take or leave cervix?

Hi! I am a new user, and scheduled for a TVH/BSO on October 16th. I have had recurring ovarian cysts and fibroids, this last bout with lots of pain and pressure. I don't have any bleeding since I had a D&C and ablation done a year ago. I am 47, two grown sons, and am pre-menopausal already. My doctor gave me the option of leaving the cervix and I opted to keep it if I could. Do not know the pros and cons?? I understand since I am leaving the cervix the operation will be vaginal instead of abdominal. Either way better than the other? As you can see, I am pretty clueless on all this. So glad to find the sight and cannot wait for your input. God Bless!
Ann

Hello,and welcome!
I am contemplating the same thing so i am of no help.But the women here are wonderful! You will find some great support here.Good luck and again,WELCOME!!!!!

Hi,
Hmmm, I'm confused. I opted to leave the cervix. I couldn't have it done vaginally because nothing was mobile enough for him to do it that way anyways. He said since I wanted to leave the cervix I couldn't have it done vaginally because they can't leave the cervix if its done vaginally. I didn't know why it wasn't possible and I didn't think to ask at the time. Are you sure he said you could have it vaginally if your leaving the cervix? I'm curious now. Linda

Hi there!

They are unable to leave the cervix if they do it vaginally, but if you have it done abdominally, you will have a choice.

Whether or not to keep your cervix is a difficult question to answer, each of us has to make a decision that's best for ourselves, but I can give you some things to think about. Discuss these things with your doctor, and between the two of you, you can make the best decision for YOU.

1. Cancer. Is there any history of cancer in your family? Removing the cervix drastically lowers your chances of cervical cancer (still a remote possibility due to the chance of some cells being left behind)

2. Bleeding. Some women who keep their cervix end up having "mini-periods" monthly (only if they also have at least one ovary). These seem to be rare, and are very light, but are a possibility.

3. Sex. There are many conflicting opinions on whether the cervix contributes to sexual pleasure. Ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers. I can say in MY case, at least, sex is wonderful after the surgery (I had my cervix removed). My doctor told me it wouldn't make a difference, and in my case at least, she was right - neither myself nor my husband can tell any difference.

Keep reading, talk to your doctor, and good luck with your decision!

Thank you for all your input. I was confused too......I researched it and found that it IS possible to do the surgery vaginally and leave the cervix, but it is much more skilled. I will call my doctor on it again....my thoughts in leaving the cervix involved the bladder. I have always had a "weak" bladder, and I was told that removing the cervix involved cutting away from the bladder. I am afraid my already "weak" bladder will give me problems?? I am nervous about surgery, as a tonsilectomy has been my most adventurous outing to date My mother almost died from hysterectomy complications when she was my exact age, which doesn't help either. I will just keep praying that all goes well, and that I will feel 100% better after all this is over. Thanks again.