Shortening/Tighting of vagina? Help!

Iam having my surgery in about 3 weeks and I am trying to find out about (to keep cervix or not to keep cervix). I hear that when it is removed you have "shortening/tightning" of the vagina. I don't think my husband and I can afford that without alot of pain I am really stressed about this because as we all know, this is it. If my vagina is "shortend", that's it! They can't fix that. Please let me know what you know.
Thanks!

Hi, DebbieC,

If your cervix is removed, your doctor will create a "vaginal cuff" by suturing the upper end of the vagina closed. This can shorten the vagina slightly, and sometimes the vagina will feel tighter, at first.

The good news is that the vagina is very elastic. Most women find that sex is enjoyable, after their doctor gives them the OK to have sex again. For some women, who experienced pain with sex, postop sex may be better than it was before their surgery.

For any woman who's had a hysterectomy, it's a good idea to approach postop sex with a heavy emphasis on romance. Men tend to be eager for the SEX part. For women, creating a relaxing environment, with candles, soft lighting, and maybe a glass of wine, is very helpful. It's important for the man to be patient and loving, to avoid causing discomfort for the woman.

Many women have suggested the use of a good lubricant, like Astroglide. And many women have posted that their intimate encounters improve with time, as their vagina has a chance to stretch and loosen with use.

I'm not a doctor, and I can't give you medical advice. I have read a lot of posts, and I can assure you that I've heard from many women who don't miss their cervix, in the long run. I had a TVH, and am now without my cervix, and I've found that sex with no cervix is still a source of pleasure.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.

Sending healing hugs,
Helen

Thanks Helen for your fast response. What about the talk about the cervix keeping pelvic floor stablity and less chance of prolapse? I am not sure what the prolapse is ? any feed back would be great. Thanks again.

Debbie

with shortening/tightening of the vagina or with lubrication.

I had an LAVH and therefore, had to have the cervix removed. I have experienced no problems in the sex dept. and actually find it to be BETTER than it was before my surgery.

I think that you should talk to your about your concern.

I would have ben hestitant about keeping my cervix because of the chance of having "mini-periods"

Are you having a LAVH or a TVH??? If you are, then the cervix must be removed.

I also had concerns about prolapse and all that the said that you run a less chance of that happening if you have a vag. hyst. because there is less disturbance of the muscles.

Endo_chic

Debbie, your question about the cervix maintaining pelvic floor stability is a good one, and doctors seem to have strong, and conflicting opinions about this. The following links give examples of different opinions:

http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-healt...0103/3511.html

http://www.gynalternatives.com/hysterectomy.htm

http://www.wdxcyber.com/mhyst.htm

Please keep in mind that each of the above writers holds his or her own preconceived notions about this subject.

I wasn't able to find any scientific evidence to back up the idea that keeping the cervix prevents future problems. I'd suggest that you discuss this with your doctor, who can help you make the right decision for you. Obviously, if you're planning to have a TVH or LAVH, your cervix must be removed as part of the surgery.

Best wishes,
Helen

Reading up on prolapse, I'll offer my humble opinion (as I'm scheduled for a TVH w/cystocele repair and rectal rectocele repair) ...

There are ligaments from pubic bone to sacral area that support the organs from the bladder to the top of the rectum. Though complex in their connecting, the integrity of these ligaments will have alot to do with a woman's future support. Vaginal vault prolapse can occur when the vagina's top end is not supported by these ligaments as it should be. Cystoceles and rectoceles (and enterocele's, too) can also contribute.

Talk to the doc about these concerns - they are valid, and you need peace of mind.

Thanks so much Prinsessh and Endo_chic.
I cant thank you guys enough for your input. Iam having TVH with BSO. The more I read the more terrified I become. I can't help but wonder if this is the right thing. Any way I am going to check out your links Prinsessh. :confuse:

I had laparoscopic hyst and actually feel as if I have more room in there without the cervix getting in the way. Mine was tender, as was my uterus. So I'm better off than I was before.

Do please discuss all your concerns at length with your doctor, though.

Katie, it's my understanding that part of a hysterectomy in which the cervix is removed, is attaching the ligaments which formerly supported the uterus to the vagina, so that those ligaments now hold up the vagina. This is done in order to prevent vaginal prolapse.

It would be a good idea to discuss your doctor's surgical plans before signing a consent form. You have some good questions, and only your doctor can answer them for you.

Best wishes,
Helen

Thankyou, Helen ... I did know that, and doc did explain that, but I'd forgotten to include it. Great advice, I'm glad you posted (I'm still in waiting, so it didn't occur ... )