Do you need a referral for oophorectomy?

Oophorectomy removes one or both ovaries. It may be considered for an ovarian mass, persistent symptoms, torsion, endometriosis or risk reduction in selected situations. A specialist reviews imaging, symptoms, family history, fertility wishes and whether the fallopian tubes or uterus may also need treatment. Removing both ovaries can bring on surgical menopause, so hormone and symptom planning should be discussed before surgery.

Ask your primary-care clinician or current specialist whether a referral is needed for the hospital you are considering. Take imaging reports, operative history, medicines and relevant family history to the consultation. Ask whether a minimally invasive approach is suitable, what happens to the removed tissue, and how fertility, menopause symptoms and follow-up will be managed.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, fever, heavy bleeding or a swollen abdomen with worsening pain. These symptoms can need immediate assessment and should not wait for a routine surgical referral. Persistent pelvic pain or bloating also merits a timely clinical review.

Ask why surgery is recommended, whether one or both ovaries would be removed, how ovarian function may change, what alternatives exist, and which symptoms require urgent contact after the operation.