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Oophorectomy is surgery to remove the ovary that can be unilateral, when only one of the ovaries is removed, or bilateral, in which both ovaries are removed, performed mainly when there is a risk of cancer developing ovarian cancer.
This surgery should be recommended by the gynecologist according to the change identified through exams and gynecological evaluation, and can often be performed during hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus, when the uterine change reaches the ovary. Understand what hysterectomy is and how it is done.
When is indicated
Oophorectomy can be indicated by the gynecologist when, after physical examination and gynecological exams, some changes are identified, such as:
- Ovarian abscess;
- Ovary cancer;
- Endometriosis in the ovary;
- Ovarian cysts or tumors;
- Twist of the ovary;
- Chronic pelvic pain.
In addition, the doctor may recommend prophylactic oophorectomy, which is done to prevent the development of ovarian cancer, especially in women with a family history of ovarian cancer or with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
The type of oophorectomy, that is, whether unilateral or bilateral, is indicated by the doctor according to the type of alteration, severity of the disease and affected region.
What happens after surgery
When only one ovary is removed, there are usually not many impacts in the short and medium term, because the other ovary is in charge of hormone production. However, it is important that you continue to be monitored by the doctor to check if the hormone levels are within the normal range or if it is necessary to make any type of replacement, especially if the woman wants to become pregnant.
On the other hand, when the woman undergoes a bilateral oophorectomy, hormonal production is compromised and, therefore, there may be a decrease in libido, intensification of menopausal symptoms, increased risk of fractures due to the greater chance of developing osteoporosis, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The benefits and risks of surgery to remove the ovaries should be discussed with the gynecologist in order to find the best treatment option, especially in women who have not yet entered menopause.