Complete Hysterectomy and pelvic exams - Hysterectomy Message Board

veree · 08-27-2005, 11:45 AM

Wonder how often after getting complete hysterectomy is it necessary to get an internal exam and what's the purpose if nothing is there

KIMSCLOUD · 08-27-2005, 06:27 PM

You have to get one every year to get a annual pap smear because you still have a
cervix. They don't take that out. And that is where they get the pap smear from. I have had a total also.My doctor told me to continue to have your annual check ups.

joojoobee1967 · 08-28-2005, 08:52 AM

I also had a complete hysto (everything out including cervix). I was told that since I don't have a cervix I only need to have exam every 2 years, as long as I never had an abnormal pap in the past.

I think this opinion varies with each dr. I know other people that still have 1 annually.

J

ktee_uk · 08-28-2005, 10:43 AM

Dear saar

A total hysterectomy means they took your uterus AND cervix. If the docs do a pelvic exam they will only be looking inside your vagina which will now be sealed at the top. Here in the UK we do not have exams if we do not have a cervix unless there is a recognised reason to check the top of the your vagina.

If you still have your cervix but they took your uterus only, then this is a Sub-Total Hysterectomy. If you have your cervix, you still need an exam.

regards
ktee

Josie115 · 09-18-2005, 08:00 AM

Depending on what type of hyst you had..and from the responses above, you can see that it varies, if you have a total hyst..which includes taking the cervix, the follow-up pelvics will include what's called the vaginal vault smear..it is the area that is just stitched up where the cervix was. Depending on previous paps and reasons for the hyst, it can vary from frequently. (every 3 months)....(cancer of the cervix, hpv, etc) to every 2 years..and possibly less frequent. If you are still sexually active, you are at the same risks for various infections etc. The possiblility of vaginal cancer is still there forever..not to say it's likely but, it's a good idea to make sure you have your annual exams. Women sometimes think that once they have a hyst, they no longer need exams. That isn't true and if you have a doc that says you no longer need one, get another opinion. I had uterine cancer, early stage and grade..located high up in the uterus..because of that, my exams are every 6 mo. and eventually probably just annually. If my cancer was near the cervix, it would always be more frequent.