new here and would welcome advice

Hi, i am a 33 yesr old with a 10 year history of Endometriosis, Chronic PID and abnormal bleeding I have decided enough is enough and am due to have my hysterectomy on 19th July. I kind of panniced and lost the plot when the surgeon said they would do open surgery, probably take my ovaries and would be taking my cervix - arghhh!! why do they need to take my cervix? what will the after effects of this be? if i persuade them to leave my ovaried - i know the endometriosis can continue but will there be other side effects?
Sorry to be naive - i should have stayed and asked the surgeon but i just had to get out of the consulting room.
Many thanks for any help anyone can give

I don't know a lot about endo but I would guess they're taking your cervix so they can put an stop to the endo once and for all. Same thing with the ovaries. They really can't tell how bad things are until they get in there. But given the opportunity, you don't want them to have to go back in at another date.

Don't panic about the open surgery. It's the best way for them to see everything. But what gets cut on the inside is exactly the same no matter how they do the cutting on the outside. It's still going to need time to heal.

I still have my ovaries but I wanted no part of keeping my cervix due to the possibility of mini-periods. Plus it had a fibroid anyway. I don't miss my cervix at all. Sex life is better than before as it's no longer painful.

thanks for that, my husband will be really happy with that news as we han't had a sex life for a long while!

Hi, I am 33 also and am schedule to have a TAH done on May, 2nd. I am having this done due to the fact that I had 2 c-sections done (7 and 5 years ago) Since I had these done I have experienced terrible pains in my uterus, heavy and irregular periods. They also found scar tissue. I am looking forward to having it done, but at the same time I am starting to get really nervous. I wanted to have a TVH, but they said it would not be possible because I have had the c-sections. So for the 3rd time I am going to have the same incision line cut open. Lots of thoughts go through my mind regarding the hysterectomy and I don't know anyone who has had one or is waiting to have one. It would be really nice and informative to have people to discuss my concern and worries with.

Best wishes to the both of you on your upcoming surgeries. I am on the other side...and it is great. Though I am only 2 weeks post-op. I keep thinking about no more pain and periods You'll be there soon. Take care.

Hi tinkerbell2!

I had my hyst over five years ago for endo and my cervix was removed. I have had no issues with not having a cervix, sex is fine, I have vaginal moisture, nothing is prolapsing, etc.

Often if you have endo, the cervix is taken as endo can be implanted there. And often you do see women having an abdomenal hyst when they have endo to allow the surgeon the most room in order to clean up as much endo as possible. And depending on the placement of your ovaries and the placement and size of your uterus, these can also dictate that you have an abdomenal hyst.

I highly recommend a second opinion before having a hyst. I also recommend an endo specialist: Finding an endometriosis specialist. Additionally, having a gyn/oncologist assist with your surgery can be very beneficial as they have additional training with regard to removing tissues such as endo. Another dr who may be helpful to you is a reproductive endocrinologist as they are a gyn who often has additional training with regard to endo.

I was 25 when I had my hyst so for my overall health, my dr and I chose for me to keep my ovaries for the time being. However, this means that I have continued issues with endo and cysts.

Having your ovaries removed is often recommended when one has endo as they obvisously produce estrogen which feeds the endo. As your endo grows, you are more apt to have pain, adhesions, and continued pelvic issues.

You do need to be aware that having endo does complicate your options for HRT after having your ovaries removed however. Any estrogen you take can and will feed any microscopic endo that goes undetected and thus untreated, thus you need a dr who is very knowledgeable about endo, menopause, and HRT.

Here are some links that may be helpful to you:

Hyster Sisters Endo/Adeno Resources
Medications for endo
Endo and Post Hyst HRT
Progesterone to treat endo
Endometriosis association
Endo/Adeno: Stories of Triumph over Pain

You may also wish to use the search tab to the upper, right of your screen to search for other threads about endo.

Each of us are unique, so we each have to make the best decision for our circumstances. Best wishes to you for your research. I do suggest you sit down and talk to your surgeon again, as well as seeking at least a second opinion. Compare notes between the drs, and decide what is right for you.

thankyou soooo much for your help and insight. i did not know that endo would have repercussions with HRT - is there no end to what we women have to go through? i know the hyster is the right way to go and i have come to terms with it now. thank heaven for this website and all you wonderful people out there who are willing to give advice and emotional support - thank you and big huhs to you all
xxx