Vaginal Cuff- confused

So, another question. The vaginal cuff. Is this something all hyster sisters get? Is this what prevents our organs from coming out? How am I ever supposed to have sex again if the top of my vaginal canal is sewn shut?!

Can someone enlighten me please? I've done some research on my own, but I'm still confused.

Yes- if your cervix is removed then the top of the vagina needs to be closed over

And yes guess it stops the abdominal organs coming out.

And definitely a big yes - you'll have sex again afterwards

PS There is an article on vaginal cuffs on the web site

Hey salad,

Thanks for answering my questions! My cervix is coming out. I read the article on the website, I guess I just didn't want to believe it? you know….

Look at a picture of the female anatomy. You will get a better idea of what is going on. They don't sew your vagina shut, they sew it shut where the cervix used to be. At the very top of the vagina not the bottom.

You shouldn't feel any difference - where the cervix is- is where the cuff will be... some ladies have written that their male friends/husbands have said it is a little tighter... I think that is still post-op swelling and nerves... your guy will 'probably' be just as nervous as you the first couple of times...

Hehe, its almost like being virgins again! My guy is great and is already nervous about hurting me and I haven't even had the hyster yet!

Though, and maybe this is a rumor I heard as a teenager, I heard that under the cervix can add an inch or so for well endowed partners, does the vaginal cuff stretch at all after it heals?

You said a mouth full Star Killer, it seems that everything we do after a hysto is a virginal experience... walking, peeing, stairs, sex, bending over, etc, etc, etc. Not saying that to cause worry - just a fact for me - everything I did the first few days - I think should I, can I. And so far- zero pain since the 1st night. A little twinge at incision sites and the last 2 days a little cramping - which is from the post-op swelling going down and nerves that had protected themselves are exposing themselves. I told my doc that I have lived by the rule 'if I try something and it hurts, I stop, readjust and try again, if it still hurts - I stop' she liked that rule

I can't answer your stretching question - haven't been cleared for sex yet... I would have to assume that if the space is needed (and good for you by the way ) it should,it is only skin/tissue - nothing hard...

Hehe, thank you, I guess I do get lucky in someways down there

I didn't really think of it as being a virgin with everything, but now that you point that out, it seems obvious. I had that experience with my last surgery. Its learning to live in your body again, and how scar (and sometimes cool) is that?

Zero pain since the first night? Wow, I hope I am like you with respect! I wish I live in the same state as my doctor, I really hate going through the airport to get home after surgery. I think if I can get through that I'll be alright. Just so many people (I'm in Chicago) and always pushing. I'm getting a wheelchair for the ride back, but even those guys bump you around. Oh well, that has nothing to do with vaginal cuffs.

Anyway, I am just surprised, I'm learning so much about my body, things I feel that someone somewhere should have taught me about along the way (like sex ed).

Your comments are wonderful and make me laugh, which is, as I'm sure you know, invaluable.

Here is an article about the vaginal cuff. When I asked my doc about it in detail, she said reach in there and feel for yourself. I did. It just feels like skin. DH cannot tell the difference at all. The only difference I can tell is that I occasionally used to be able to feel DH bump against the cervix, and now I don't have one to bump. I don't miss the sensation, but some women say they do. I now have a truly satisfying sex life, better than before the surgery. No pain and no worries. By the way, the first few times weren't great as I was nervous and afraid of getting hurt. After all the tenderness was gone, and the nerves settled, I enjoy sex more than I ever have. Hope this helps.

My doctor said that the cuff is the only barrier between my insides and the outside world. Honestly, I'm not sure I'll miss it. I was just given the green light yesterday so we are still taking it easy and figuring it out. I think I read somewhere that it is only MAYBE 1/4" shorter than it was originally and that it can stretch later on if needed...so no worries!

I was one of those that did not like my cervix bumped (painful) so I am not going to miss it.