Have you also been told to have your ovaries removed (oophorectomy)? Let's talk about this simply.

Maybe your doctor has told you that you need to have your ovaries removed. Or maybe someone you know has had this surgery. It's normal to feel a bit scared and curious when you hear the name. Today, we'll talk about what an 'oophorectomy' is, why it's done, and what happens afterward in a very simple, understandable way.

Simply put, what is oophorectomy?

Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of your ovaries. Did you know that a woman has two ovaries, located on either side of her pelvis? These are two very important glands in our body's reproductive system.

These ovaries produce hormones that control your menstrual cycle . These hormones also help keep your bones strong and your heart healthy . In addition, the eggs (ova) needed for pregnancy are stored and mature in these ovaries.

So, doctors recommend this surgery to remove the ovaries as a treatment for a certain medical condition or to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Are there different types of this surgery?

Yes, there are different methods and types of this surgery. After looking at your condition and medical history, your doctor will decide which type is best for you. Let's see what they are.

This surgery is usually performed by an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. Most of the time, you are under general anesthesia (completely unconscious) so you don't feel anything.

Why do we have to have this surgery?

There are several reasons why a doctor might recommend this surgery. Here are some of the main reasons:

• Endometriosis: This is a condition in which cells that should be inside the uterus grow outside (such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes). This can cause severe pain.
• Benign Cysts: These are cysts that form in the ovaries, do not contain cancer cells, and may be filled with fluid. These may need to be removed if they become large or painful.
• To reduce the risk of cancer: If someone in the family has had breast or ovarian cancer, or if there are risk factors such as BRCA gene mutations , this surgery is performed as a precaution before cancer develops.
• Ovarian Cancer: If there is cancer in the ovaries, they are removed as a treatment.
• Ovarian Torsion: An extremely painful condition that occurs when an ovary twists around the blood vessels that supply it.
• Infections: Severe infections of the ovaries or surrounding area (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - PID).

How does this affect those who care about children?

This is a very important and sensitive issue. If both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, you will lose the ability to conceive naturally.

However, if your uterus has not been removed, IVF (in vitro fertilization)It is possible to sustain a pregnancy (conceive a child) through techniques such as IVF. If you still have hopes of having children, it is essential to talk openly about this with your doctor before this surgery. He or she may also explain options such as removing and freezing your eggs.

What should we prepare before the surgery?

Your doctor will explain all the details of the surgery to you. You will be given instructions on what to do before and after the surgery. He or she will listen to any questions you may have about the risks of the surgery, the recovery time, and the procedure. Before the surgery, your doctor may order some tests, such as:

• A physical examination
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Ultrasound scan
• MRI scan

How is the surgery performed?

There are three main methods for removing the ovaries. Each method has its own risks and recovery time.

If you have a keyhole or vaginal surgery, you may be able to go home the same evening, or you may have to stay in the hospital overnight. However, if you have a laparoscopic surgery, you may have to stay in the hospital for about three days.

What happens to the body after surgery?

Your body will change depending on the type of surgery you have. The most important thing is that if you are not yet menopausal and both of your ovaries are removed, you will go into menopause immediately. This is a big change. So it is very important to talk to your doctor about how you will cope with these hormonal changes before the surgery.

Will menstruation continue?

It also depends on the type of surgery you had. If only one of your ovaries is removed and the other one is functioning normally, you will continue to have periods.

Can ovaries regrow?

No. Ovaries that have been surgically removed will not regrow.

What are the risks of surgery?

Like any surgery, there are some risks involved, but the likelihood of these occurring is low.

• Infection.
• Damage to surrounding organs such as the bladder or intestines during surgery.
• Bleeding more than expected.
• Having an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
• Experiencing severe pain even after surgery.
• Blood clots.
• When a cancerous tumor is removed, there is a very small risk that it will burst and spread cancer cells.
• Loss of the ability to have children.

How is the recovery period? What should we follow?

Recovery varies from person to person. You will usually need to take a break from your normal activities for at least two weeks. If you have a tummy tuck, it can take up to six weeks to fully recover. It is important to follow these steps during this time:

• Don't exercise (walking is fine).
• Don't lift any weights.
• Avoid having sex.
• Use only sanitary pads for menstruation (no tampons).
• Do not bathe in water (only take showers).
• Keep the surgical incision clean and dry.
• Take the painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by your doctor exactly as prescribed.
• Ask for help from family and friends during this time.
• If you are taking painkillers, do not drive as they can cause drowsiness.

Does the surgery cause menopause to occur sooner?

Yes. The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control the menstrual cycle. If both ovaries are removed, the production of these hormones stops and you immediately go into menopause. It is important to be aware of this before the surgery.

Symptoms such as these may occur with menopause:

• Hot flashes.
• Excessive sweating at night (Night sweats).
• Vaginal dryness.
• Thinning of bones and risk of early fractures (Osteoporosis).

Depending on the reason for your ovaries being removed, your doctor may decide to prescribe hormone replacement therapy to control these symptoms.

What are the symptoms that require you to see a doctor immediately after surgery?

When you get home after surgery, watch out for these symptoms. If you have any of them, let your doctor know right away.

• Swelling or redness of the surgical incision.
• Watery fluid or pus oozing from the cut.
• Pain in the hip area.
• Swelling or pain in the legs (this could be a sign of a blood clot).
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Fever or chills.
• Feeling pain when urinating.
• A vaginal discharge that has a foul odor or is itchy.

Are Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy two different things?

Yes, this is something that confuses many people.

• Hysterectomy is the surgery to remove the uterus.
• Oophorectomy is the surgery to remove one or both ovaries.

However, sometimes both of these surgeries are performed together.

It's normal to feel scared when you hear about having a hysterectomy. Especially if you're thinking about having children, or if you're worried about early menopause or cancer. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have. They can help you cope with what to expect after the surgery.