WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for July, 1999: Re: Anna and Supracervical vs total hysterectomy

Re: Anna and Supracervical vs total hysterectomy

From: Harriet (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 7 Jul 1999 10:10:36 -0500 (CDT)

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Reply: Anna: "Re: Anna and Supracervical vs total hysterectomy"

At Tue, 6 Jul 1999, Anna wrote:

>
>Very well put. My doctor did not mention that some women experience
>diminished intensity of their orgasms after removal of the uterus and/or
>cervix. I thought my orgasms were clitoral. I was not aware that I was
>apparently having uterine contractions during orgasm. Since there is
>such a big difference without the uterus, it is now obvious to me. When
>I go for my annual checkup next month, I will definitely mention it.
>
>--

Anna: As a data point: I had an abdominal supracervical hysterectomy last fall (I kept my ovareis). My orgasms are just fine and as intense and deep and thrilling as ever (which is strange, when you think about it, but they really do feel that way). Maybe it's keeping the cervix that makes the difference? I have noticed a number of articles recently arguing that maximum sexual function is maintained by preserving the cervix. You did not mention specifically whether your cervix was also removed.

Note that keeping the cervix can have its own side effects (and risks). For example, I still have a one-day miniperiod, due to some responsive tissue left in my cervix. I still need to get PAPs.

Sarah wrote: >Believe me, if I had cancer or endometriosis, I would
> consider the loss of uterine contractions a good trade-off
> to be rid of either of those awful diseases. But to lose
> those deep inner contractions for something like benign
> fibroids is a loss that I have always found difficult to
> swallow

Sarah--unless you have had your life dominated and nearly destroyed by fibroids and their bleeding and other effects, it's hard to judge what you would do. Fibroids are only benign in that they are not actually life-threatening. They can still destroy quality of life.

For a lot of us, hysterectomy is the best way to be rid of fibroids. Any woman should investigate all options and make the decision that's best for her. If she decides on hysterectomy, then she should be supported in that. But it's also imperative that women are told of any possible side effects or risks of any treatment. For the record, I investigated the options and I am happy with my choice of treatment and the outcome. Others may have reached different decisions and be happy with those. The important thing is that we have choices and are supported in whatever choice we make.

I think it's important to note that changes in sexual response are not the rule with hysterectomies. This question comes up here frequently, and for many of us, there are no problems. I know personally several other women who have had hysterectomies and all of them agree that if anything sex is better sans uterus. One woman was so happy with the surgery that told me she thought it should be an option for any woman over 40!

Perhaps one of the Drs can comment here on the differences in outcomes. Does it have to do with the cervix? Or are there other reasons? Or is it unknown?

--harriet

--
Harriet Vane
hdvane@usa.net

Next message: Andrea: "Vaginal Sore"
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In reply to: Anna: "Re: Anna and Supracervical vs total hysterectomy"
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Reply: Anna: "Re: Anna and Supracervical vs total hysterectomy"

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