Bilateral oophorectomy, or the surgical procedure to have both ovaries removed, is frequently performed during the same surgery as a hysterectomy.
In some cases the ovaries must be removed for the health of the patient, particularly in cases where ovarian cancer is present. In other cases, the removal of the ovaries is elective, meaning it is a choice the patient or surgeon makes based on the patient’s medical history, health and family history.
Before having an elective oophorectomy, it is important to understand the general risks of surgery, as well as risks and side effects that are unique to this procedure.
Oophorectomy Side Effects
Besides general side effects oophorectomy shares with other surgeries, such as risk of infection, oophorectomy can cause:- Sterility
- Menopause, including hot flashes/night sweats, fatigue, mood swings, anxiety and other symptoms
Oophorectomy Risks
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Increased risk of dementia, vascular problems, and neurological problems
Everything You Need To Know About Hysterectomy Surgery
Sources:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Elective and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); January2008
Removal of Ovaries During Hysterectomy May Increase Risk of Heart Disease, Premature Death. KaiserNetwork.org. Accessed January 29, 2009 http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?hint=2&DR_ID=31754
