Subtotal or total hysterectomy?

[HeadOfWipes]

Only a week away from the big day now - hysterectomy for fibroids (keeping ovaries) - but still unsure whether to keep cervix or have everything out. Everything I read makes subtotal sound more appealing - less invasive surgery, better support for pelvic floor/urinary function etc, but my consultant recommends a total. Anybody who's had a total - have you been happy with how it's turned out? Equally, if you've had a subtotal? Would find any real experiences very useful right now. I'm 44, no other health issues, just really confused!

I had a total - cervix, ovaries, the lot. Surgeon said if he left ovaries I would be going back to have them out and might get cancer. I never actually think about it at all and don’t think it has affected me or my relationship in any way

Total was fine for me. I wouldn't want to risk having to have another operation to remove cervix later on if it needed to come out. I'm not sure keeping the cervix would make that much difference to pelvic floor and so on, as the cervix would have nothing to hold it up, so to speak. No more smear tests!

Thanks for your replies. Erring on the side of a total I think, fingers crossed!

I’d have everything out, including ovaries, and go on HRT. You can’t get cancer of it if it’s not there.

have they offered you a subtotal? It's very rarely done these days

Again, I'm very late to join this conversation, but would like to know what you decided to go with, and how it worked out for you?

I've kept my cervix and ovaries. Always take out as little as poss, is my view! But it's up to you OP. Good luck with the recovery. I'm about 4mths post op and feeling good.

I had a subtotal. There was no reason for me to have my cervix or ovaries removed and my surgeon seemed to think I had made the right decision. Why go into an immediate menopause if you can avoid it? The day after my op on the ward they were telling a woman who had had a total one that they could not source any oestrogen due to supply shortages. I had my tubes removed on their recommendation as they told me it significantly reduces the chance of getting ovarian cancer.

I've been diagnosed with Adenomyosis and due to have a hysterectomy next month. Although I need to make a decision on whether i have a total or sub by keeping my cervix. I'm mid-30s and after some advise really. I'm keeping my ovaries and currently weighing up the options but welcome feedback from your experiences. Thanks