Ovaries, to keep or not to keep, that is the question

11 Comments

Hi im conflicted in whether or not to have my ovaries removes with my hysterectomy or not. They are healthy ovaries and there is no history of ovarian cancer in the family. My mum had hers removed and wants me too do the same but my sister kept hers and so have many friends. I am suffering from pain with fibroids and my gyno is so politically correct, they only give you the options to choose from, he doesn’t advise what’s best. I have read so many articles for and against that I feel totally confused and overwhelmed. Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted by ninki68, 7th March 2014

11 Comments

- - mom81879 said
  - 28 Sep 2015
    12:40 pm
Have you tried asking your gyno of what he thinks is best? He might answer it if it’s put in his face. Hope it went well

- - sarbear73 said
  - 06 May 2015
    2:12 pm
I am having a hysterectomy soon and was advised that it is best to keep my ovaries to help with the hormones and to stop me from going into early menopause. I am 42.

- - Cynthea Jenke said
  - 05 Apr 2015
    9:59 pm
I have not had an hysterectomy but if i had a choice i would keep them if they were healthy. Thats interesting that they shrivel up later. If they help you get through menopause then keep them. Weigh up the for and against. If theres no need for them or theres a high chance of ovarian cancer i would get rid of them. Ovarian cancer is a silent killer.

- - Diann said
  - 01 Jan 2015
    12:01 pm
I am very interested in what you did, I am seeing my gyno soon and may be up for a hysterectomy. I am so very scared. I am going to keep the ovaries though.

- - bridgwll said
  - 01 Jun 2014
    3:50 pm
In my opinion I would keep both or at least one as this controls your hormone levels. If you have them removed you will have to take medication to replace them. I have just recently had the Mirena fitted as I am Peri-Menopausal. This has allowed me to keep all my womb and ovaries with my hormones in balance for the next 5 years when my menopause will be over and no needto take any medication orally.

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 21 May 2014
    1:36 pm
would love to know which way you went, and was there a main reason for it,

- - hopefullyheidi said
  - 17 Mar 2014
    11:55 pm
I agree with FRUITWOOD answer. A women’s speciality clinic will certainly be able to give you valuable advice and the experiences of other women.

- - ashblonde said
  - 10 Mar 2014
    12:50 pm
I had an ovarian cyst when I was 18 yrs old removed & when I had my hysterectomy at 45 yrs of age my Dr suggested he leave the ovary as it would help me through the instant menopause but it would gradually shrivel up in time.

- - yyon4699 said
  - 08 Mar 2014
    11:46 am
I think you should get a few different opinions from dr…

- - jodie80 said
  - 08 Mar 2014
    11:19 am
If you dont currently have the braca 1 gene that is the cause of cancer i wouldn’t remove them. Once you do you will be on tablets for the rest of your life to give you hormones. Is there more to it why your mum had hers removed.

- - fruitwood said
  - 07 Mar 2014
    9:00 pm
I would ask for a 2nd opinion from another gyno or make an appointment at a women’s health centre where they can advise you, rather than just listing the options. Good Luck xx