Need to make a decision

I am scheduled for a hysterectomy in October. I am having one because I am on Tomaxifen and have endometrial hyperplasia, and want to prevent future cancer problems. My doctor is recommending I remove ovaries, tubes, and my uterus, but leave my cervix. My thought is, if I'm going to have surgery, shouldn't I have everything removed? If anyone could share their experience, I would appreciate it.

Some doctors think that leaving the cervix can help "support" your innards. My doc said either that he doesn't think so, or that I didn't need the extra support, I forget. So I had mine out, and I'm glad I did.

Also, some women find their cervix helps with sensations during sex. Mine just hurt. So again, I was glad to have it gone.

Discuss it with your doctor (and maybe get a second opinion). If I had concerns about cancer I'd sure want it gone, but your doc may good reasons for wanting to leave it.

Hi, Nettie. When my dh and I were talking to my gynecologist about whether or not to remove my cervix, this is what he said to us - a surgeon cannot tell with the naked eye exactly where the uterus ends and the cervix begins, so if the uterus is removed and the cervix is left in, there *may* be a tiny amount of uterine tissue left at the top of the cervix, which could respond to hormones in the body and start bleeding again. When he said that, we definitely wanted him to remove the cervix. Almost six solid weeks of bleeding were enough!! You could always ask another doctor if you want a second opinion on what your doctor said.

As far as intimacy without a cervix is concerned, there has been no change for me - everything's fine.

Hope you have an uneventful surgery and a complete and quick recovery.

~Sue

Hi Nettie,

I'm glad you found this wonderful website. I'm in the same boat as you (hyperplasia) and am scheduled to have a TAH/BSO (hysterectomy and ovaries removed) on Sept 12th.

My doctor said that since I am 49 that it shouldn't make that big of difference to remove my ovaries since my ovaries probably aren't working anymore anyway.

The cervix being removed? She wants to remove my cervix so that I can take esterogen without having to deal with progesterone (which makes me totally nuts!).

Hang in there. We're all here for you.

Take good care, Gracie