Oophorectomy Explained: Everything You Need to Know About Ovary Removal Surgery

Maybe your doctor mentioned that you need an ovary removal surgery, or perhaps you know someone who had this procedure. Hearing medical terms for the first time can feel scary and overwhelming. Take a deep breath, because you are not alone, and we are here to walk you through it step-by-step.

An oophorectomy is a common surgical procedure. When you understand what happens during and after the operation, it becomes much easier to manage. Let us explore what an oophorectomy means, why doctors recommend it, and how your body heals afterward.

What Is an Oophorectomy?

An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of your ovaries. Did you know that women have two ovaries located on each side of the lower abdomen? These are very important reproductive glands in your body.

Your ovaries produce the hormones that control your monthly menstrual cycle. These hormones also keep your bones strong and protect your heart health. Also, your ovaries store and release eggs necessary for pregnancy.

Therefore, doctors recommend ovary removal surgery to treat specific medical conditions. Sometimes, it is performed to lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Types of Oophorectomy Surgery

There are different types of ovary removal surgeries available. Your doctor will look at your specific medical history to choose the best option for you. Let us review the main types in the table below.

An obstetrician-gynecologist usually performs this operation in a hospital setting. Most of the time, you receive general anesthesia so you sleep through the entire procedure and feel zero pain.

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Why Is This Surgery Needed?

Your doctor might advise you to have this surgery for several reasons. Here are the primary causes:

• Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus grows outside it, causing severe pain.
• Benign Cysts: Non-cancerous fluid-filled sacs form on the ovaries and require removal if they grow large or cause pain.
• Cancer Risk Reduction: If your family has a history of breast or ovarian cancer, or if you carry BRCA gene mutations, doctors perform this surgery to prevent cancer.
• Ovarian Cancer: Surgeons remove cancerous ovaries as a vital part of cancer treatment.
• Ovarian Torsion: This painful emergency happens when an ovary twists around the blood vessels that supply it.
• Infections: Severe pelvic infections like pelvic inflammatory disease can damage the ovaries beyond repair.

How Does This Affect Family Planning?

This is a very important and emotional topic for many women. If you remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes, you lose your natural ability to get pregnant.

However, if your uterus remains intact, advanced technologies like in vitro fertilization might still help you carry a pregnancy. If you still want children in the future, talk openly with your doctor before scheduling the surgery. Your doctor may discuss options like egg freezing with you.

How Do You Prepare for Surgery?

Your doctor will explain every detail of the surgery to you. You will receive clear instructions on what to do before and after the operation. Ask questions if anything feels unclear.

Before confirming a surgery date, your doctor may order several routine tests to ensure you are healthy enough. These pre-surgery tests typically include physical examinations, blood tests, urine tests, an ultrasound scan, or an MRI scan.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Doctors use three main methods to remove ovaries. Each method has different recovery times and associated risks.

• Laparoscopic Approach: The surgeon makes a few tiny cuts in your abdomen. They insert a tiny camera and specialized tools to remove the ovary. This method involves a lower infection risk and faster healing.
• Vaginal Approach: The surgeon removes the ovaries through the vaginal canal. This often happens alongside a vaginal hysterectomy and offers a quick recovery.
• Laparotomy: Sometimes, doctors need a larger open incision in your abdomen to complete the surgery safely. This open method requires a longer healing period.

If you undergo a keyhole or vaginal procedure, you might go home the same evening. An open surgery usually requires a hospital stay of about three days.

What Happens to Your Body After Surgery?

Your body undergoes major changes depending on the type of surgery you receive. Most importantly, if you have not reached natural menopause and both ovaries are removed, you enter surgical menopause right away.

This sudden hormonal shift is significant. Discussing hormone management with your doctor before surgery helps you prepare for these changes.

Do Your Periods Continue?

Whether your periods continue depends on your surgery type. If you remove only one healthy ovary, your remaining ovary keeps functioning, and your periods usually continue.

Can Ovaries Grow Back?

No. Once a surgeon removes your ovaries during an operation, they do not grow back.

What Are the Risks of the Surgery?

Like any major surgery, an oophorectomy carries certain risks. However, serious complications happen infrequently.

• Surgical site infections.
• Accidental injury to nearby organs like your bladder or bowel.
• Bleeding or hemorrhage.
• Negative reactions to anesthesia.
• Ongoing pain after the procedure.
• Blood clots forming in your legs or lungs.
• A tiny risk of spreading cancerous cells if a cyst ruptures during removal.
• Loss of fertility.

Recovery Time and Aftercare Tips

Recovery varies from person to person. Generally, you must take at least two weeks away from your normal daily routine. An open abdominal surgery requires up to six weeks for full recovery.

Follow these essential aftercare guidelines during your recovery period:

• Avoid strenuous exercise, though gentle walking is encouraged.
• Do not lift heavy objects.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until your doctor gives you clearance.
• Use sanitary pads for spotting rather than tampons.
• Take showers instead of soaking in bathtubs or swimming pools.
• Keep your surgical incision clean and dry.
• Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Accept help from family members and friends around the house.
• Do not drive vehicles while taking narcotic pain medicines.

Does the Surgery Cause Early Menopause?

Yes. Your ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone hormones. Removing both ovaries stops hormone production instantly and triggers surgical menopause.

Menopause brings several recognizable symptoms:

• Sudden waves of intense heat known as hot flashes.
• Night sweats that disrupt your sleep.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort.
• Thinning bones with an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Your doctor can evaluate your medical history and recommend hormone replacement therapy to manage these symptoms safely.

When to Call a Doctor Right away

Watch your body closely after returning home from the hospital. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these warning signs:

If you experience severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 (US/Canada) or 999 (UK) or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away.

Hysterectomy vs. Oophorectomy: What Is the Difference?

Many people confuse these two distinct surgeries. Here is the difference:

• Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus.
• Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries.

Surgeons sometimes perform both procedures together depending on your diagnosis.