Re: Anna and Supracervical vs total hysterectomy
From: Anna (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 7 Jul 1999 10:51:36 -0500 (CDT)
Harriet:
Thank you. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, which included the
cervix being removed. Maybe it is keeping the cervix that makes the
difference. I don't know what the answer is. I only know that there's
a big difference now that's pretty disappointing for me.
--
Anna
At Wed, 7 Jul 1999, Harriet wrote:
>
>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
>
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