Pros and Cons of keeping the cervix

[grahnbeading]

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.

[Mary 53]

Hi,

I just posted to you on the other thread. Hope the info helps...

Mary

[Treebee]

I just had a hyst and did not keep my cervix. I really debated about that and had a long discussion with my Dr. about it and she admitted it was a "hot" topic at the moment. There is not a definitive answer is the short version. Studies have indicated it helps support the pelvic floor and then studies have shown it doesn't. I too had a few fibroids and one was in my cervix. I finally asked my Dr. what would she do if it was her and she said take the cervix. I just didn't want to have to ever go back and have more surgery. I know I haven't been real helpful but wanted to share what I chose to do. Take care and God Bless,
Teresa

[nunis]

Hi. I had my hysterectomy 6 months ago, they left my cervix, decision of the doctor. I recommend that you let your doctor decide, if he feels it is a risk for you to leave it, let him take it, if your cevix is healthy then let him leave it.
The only good thing about trying to save the cevix is that in Europe, they believe that the cervix plays an important role in holding the upper organs in place, and if they leave it in your older years your organs will stay in place instead of falling and it will avoid problems of falling bladder, vagina, etc.
You can have a better elder life. But only if the cervix is in good condition. You will still have a risk of cancer in the cervix, so pap are still required. My doctor believes in saving the cervix is better for all us girls. Good luck! Also they believe that you will keep your sex pleasure better if you keep the cervix.

[Kam55]

Hello.  I had my hysterectomy in 1971.  I was 21 years old.  It was a complete hysterectomy.  I was reading the other post and I must tell you that it did not alter sexual pleasure in the least.  As far as that goes, I couldn't tell the difference.  I have never had any problems to date.  I stopped taken any estrogen 15 years ago, and again have suffered no problems.  I will let you know if that changes.  Try not to worry.  I agree with nunis, your doctor really will decide what's in your best interest.  Good luck, you'll do fine.

[jml1986]

I had a total in July and I have been nothing but happy I did. My doctor gave me the option to keep my ovaries and I just did not want to take a chance and then have to go back and have to have them removed later. We have alot of cancer in my family and I just didn't want to risk it.

[grahnbeading]

Thanks for the feedback. Because my issue is fibroids and not cancer, I would like to keep as much as possible. Because of the location of the fibroids, I've decided to let my surgeon make the final determination based on how the cervix is. If it has fibroids, it will go or if my other fibroids are too large to remove laparoscopically, she have to do a vaginal. I started a 3 month coarse of Lupron to reduce the fibroids, so we'll know more in a few months. Again thanks for the feedback.

[DeDee18]

You stated that you didn't keep the cervix.  I suppose I was not informed enough prior to my having the hysterectomy.  I wish I had known more before hand.  Dr. took my cervix too and never told me it may help support the pelvis.  He was just taking it because he was doing it all vaginally.    I had the the surgery 6 months ago and last month developed a severe enterocele and rectocele because of the hysterectomy.  I am now 5 weeks post op from the repairs and now it has come back again.  I am about at my wits end and dont know how to fix this!!!  I wish I had known and I would have kept the cervix since nothing was wrong with it.  Now I have all these problems and not sure if I will ever be ok again.  did you experience these hernias too?

[DeDee18]

sorry, the last reply post I meant to go to Teresa, not you grahnbeading. Sorry I sent to your attention.

[Treebee]

I am so sorry for the problems you have been having. I haven't had that and hope that I do not. I actually hadn't heard of it before. I wonder if it is more common with vaginal hysterectomies? Please keep after your dr's. to get some relief you shouldn't be miserable!!!

I had my post op appointment on Fri. and found out my ovaries were so adhered to the uterus etc. the surgeon probably couldn't have saved my cervix. It made me feel better about me decision as I really struggled over that.

Best wishes to everyone!

Teresa

[Nalabud]

I had a supra-cervical hysterectomy back in June & left the ovaries & cervix.  Turns out that I am one of the 5% of all woman who will continue to have a menstral cycle after this procedure when the cervix is left in place.  I am schedule next month to have a my cervix cauterized.  That will stop the bleeding, but I have also developed severe menstral cramps mid-cycle & at cycle.  The doctor said that I won't have the cramps at cycle anymore (because there won't be one), but I will still get them when I ovulate.  If after this procedure, 3 months out, I am still not happy, he will then go back in & remove the ovaries as well.  If I had been aware that this was possible, I would have had it all done at the same time & saved myself the aggrevation of all of this!  Thought this information might be helpful to anyone considering this procedure.

[Treebee]

I hope things work out for you. It isn't fun to have to go back and have more work done. I won't miss the cramps that's for sure :-) I understand wanting to keep your cervix and especially your ovaries. My surgeon did mention the possibility of bleeding - she said there is no dotted line where you should cut and if there is any uterine tissue left there is a chance of spotting/bleeding. I really debated about leaving my cervix and would for sure have kept an ovary if I could have but the endo had ruined them. Let us know how the cauterization goes for you next month.

