Do you need a referral for risk-reducing removal of the ovaries and tubes?

A gynaecology or gynaecologic oncology clinic can tell you whether it accepts direct bookings or needs a referral from a family doctor, genetic specialist or another clinician. The referral is an entry to specialist assessment, not approval for an operation.

The team reviews the reason you are considering surgery, including personal history, family history and any genetic test result. Timing requires individual discussion because removing both ovaries affects fertility and, before natural menopause, causes surgical menopause. The consultation may cover menopause symptoms, bone and heart health, sexual wellbeing, fertility goals, alternatives to surgery and whether hormone treatment is appropriate for your circumstances.

First, contact the intended clinic to confirm its referral policy and which specialty should receive the request. If a referral is needed, ask the clinician who manages your genetic or cancer-risk care to include the relevant history and reports. Prepare copies of genetic results, previous pelvic imaging or operation notes, your medication list, menstrual and pregnancy history, and information about cancers in close relatives. Write down your priorities about fertility and menopause management before the visit.

Do not wait for a routine risk-reduction consultation if you develop persistent abdominal swelling, ongoing pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full unusually quickly, unexplained vaginal bleeding or a marked change in bowel or urinary habits. These symptoms have many possible causes, but they deserve clinical assessment. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or severe illness.

Ask why surgery is being considered now, whether your genetic result needs confirmation, and whether both ovaries and fallopian tubes would be removed. Discuss effects on fertility, menopause and sexual health; options for managing symptoms; the operative approach and recovery; and what tissue examination and follow-up are planned. If future pregnancy matters to you, request fertility counselling before making a surgical decision.