Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Oophorectomy

An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of the ovaries. This procedure can be done for a variety of reasons, including:

Cancer: Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer are some of the types of cancer that may require an oophorectomy.

Noncancerous growths: Benign ovarian tumors, such as cysts, can also be removed with an oophorectomy if they are causing symptoms or are at risk of becoming cancerous.

Prevention: Some women with a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer may choose to have an oophorectomy to lower their risk of developing the disease.

Hormonal imbalances: Some women may have an oophorectomy to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as endometriosis.

Sterilization: Some women may choose to have an oophorectomy as a form of permanent sterilization.

The procedure is done through an abdominal incision or by laparoscopy. And it can have an impact on the patient’s hormone levels, and can cause early menopause. After the surgery, the patient will be monitored for bleeding, infection and pain management.

It’s important to note that after an oophorectomy, a woman will no longer be able to become pregnant and will likely experience menopause if both ovaries are removed. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with the healthcare provider and understand the patient’s individual situation before deciding on an oophorectomy.