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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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