during my hyst and it has helped me to not have mini-periods. Ladies generally report needing a panyliner at that time of the month with a mini-period In the end...MOST IMPORTANT...just do what is *right* for you!! Drs give us options..and we make the final decision when it comes to our bodies. Best wishes~ Mary

Thank-You for your information I have been considering leaving my ov/ce since todate have not had problems. I have read about the pros of ovaries long after menopause. Thank-you ,
kat eyes

Hi Kat Eyes,

Glad I could help.

As Louie64! and Dressedupinblue replied also...just make the decision that is best for you!!

Mary