Oophorectomy (say "oh-uh-fuh-REK-tuh-mee") is a type of surgery. It removes one, both, or part of your ovaries. Your ovaries store and release eggs, which can develop into embryos if fertilized by sperm. They also make sex hormones.
Sometimes the uterus and ovaries are taken out at the same time. And in some cases, one or both of the fallopian tubes are removed too.
You will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor puts a lighted tube (scope) and other tools through small cuts (incisions) in your belly. The scope lets your doctor see your ovaries. If it's too hard to work through the scope, the doctor may make a larger incision. The incisions leave scars that fade with time.
After surgery, you will probably have pain for several days. You might go home the day of surgery or stay in the hospital for several days.
If both ovaries are removed, you can only get pregnant with help from a medical procedure. If you want to use your eggs for a possible pregnancy in the future, talk to your doctor about your options.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Laparoscopic oophorectomy is surgery to remove one, both, or part of your ovaries. Your doctor put a lighted tube (scope) and other tools through small cuts in your belly to do this.
After surgery, you may feel some pain in your belly for a few days. Your belly may also be swollen. You may have a change in your bowel movements for a few days.
You may also have shoulder pain for a day or two. This is caused by the air your doctor put in your belly to help see your organs better.
To help with pain, your doctor may prescribe medicines. You may need about 1 week to fully recover. Avoid strenuous activity and lifting anything heavy while you recover. You can ask your doctor when it's okay to have sex.
If you had both ovaries removed, you will start menopause if you haven't already. Your doctor may prescribe you hormone therapy.
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