vagina/cuff issues? - undecided AGAIN! Help!

Hi everyone! I've been trying to decide what to do. I was told I could have ablation or hysty..it's up to me. I was all for the hysty, and went for my 2nd opinion. Took DH with me so he can hear everything and ask questions if he felt he needed to, as he needs to know what's involved too, right? Anyway, now I'm having trouble deciding again...and I'll tell you why. I will have my uterus and cervix removed and a cuff will be made. Now, although they attach it to the ligaments as best they can, there's still the chance of prolapsed vagina, right? Plus my husband is very well endowed , and I'm wondering if anyone knows if it will cause any kind of issue with the cuff/vagina.

I know I am the one that makes the decision that's right for me...and have a lot of support from my women friends/co-workers for the hysty. My DH thinks I should try the ablation but I'm just ready to be done with it...as I've been having problems since around 2000-2001 that have progressively gotten worse.

Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated! I've lurked around here long enough to know you all are SO great with your advice and all!!!

Thanks ladies!! I know you all can help me!

(((Sue))) If your vagina is going to prolapse after a hysterectomy, a cervix is not going to hold it up and keep that from happening. Prolapse occurs when the ligaments weaken and allow the weight of either the vagina itself or nearby organs to push it down. Whether those ligaments are attached to a vaginal cuff or a cervix really doesn't make a whole lot of difference. While some DRs claim that keeping the cervix helps with pelvic support, I have never seen any data in a reputable scientific journal that support that claim.

I had my hysterectomy for severe prolapse, which occurred very suddenly while I still had my cervix (and uterus). My cervix was doing a very nice job of leading the way out of my body rather than trying to act as a gatekeeper to hold things up. It's gone now and I don't miss it one bit.

As for the "endowment" issue... the vagina is meant to be stretchy. During childbirth it manages to accomodate something a lot larger than the largest male member that ever existed. Provided the tissues of the vagina are kept healthy and moist and that there is enough arousal, there should not be a problem having intercourse with a vaginal cuff -- IF it is completely healed before intercourse is attempted. Most of the problems I've heard of with torn cuffs have more to do with attempting sex too soon than with the size of the partner.

All that said, I am still very much in favor of trying all other alternatives before resorting to a hysterectomy.

I hope this helps with your decision.

s,
-Linda

Thanks Linda! What you said makes total sense. I guess if it's going to happen, it's going to happen no matter what.

I just want to make the most informed decision I can.

I appreciate your input. I see a lot of your replies on other posts and they are very knowledgable!

Thanks again!

I don't know what your situation is, but would it be possible for you to keep the cervix? If you are very worried about vaginal cuff issues and your situation would allow that it might be a good solution.

The thought of a vaginal cuff creeped me out most of all about the whole deal - but I gotta tell ya - I don't even notice! Things all seem happy and normal "in there" as they should be!

surferbabe - i couldn't have said it any better

did you talk to your dr about keeping your cervix so you dont have a vaginal cuff? if you can have an ablation, i assume your cervix is healthy? its an option if you are concerned about the cuff. good luck!

Cervix is not healthy either, so they want to take it as well. If I have the ablation, they will have to laser the cervix as well. I'm just ready to be done with it. I have scheduled a 3rd opinion for December. We'll see how that goes. Thanks for all the input!!

Hi remedy

Here is a link to a website with info and message boards about ablation:
http://www.endometrialablationdiscussion.com/

Kudos to you for seeking out another medical opinion!! I hope you are able to find the right answers soon. I am sending huge cyberhugs

I would like to keep my cervix as well, but in cases of adeno, it's not recommended? I intend to ask my GYN about it. The thought of having some kind of "cuff" freaks me out but on the other side, if I could still have periods (if I keep the cervix) after a hyst freaks me out too....I'm already worried my orgasms might not be as intense without a uterus.