Oopherectomy
Removal of one or both ovaries.
About the Condition
Unilateral oophorectomy (also called an ovariectomy) is the surgical removal of an ovary. If one ovary is removed, a woman may continue to menstruate and have children. If both ovaries are removed, a procedure called a bilateral oophorectomy, menstruation stops and a woman loses the ability to have children.
- remove cancerous ovaries
- remove the source of estrogen that stimulates some cancers
- remove a large ovarian cyst
- excise an abscess
- treat endometriosis
- Prophylaxis for breast and/or ovarian cancer prevention in high-risk individuals
Symptoms
A degree of pelvic pain and / or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Secondary Condition: Diminished libido and energy levels due to testosterone deficiency post surgery. Potential of osteoporosis due to estrogen and testosterone deficiency.
Diagnosis
Ovarian cancer, severe endometriosis, non-ovarian cancers stimulated by estrogens/androgens.