TAH: Should I keep my cervix or not?

I am scheduled to have a TAH for fibroids and Adenomyosis. My doctor says it is up to me if I keep my cervix or not.

I have visited several websites to find out which is better, but all the information out there are inconclusive .

I am concerned about the effect of no cervix on my sex life. Should I be worried or not?

Hi, if you do a search here on cervix you will find several threads about keeping cervix and it comes down to your personal opinion. My personal Dr. said she don't leave cervix. She said it leaves to much scar tissue in that area, you can likely have mini periods, because it is tissue from uterus it may have possible future Aden. Or other things that can grow or arise. Sex issues, I have heard women say its no big deal, others think it it. . . Various opinions. Make your best decision your comfortable with and hope for the best. Also, I have cervical cancer in my family history so mine is coming out.

If you have the option (I did not), it is really a personal choice. There are different medical opinions on the matter. It is true that you can have mini periods, although if they leave the cervix they do try and cauterize it so you won't. But nothing is a guarantee. Cervical cancer is still a concern if you leave it as well, and you will continue to do paps. In general without a cervix you can skip that part of your annual exam.

For me sex feels different, but I don't think it has to do with not having a cervix. I still have orgasms but they are not as intense. I miss the muscle contraction of my uterus.

You need to make the right decision for you and your long term health. Discuss this more with your doctor.

I choose to get rid of my cervix. I did a lot of research and found out that you could have mini periods and what ever plagued your uterus could also effect your cervix. Mini periods could be in the form of spottng to wearing a panty liner It could last from 1-7 days. My luck I would be the select few to have them And for this reason I gave mine the boot.

I kept mine simply because I wanted to keep as much of me as possible, not for any other reason. I am one of the few who has a mini period. It is not terrible. I spotted for three days, lightly, did not even need a panty liner. Compared to four years of two- to three-week clotted periods, I really don't mind feeling normal and having a mini-period. I was told afterward that while it is rare, fibroids can grow on the cervix. That may be a reason to not keep it. My doctor did not seem to be concerned about it at all.

I'm getting rid of everything. I have fibroids now, and by leaving the cervix, which is the neck portion of the uterus, I run the risk of having fibroids grow on the cervix. I don't want to go through all of this just to have to do it over again later.

Everyone has to decide what is best for them. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

When I finally agreed to have a hysterectomy, I did question the removal of the cervix, because it sounded to me that that might have an impact on sexual function. The doctor said in my case, since I've had endo and am a DES daughter, removing the cervix should prevent me from having possible future surgery. I was also worried about additional pain, but I haven't had any pain that. The top of the vagina did feel odd at first and then itchy as the new tissue healed. Still only just started working on sexual issues, but the initial practice was promising. ;->

I don't have my cervix anymore and I'm fine with it. I knew I'd be one of those people who would have mini periods if I did keep it. In fact, I like not having it. It hasn't affected anything sexually for me and I don't have discharge like I used to. It's just more comfortable for me and I'm glad I don't have it.

Thank you all for taking time to reply to my post.

Your posts have been reassuring.

Please keep on posting as I would like to read more about 'sisters' experiences.

If you have adeno you could still get that in your cervix if you keep it. I had adeno and endo so my doctor said remove whole uterus which includes cervix. I am not sure but I think it is only quite recently that doctors have been giving women the choice of keeping their cervix. My doctor also said little evidence keeping cervix helped pelvic support. Got to decide what seems right for you.