Vaginal Hysterectomy?

I am 41 and just stumbling upon this site! my s-i-law just went through TAH in December and recommeded I come here. I have had severe bleeding/cramping for the better part of the last 8 years. I have stubbornly held onto my organs thinking I could "fix" this. I've been on every hormone and therapy there is to reverse this, but through my own research realize I most likely have adenomyosis. I am terrified of surgery. My s-i-law said she felt better the day after her surgery! no more back pain, bowel pain, general crappiness. Sure, surgery was no picnic, but she felt a definite improvement in other physical ways. I have lived with this pain and this bleeding for so long that my quality of life is suffering. There seems to be maybe 2 days a month I feel good! In my research I am wondering if you HAVE to have the cervix removed with the vaginal procedure. It appears to be elective with the abdominal procedure. I'm not thrilled about the abdominal way to go! I have an enlarged uterus, but apparently am a good candidate for the vaginal procedue. Has anyone had any experience with having this done vaginally and NOT taking the cervix? I would be leaving the ovaries and the cervix if I elect to have this surgery done.....and I'm getting closer to that point. This pain is no longer something I want to live with.

Hi unspooled and welcome to the site.
As far as leaving the cervix with a vaginal hyst, to my knowledge it is not possible. The term hysterectomy refers to removal of the uterus. When one has a total hysterectomy it's removal of uterus and cervix. I was told because of my hysterectomy being vaginal I couldn't keep my cervix as it's only the size of a coat button and the uterus can't go through it. I had mine removed and I don't miss the cervix at all. I've read that if you have adenomyosis or endo that sometimes it can be found in the lining of the cervix and cause continued problems. See this link for further info. http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ghlight=cervix

People who keep their cervix and at least one ovary can also have mini-periods. http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=79186

There is a technique that is called an LSH (laporoscopic supracervical hysterectomy) where there are several tiny incisions and you can keep the cervix but it's best to talk with your dr. about the options and what is right for you.

link about keeping cervix
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ghlight=cervix

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=87209

Keep in mind that if you do have your cervix removed it is still advisable to continue to get regular yearly paps.
why it's so important to continue paps
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...vaginal+cancer

Also even if you have a vaginal hysterectomy there are still lots of internal stitches to heal so the initial recovery is about 6 weeks just no outside cut or scar to remind us. Good luck.

Hi and welcome to Hyster Sisters!

I'm not sure if I remember correctly, but I think with a TVH, the cervix has to come out. Try doing a search for the word "cervix" and see what you can find.

One thing I did want to mention though, is that if you keep your ovaries and your cervix, you can have "mini-periods". (A lot of doctors neglect to mention this.) Some of the endometrial lining is left with the cervix since it is really just the lower part of the uterus. This tissue can continue to bleed each month as your ovaries release the cyclic hormones. Usually, it's just a small amount of spotting needing a panty liner. (In my case, I didn't want ANY bleeding, mini or otherwise! So I opted to have my cervix removed. And I really don't even notice that it's missing. Everything still functions the same.)

I'm sure someone will be along soon who can tell you if keeping the cervix is possible with a TVH.

Best wishes and s,

Lisa

I am 2 weeks post-op. My dr. had wanted to do a Total abdomnal hyst. I wanted a vaginal hyst. His reply was that he would have to take my cervix too if we went that route. I didn't have any problem with that as I have always had abnormal paps and cancer is prevaliant in my family. He agreed because of my history to take it all throught the vagina "if it was possible but that if it became necessary he would have to cut me". He did a procedure in his office about a week before surgery to see if taking my uterus and cervix vaginally was an option. That is when he told me that we would try to go that route unless some thing happened during surgery that would prevent that. All went well and both were removed vaginally. I would do a lot of research and discuss your options with your dr. Good luck!

wow! all of you are awesome! such a wealth of information. my s-i-law was right! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. I'll research what you each have said. In all of my reading I was led to believe that removing the cervix took away yet one more chunk of the sex life and I need to keep all I've got! Thx again.