Cervix removed, why

Smorris70 Although the uterus and cervix are indeed connected the cervix can be separated and left intact. It seems from most of the responses around this site that like myself the cervix was removed, which can be for various reasons as there are many ways a hysterectomy can be performed it depends upon which option your doctor uses whether the cervix can be left or not and for some if cancer is the reason for the procedure then the cervix is often taken as a precaution. There is some debate as to whether it is best to leave the cervix or not among doctors. But it's all too late for me now it's gone so hopefully it makes no difference. My mother had her hyster over 35 years ago and had her cervix removed in the procedure and has had no problems so here's hoping all goes well.

yes, it is possible to leave the cervix - but a lot depends on your case & your doctor - some will not do it, others prefer to if possible. It is also a more complicated surgery. As whit7795 said, there is a lot of debate amongst doctors about the pros & cons of leaving it.

Me personally - my cervix was removed because I have had problems in the past, and they found problems developing again in pathology. As a result I can expect to have annual smears for a long time to come to make sure I dont develop other problems - it was mentioned that it could be for as long as 20 years yet! but better safe than sorry!

Also, leaving the cervix can mean you continue to have "mini" periods - since the cervix does contain a small amount of the endometrial lining. Without it - no more periods!! works for me!

My ob said I could keep my cerxics if I wanted too but he never has done it before. He said it courses pain remove it. It can still spot blood monthly if uterous cells are left at top and you need a pap smear if you keep it. And as been said it can course issues latter better to have it gone now they needing another surgery n recovery. Yes some ppl can keep them but it's ok to have it removed too.

Going to aak my dr about viginal pap smears. Thx

Hope your healing well.

I had my cervix, uterus, ovaries removed. Besides endometrosis, cysts, fibroid, I also had severe dsyplasia (discovered on pathology report after hyster, it was shown as mild-moderate on pap smear prior to hyster) in my cervix and it was spreading - so removed otherwise the big C (cancer) would be near. I was told I would still need pap smears due to the severe dsyplasia in my case to make sure the pre-cancer cells did not show up.

This is the one part of the surgery that has bothered me. I am not the least bit concerned about not having a uterus but not having my cervix leaves me feeling uneasy. I'm not having an easy time explaining this to anyone, so that doesn't help. Keeping it wasn't an option because my surgery was done vaginally. Has anyone else experience this sense of loss? How have you handled it?

I ended up having everything removed , and I was glad as I learned from the pathology report that I had cysts in both ovaries and on my cervix which was the reason for all my pain~ so I'm glad it's gone.

My gyn said she still recommended vaginal pap smears just to be sure and that's my plan.

My doctor and I discussed it and I opted to keep my cervix. She said since she left it, she wouldn't have to cut through as many ligaments and supporting tissues and it would give me better pelvic floor support. I did not have endometriosis, nor have I had any abnormal paps. My heavy bleeding was never explained.

thanks for explaining that. I am learning that every woman's surgery is different, and I'm so sorry that your doctor didn't discuss this with you beforehand. He seems pretty cold and callous to me! I researched this on the internet and people are right, there are pros and cons to both sides. My mom also had complete hysterectomy and they took everything. She said sex was actually improved after that, which my dad promptly agreed. Not something you want to hear from your 70 plus year old parents. Yuck. LOL. I'm sure everything will be fine, and hope you are healing well!

As an FYI, when the cervix is left, the type of surgery is called a partial, subtotal, or supracervical hysterectomy since the total or complete uterus was not removed.

Any time one has a complete or total hysterectomy, the total or complete uterus was/will be removed!

For those interested, you can read more about the various options here: Hysterectomy Options