What does oophorectomy treat?

The operation may be part of treatment for ovarian cancer, a suspicious ovarian mass, a twisted ovary, severe endometriosis, or another condition that has not responded to less invasive care. It can also be considered as risk-reducing surgery for someone with an inherited BRCA gene mutation or another substantial inherited risk. The surgeon may remove one ovary or both, sometimes together with the fallopian tubes or other nearby tissue depending on the reason. Removing both ovaries before natural menopause causes an abrupt fall in ovarian hormones and affects fertility, so the decision needs careful planning.

Ask which ovary or organs would be removed, whether fertility-preserving alternatives exist, and whether surgery is open or laparoscopic. Discuss menopause symptoms, bone and heart health, sexual wellbeing, and whether hormone treatment could be considered after surgery. If cancer is suspected, ask how surgery fits with scans, tissue testing, and any further treatment. Follow instructions about medicines, eating, drinking, and recovery, and arrange help at home for the first days after the operation. A laparoscopic approach uses small cuts but is not suitable for every situation.

Contact the surgical team for worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, increasing redness or discharge from an incision, difficulty passing urine, or heavy vaginal bleeding. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a painful swollen leg. Recovery varies with the operation and the reason for it; keep follow-up appointments so pathology results, hormone effects, and ongoing treatment can be reviewed.

Is the aim treatment, diagnosis, or risk reduction? Can one ovary be preserved? What will happen to fertility and menopause symptoms? Will the operation use a laparoscopic system, and what follow-up will I need?