Adeno-like symptoms and preserving the cervix?

Although I have not been diagnosed with adenomyosis, I seem to have been having many of the classic symptoms for the last three years. Especially painful sex.

I'm finally scheduled for a hysterectomy, but the only diagnosis is one small fibroid which the doctor says is not causing my pain. I have a really strong feeling its Adeno.

My question is whether people who have had similar symptoms chose to keep their cervix or not?

Because of pain during penetration, I'm worried that keeping the cervix might mean continued pain with intercourse.

Any experiences either way?

Thank you!

Hi Xen,
I'm so sorry you have such terrible Endo and Adeno.
It's a good thing that you are not having the pain that is usually associated with Adeno as it sounds like you have enough to deal with! But pain *is* one of the primary symptoms of it.

This article does a fabulous job of describing the symptoms, if you're curious what others are coping with:
Adenomyosis: A Common Cause
of Uterine Symptoms after Age 30
Understanding the Basics,
Distinguishing from Endometriosis By Dr. Redwine.

"Uterine pain and bleeding are the main symptoms of adenomyosis...Uterine pain can come in several forms. The most obvious would be uterine cramping with the menstrual flow, but some women can have this cramping begin days or even weeks before the flow. A few unlucky women suffering from adenomyosis may have uterine cramping all month long, with particular aggravation during the menstrual flow. It’s as if the uterus is being irritated like it has a hot coal within it.

This more chronic irritation can lead to other types of pain. If the uterus hurts like a sprained ankle, then anything that physically hits the uterus may be painful. The uterus lies directly at the end of the vagina and is hit directly during sexual intercourse. If the uterus is irritated by adenomyosis, painful intercourse can result, particularly around the time of the menstrual flow."

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=jump&lid=1979

That really resonates with me!

I wish us both the best of luck with coping with our issues!

I'm wondering why you think you have adeno and not endo? Not that it matters. Are you having a BSO with your hysterectomy?
I didn't keep my cervix, mainly due to repeat abnormal paps...

Hi Imms,
I've had a laparoscopy and after poking around and taking photos like a tourist, the doctor didn't see any endo or adhesions. It is possible some spots were hiding, but it looked clear.

Unless they see something completely unexpected, I'll be keeping both ovaries. *phew*

Did you have Adeno?

Thanks!

Xythen, nope. Or if I did she didn't mention it. I did have endo, and worse than we ever thought, really. A lot of it was hiding behind my uterus and on the back side of it. When I came-to from anesthesia my doctor said she knew that I had to be in a LOT of pain for a LONG time (13 years!) and I made the right decision.
I hope things work out okay for you. I never had any pain with sex (at least not pain that I didn't *like* hahahaa) so I don't know what role the cervix plays in that, or how that all works so I'm not good for advice on that one!

I had a TAH for suspected adeno, kept ovaries, took uterus and cervix. From what I read, there is not a sure diagnosis of adeno until the uterus is removed, sometimes an mri can pick it up but not always. My diagnosis was based on my symptoms and the more I read, I felt my doctor was right. It is now almost 3 mos. post op and I am so glad I did it. I was on bc pills which helped with the bleeding, but I had extreme pain that was there on a daily basis. Pathology confirmed diagnosis of adeno. I am finally starting to feel betther than I have for the past year and a half. Good luck to you in your decision, I know it ia big one and I was terrified before.

My docs suspect adeno and endo based on symptoms and ultrasound (it is unusual to see anything on u/s but I guess things are looking pretty ugly in there) We won't know for sure what the true diagnosis is until my surgery. I'm going to have daVinci surgery to remove my uterus and cervix, depending on how things look she may remove my ovaries as well.

The description of adeno that Xythen posted fits me to a T, especially the pain. Ugh, I can't wait for some relief!

I had Adeno and the WORST symptom was painful sex, it felt like i was being jammed by a knife everytime... along with the painful sex i had continous bleeding (every day of the month) and horrible low back and pelvic pain. I had a TVH on 2/19, kept my ovaries, but everything else is gone. My doctor was 90% sure it was Adeno before the surgery by u/s taken, both vaginally and not, my uterus was over twice the size it was suppose to be.
Good luck and best wishes during recovery.

illinifan1- I'm so glad to hear you're doing better! What an incredible relief that must be!

LaFlamingo - Very best of luck with your surgery. I'm going to do the Da Vinci surgery at the end of the month. I hope the wait until May doesn't drive you nuts and that your symptoms are bearable!

Xen - Oops sorry, I misread your comment. That experimental study sounds great! I hope to see that here on Hystersisters as a option for more women soon! As for me, I haven't decided on the cervix or not question - which is why I asked the question. I have a wonderful doctor, but I'm done. Just completely done. I'm tired of suffering and have had enough. I'm glad you found relief another way, but despite years of going through the ordeal of seeing multiple doctors, I haven't.

((Xythen))

Adenomyosis does cause so much pain for so many women! Sadly, many of them only find relief by having the uterus removed since there really are not a lot of options for adeno right now that eliminate all of the symptoms many women with adeno experience. It can definitely be worth trying them in case they will work, then women can know for sure that they made the right decision when finally consenting to a hysterectomy.

The one thing I wanted to share with you is that if you do have adneomyosis and it is affecting the cervix, leaving the cervix could cause you long term issues. The cervix is not a separate organ but rather the neck of the uterus. Thus, if any endometrial lining is left with the cervix and there happens to be adneo in that endometrial lining, your pain issues could continue. You might want to carefully talk this over with your surgeon to determine what might be best for you.

I wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery and hope that it is successful for you!