Should You Keep Your Cervix During a Hysterectomy?
If you’ve been told you need a hysterectomy, you’re probably overwhelmed with questions—one of the biggest being: Should I keep my cervix? Spoiler alert: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I’m here to break down the pros and cons of keeping your cervix during hysterectomy so you can make an informed decision.
The Pros of Keeping Your Cervix
- Maintaining Pelvic Support
Your cervix acts like a supportive anchor for your pelvic organs. Removing it can, in some cases, slightly increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. If maintaining pelvic stability is a priority, keeping your cervix might be the better option. - Preserved Sexual Function
Some studies suggest that keeping the cervix might help maintain sexual function, including the quality of orgasm. Think of it as keeping the original wiring intact—some women feel it makes a difference, while others don’t notice a change. - Shorter Surgery, Quicker Recovery
Retaining the cervix generally means a less invasive surgery with fewer risks and a quicker bounce-back time. That’s a win in my book if you’re looking to get back on your feet fast. - Fewer Surgical Complications
Keeping your cervix often means less dissection, which can reduce the risk of complications like bladder or bowel injury during surgery.
The Cons of Keeping Your Cervix
- You’ll Still Need Pap Smears
If you’re not a fan of Pap smears, keeping your cervix means you’ll still need them, since cervical cancer can still happen even after a hysterectomy. - Mini Periods Might Stick Around
Surprise! If your ovaries are intact, you might still have mini periods, as the uterine lining can continue to shed through the cervix. It’s rare, but it happens. - Residual Cancer Risk
Leaving the cervix behind means there’s still a small risk of developing cervical cancer, especially if you have a history of HPV or cervical dysplasia. - Chronic Pain or Endometriosis Concerns
If you’ve struggled with endometriosis or severe pelvic pain, keeping the cervix may not relieve your symptoms. In some cases, removing it can help improve chronic pain. - Not Always an Option
Sometimes, medical necessity makes the decision for you. If you have cervical dysplasia, cancer, or severe endometriosis involving the cervix, your doctor will likely recommend removal.
What’s the Verdict?
Deciding whether to keep or remove your cervix during a hysterectomy is a deeply personal choice that should be made with your doctor’s guidance. Your unique medical history, health goals, and personal preferences all play a role.
If you’re still on the fence or need more insight, reach out to Dr. Duncan Turner MD—we’re here to guide you through every step.
