What should you know about removal of one ovary due to cyst?

The procedure is called an oophorectomy when an ovary is removed. It may be performed through keyhole surgery or a larger incision, depending on the cyst and the surgeon’s assessment. The fallopian tube may also be discussed. The remaining ovary can continue releasing hormones and eggs, but individual fertility and hormone effects depend on age, ovarian function, and the operation planned.

Before surgery, discuss scan findings, why removal is recommended, whether cyst-sparing surgery is possible, and what tissue testing will show. Share medicines, allergies, previous operations, and pregnancy plans. Afterward, follow wound and activity instructions, keep follow-up appointments, and ask when driving, exercise, work, and sexual activity can resume. A cyst-removal discussion may also be useful through [Cyst Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cyst-removal/), although ovarian surgery is managed by gynaecology rather than dermatology.

After surgery, contact the care team for worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, increasing wound redness, heavy bleeding, foul discharge, leg swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness. Sudden severe pelvic pain with nausea before surgery needs urgent assessment because an ovarian cyst can sometimes twist or rupture.

Ask why the ovary needs removal, what alternatives exist, whether the tube will be removed, and how the plan affects fertility and hormones. Ask about the surgical route, expected hospital stay, pathology follow-up, pain control, and signs that require urgent help.