How to Remove Ovaries Post Menopause

If you have gone through menopause, then your doctor may eventually recommend surgery to have your ovaries removed. The removal of the ovaries, called oophorectomy, is often performed on postmenopausal women for one of several reasons: reduce ovarian cancer risk, relieve ovarian torsion, treat ovarian cancer or remove benign growths on the ovaries. Risks of ovary removal surgery include bleeding, infection and organ damage.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak to your doctor about having oophorectomy performed. If your doctor recommends ovary removal, he'll go over the benefits and risks of the surgery during your consultation. He may also recommend having a hysterectomy as well to remove the uterus. A hysterectomy is commonly done at the same time of oophorectomy in women that have already gone through menopause.

• 2

  Go through diagnostic testing prior to having ovary removal surgery. Imaging studies and blood work can help determine your candidacy for oophorectomy following menopause.

• 3

  Receive instructions on how to prepare for your ovary removal surgery. You may need to drink a laxative in order to clear your bowels prior to surgery. You may also not be allowed to eat the day before and drink only a small amount of fluid.

• 4

  Take antibiotics prior to the procedure. Your doctor will likely give you a prescription for antibiotics in order to prevent infection from occurring as a result of the operation.

• 5

  Undergo the ovary removal surgery. Oophorectomy can be done using a single large incision or laparoscopically using several small incisions to access and remove the ovaries. After you are sutured, you'll be admitted to the hospital for several days to recover. During recovery at home, you may be restricted on certain activities, like sex, driving and exercise.