Can you get ovaries removed?

For those of you wondering if it is possible to get your ovaries removed, the answer is yes (but why would you want to do that?!). In certain medical situations, getting your ovaries removed might be the best option for your health. However, before making any decisions, it’s essential to understand what this process entails and how it can affect the body in different ways.

What are Ovaries?

Let’s start with some basic knowledge: ovaries are two small organs located on either side of the uterus in a woman’s reproductive system. They produce eggs every month during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

But who needs eggs these days anyway? We have so much food available

Just kidding! Eggs play an important role in reproduction which leads us nicely into our next section:

Reason For Removal

There could be different reasons why someone may need or choose to remove their ovaries. The most common ones include:

  • Presence of abnormal cysts or tumors
  • Severe endometriosis that does not respond well to other treatments
  • Certain types of cancer (ovarian, breast)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Hereditary conditions such as BRCA gene mutations
  • Trauma affecting ovarian blood flow

Note that removing one ovary won’t render someone infertile but removing both will halt menstruation and make pregnancy impossible.

Special Mention – Angelina Jolie Syndrome

Some women choose prophylactic oophorectomy due to concerns over cancers related to genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 genes. This was made famous by actress Angelina Jolie who underwent preventative surgery after testing positive for a mutation which indicated she had an increased risk of developing breast & ovarian cancer…I mean who wouldn’t take medical advice from Tomb Raider herself right?!

Types Of Surgery

Here comes the gory bit, the actual procedures for removing ovaries. There are two ways:

Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy

This involves the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes: a complete clean up if I must say so myself!

Unilateral Oophorectomy

The surgical procedure which removes just one ovary. Given they come in pairs, it’s like setting off to an event in mismatched shoes.

Surgery Options

You must be thinking by now that either way you’re missing out on some important parts, but don’t worry as there are several options available depending on the situation.

Surgery options include Laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) or laparotomy (used in complex cases and emergencies).

Laparoscopy(aka keyhole surgery)

A surgeon would make small incisions near your belly button & pelvic area using a thin instrument with a camera to extract both ovaries via these openings.

Benefits include: Short recovery time, minimal scarring also it sounds cool right? Keyhole!

Laparotomy (apologies surgeons, we had to demote you here)

Good old fashioned open surgery where an incision is made down the middle of stomach/pelvic region/affected areas allowing direct access to the adrenals whilst bringing back retro fashion vibes. Different times different measures…

Benefits could be that this allows for procedures not possible through typical process such as robotic assisted surgeries or when extreme damage has already occurred.

Potential Impact After Ovary Removal

Now let’s look at implications after facing scalpels and endoscopes; what can one expect after twins have been cut loose?

These involve physiological effects such as hormonal changes resulting in hot flashes & night sweats(don’t get too excited), vaginal dryness(we did tell you no eggs though) ,future planning again – continued contraception since premature menopause at times ensues .

Aside from these, certain conditions such as cardiovascular disease risks, bone loss and changes in cognitive functioning could be associated with the surgery.

What To Ask Your Doctor

Before hopping on to this life changing bandwagon there are a few things to go over with your doctor:

  • Confirm if it is safe for you
  • Identify potential benefits against consequences
  • Understand recovery process & limitations post procedure-
  • Physical activity,
  • Sexual function,
  • Menopause symptoms

  • The possibility of alternatives or second opinions

Doctors, like everyone else can have an off day …maybe even an off week. A bit of persistence never hurt

Special Mention – Post-surgical precautions

It’s important to drink plenty of fluids after surgery to prevent blood clots being formed whilst resting adequately will allow for complete healing; nobody wants further complications.

Conclusion

So the answer is clear – yes oophorectomies exist ¿. It’s reassuring that medical advancements have made surgical procedures so sophisticated with minimal disruptions especially when opting for minimally invasive ones.

Stay informed but also remember (and we cannot stress enough) after care/complications should not be taken lightly!

Random Posts