Under Which Circumstances Does Surgical Removal of Ovaries Need To Be Performed?

Surgical removal of one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy) or both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) is a significant medical procedure that is typically performed when other, less invasive treatments are ineffective or not an option. There are several circumstances under which such a surgery might be recommended:

1. Ovarian Cancer: The most common reason for removing the ovaries is the presence of ovarian cancer. If the cancer is detected early and is confined to one ovary, the surgeon might remove only the affected ovary. If cancer is present in both ovaries or if there’s a high risk it might spread, the surgeon might recommend removing both ovaries.
2. Benign Ovarian Tumors or Cysts: While many ovarian cysts are harmless and can resolve on their own, others can grow large, become painful, or potentially malignant. In these cases, removing the ovary or ovaries may be recommended.
3. Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often affecting the ovaries and leading to pain and infertility. If the condition is severe and other treatments aren’t effective, an oophorectomy might be an option.
4. Ovarian Torsion: This is a medical emergency that occurs when an ovary twists around its supporting tissues, cutting off blood flow. If the ovary can’t be untwisted in time to save it, it may need to be removed.
5. Preventive Surgery for High-Risk Individuals: Some people carry genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2) that significantly increase their risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. In these cases, after they’ve finished having children, or after a certain age, they might choose to have their ovaries removed as a preventive measure.

It’s important to remember that removing the ovaries has significant implications, as it induces immediate menopause, with all its associated symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and increased risk for conditions like osteoporosis. It also results in infertility. Therefore, the decision to perform an oophorectomy should be made after a thorough discussion with the healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and alternatives.