Take care and God bless,

Teresa

[madgeOwens]

The cervix is a small orifice or opening into your uterus.  With  it you will continue to have pap smears, without it you won't.  I think keeping it has no merits, and then there is cervical cancer. I would lose it myself. And I am actually.

[Treebee]

I wanted to wish you well with you surgery. I hope everything goes well and will keep you my prayers.

Teresa

[madgeOwens]

Thank you so much, that was very thoughtful, and made me smile! :)

[Worried_37]

I was just advised by my doctor he wanted me to have a hysterectomy just my uterus .. but did state that if my ovaries were in bad shape he would take them too ..  I have to admit I am scared to death my mom had one about my age 37 and she stated that she seen no sex drive with a change in skin and hair texture .. Im not entirely sure if I should have it.. I do have dysfuctional unterus bleeding . Wow all these post are making me worry..

[madgeOwens]

You have to weight the pros and cons.  I had a prolapse and it was the best thing for me. Best of luck.

[sylvia72]

Keep the cervix or you'll loose the length of your vagina. I had a supracervical hysterectomy. Talked to three doctors and several women who had the same surgery to get as much info as possible. I decided on the doctor of my choice and he gave me the same thing...we went know until we are in there. No, the cervix stays was my demand. I even wrote it on the hospital paperwork I signed. I wrote that unless it was a life and death situation, the cervix was to stay in tact. If it needed to come out, I could go under the knife again. Better to keep as much as you can. Yes, I still have to have yearly paps, but that's okay. Because I wanted to keep it my surgery was done both through the vagina and belly button. Take a sock and rubberband off a few inches in from the toe and then try to put your foot in. Think of that as your vagina and what affect it might have on your sex life. If you want to loose your cervix too then definetly talk it over with your husband if your married because it will affect him too quite possibly. Hope this helps.

[SMtickle]

Wow.  I had a hysterectomy at 37, everything went except the ovaries. No more anemia and severe cramping or excessive bleeding. I have had a wonderful sex life post hysterectomy without a cervix.  I've never heard of loosing the length of the vagina or falling inner parts. I'm surprised to read some of these posts.  My heart goes out to those that experienced such things.
All the best to you with whatever you decide.  I just wanted you to know that I'm cervix free and have never looked back :)

[Maraea15]

Hi I wanted to say thanks for your post. Im at dilemma point. With 2 beautiful children gifts, and 1 year into a very healing relationship which has been a surprise after a 10 yr abusive marriage, I find myself 38 and with a tipped uterus and unexplained heavy periods (2wks out of every 4 and 3 boxes of super tampons!) All the "drug-pill" steps have not worked, and the Mirena caused my hair to fall out, heavy brain fog and severe dizziness and heavy bleeding after every jog (only 3kms)! Now they removed the Mirena and I am looking at ablation or partial hysterectomy with a prep appt next week.  However with a tipped uterus, and a uterine prolapse, it isn't that simple? Any advice helpful

[old_before_my_time]

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.

[Yukoner_Northerner]

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.

[ipurr2]

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!

[Misticgaze26]

I am 30 years old. I had LAVH in February of this year(2015). The doctors took everything except my ovaries. I had to have a hysterectomy because of the horrible birth control Essure, it ruined my life from the day I had it inserted.

After having my hysterectomy though everything went back to normal.
I't was the best decision I ever made!

My cervix was removed and my vaginal length was NOT shortened as all. They don't just remove the cervix and leave a huge dent in your vagina. They remove the cervix and make a vaginal cuff, which is where the stitch everything up after removing your cervix and whatever other parts they are taking.
The vaginal cuff feels similar to the original cervix.
When having sex, it feels not different to me then before my hysterectomy. My husband said it feels no different to him either.
Honestly everyone I have ever spoke to who has had a hysterectomy with removal of cervix says they enjoy sex even more. And that's because the G-spot is easier to reach.

Good luck to everyone

[Mammaanderson]

Thank you so much for your input. I'm 36 with fibroid tumors, cysts, and a Benin mass. I have to have a hysterectomy and my dr left it up to me to leave or remove my cervix. I was so undecided, until I read your post. My mother and aunt had it done they couldn't remember if their cervix was removed but said the sex was better their spouses didnt feel a difference and all has been well with them. So thank you you've helped me come to my final conclusion and that is to remove the cervix.

[Maritony14]

Thank thank you so I am having my uterus and cervix removed and vaginal lifted, am 42 remarried and sex was my concern but hearing your experience and that your husband doesn't feel the difference makes me feel more at ease, also did you lose abdominal weight

[Zeezee83]

Thank you so much.  I’m booked in for a LAVH on the 30 July and my consultant also said it was up to me regarding my cervix but now having read you post, I feel so much more positive about it being removed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart x

[old_before_my_time]

Zeezee - I don't know the reason for your hysterectomy but I had one and wish I had been told about all the problems it causes. I never would have signed the consent form to remove any parts if there was no cancer (and there wasn't).

[oomollyoo]

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 .