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Pros and Cons of keeping the cervix
To: All
I need to have a hysterectomy and have opted for a lap assisted vaginal. I'm interested in getting information and feedback on keeping my cervix. I have fibroids and because of the locations, keeping it may not be an option. We won't know until they get in there, but I'd like to get everyone's any thoughts on the pros and cons of removing the cervix. Thanks.
I need to have a hysterectomy and have opted for a lap assisted vaginal. I'm interested in getting information and feedback on keeping my cervix. I have fibroids and because of the locations, keeping it may not be an option. We won't know until they get in there, but I'd like to get everyone's any thoughts on the pros and cons of removing the cervix. Thanks.
Did you have your cervix removed? I am in exactly the same situation and cant decide what to do.
Have you considered having the fibroids removed and keeping your uterus and its life-long functions?
Hi,
I'm relieved reading your post. I'm 36 and will be getting my hysterectomy in 2 weeks. I'm trying to decide about keeping my cervix or not, but because my hysterectomy is due to severe anemia from fibroids - the idea that I could still possibly bleed with a cervix is terrifying!
Are you still feeling good, both physically and sexually 2 years out? Thanks for any info .
I'm relieved reading your post. I'm 36 and will be getting my hysterectomy in 2 weeks. I'm trying to decide about keeping my cervix or not, but because my hysterectomy is due to severe anemia from fibroids - the idea that I could still possibly bleed with a cervix is terrifying!
Are you still feeling good, both physically and sexually 2 years out? Thanks for any info .
if you're having severe pain, heavy bleeding please be checked for endometriosis...I had all my organs removed with total abdominal hysterectomy for endometriosis...and though removing the uterus took care of the ademomyosis and horrible pain it brought on pelvic organ prolapse...I too had the thought of "do this surgery and I can be out of pain and get on with my life...one surgery and it's done" well, that has NOT been my journey at all...I still have pain and am now 8 surgeries in thanks to the endometriosis, removal of all my female organs weakening my pelvis everything that could prolapse has...I know have mesh, interstim device...still struggling and have been dealing with this now for over half my life...if you are having pain find out why...dr. are too quick to take our female organs and not share the reality...you may not have monthly horrible pain, but you may trade it for daily pain...you may have horrible hormone issues and have to be on hrt that your ovaries did for free and now you get to pay for them and trust me they do not work as well as even severely diseased ovaries (as mine were), then the sex...well trust me that too changes especially if you had uterine contractions as part of your orgasm...I did not even know I did until the uterus was gone...you also are at risk of pelvic organ prolapse which will mean pain and more surgery as well as you may no longer have your monthly period so you get to trade in the monthly period pads for daily incontinence pads because your organs have shifted to where the uterus sat causing issues such as urine incontinence...please do not take this surgery as a light surgery...You might be one of the lucky ones that gets on with it without another problem, but if you end up in the same shoes as many of us are in...it's a hard life...I am not saying my life is still not wonderful don't get me wrong...it's good and I am happy but if I could go back...I would have NEVER had my female organs removed..removing your female organs weakens the structures holding everything in place...disease can be cut out without losing our organs...I would have had nerves severed or done nerve blocks and I would have had the disease cut out by a specialist...do your homework before making a potentially life altering decision...because this was just a touch of my 25 or so year journey...it's truly a HUGE decision not to be jumped into lightly!
Year 2000: I had a fibroid and had a abdominal hysetrectomy. Only the cervix was left. Fast forward to year 2004: I lost all control of my bladder. Doctors could not help me. From 2004 to 2014 I began feeling not well. Doctors could not figure out why. Year 2015 I lost my appetite and I could not hold urine. Still, doctors could not help. April 2015: A large mass (12.5 x 3.5) was found on my cervix. I was having trouble eating and feeling very badly. July 14, 2015 I had surgery to remove the mass and cervix which was inked black. The pathology report was that some of the fibroid was left behind on my cervix back in 2000. After hysetrectomy a woman still has enough estrogen to allow a fibroid to grow. All my organs were being pushed aside and my stomach and bladder were pretty much cut off. Once the mass was removed I have regained 98% control of my bladder and I can now eat again. I feel wonderful. Why did I have to go 15 years with a fibroid that was not completely removed and caused so much grief? I want all women to ensure that all the fibroid is removed. I have a 5 to 6 month recovery now after this major abdominal surgery that was completely unnecessary if the surgeons had done their job correctly.
Many women have a tipped uterus without ever knowing it as it does not typically cause any problems.
It sounds like you have tried various formulations of birth control pills - both combined and progestin-only. And then the Mirena. Is that correct? Have you been offered prescription Lysteda (tranexamic acid) that you take only during your period?
Have you been tested for a bleeding / clotting disorder? Von Willebrand is the most common one in women. Most cases are inherited; however, it can be acquired from things such as autoimmune disorders, hypothyroidism, or certain medications.
Have you had a complete endocrine workup? Endocrine disorders, one being thyroid dysfunction, can also cause menstrual cycle abnormalities.
I seems that so many gynecologists fail to test and diagnose the underlying cause of menstrual cycle irregularities and are quick to just rip out the uterus.
I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago at age 49 and not a moment goes by that I don't regret it. The uterus is much more than a baby bag. It and its four sets of ligaments, connecting nerves, and blood supply have vital anatomical, skeletal, hormonal/endocrine, and sexual functions. Although the sex organs in women (but not men) are called "reproductive" organs, these organs work as a system and are essential our WHOLE lives.
The long-term and permanent harms of hysterectomy became apparent to me rather quickly. I lost my youthful looks, my wonderful, satisfying sex life, my INTACT figure, my joy for living (severe depression set in), my desire to connect with others, and my basic ability to function in day-to-day life.
Since hysterectomies are grossly overused in the U.S., please do your research and advocate for yourself. Keep us posted on how this progresses.
It sounds like you have tried various formulations of birth control pills - both combined and progestin-only. And then the Mirena. Is that correct? Have you been offered prescription Lysteda (tranexamic acid) that you take only during your period?
Have you been tested for a bleeding / clotting disorder? Von Willebrand is the most common one in women. Most cases are inherited; however, it can be acquired from things such as autoimmune disorders, hypothyroidism, or certain medications.
Have you had a complete endocrine workup? Endocrine disorders, one being thyroid dysfunction, can also cause menstrual cycle abnormalities.
I seems that so many gynecologists fail to test and diagnose the underlying cause of menstrual cycle irregularities and are quick to just rip out the uterus.
I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago at age 49 and not a moment goes by that I don't regret it. The uterus is much more than a baby bag. It and its four sets of ligaments, connecting nerves, and blood supply have vital anatomical, skeletal, hormonal/endocrine, and sexual functions. Although the sex organs in women (but not men) are called "reproductive" organs, these organs work as a system and are essential our WHOLE lives.
The long-term and permanent harms of hysterectomy became apparent to me rather quickly. I lost my youthful looks, my wonderful, satisfying sex life, my INTACT figure, my joy for living (severe depression set in), my desire to connect with others, and my basic ability to function in day-to-day life.
Since hysterectomies are grossly overused in the U.S., please do your research and advocate for yourself. Keep us posted on how this progresses.
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