A Second Look at Hysterectomy

To have Ovaries or Not?

Back in the olden days, another tough decision a candidate for hysterectomy is forced to make is whether she wants to hold on to her ovaries or not. Aside from getting a hysterectomy, a woman can opt to have her ovaries removed through a procedure called oophorectomy. But oophorectomy, once resorted to, leads to premature menopause, the biggest consequence of hysterectomy. Soon after hysterectomy and oophorectomy, a woman-patient will experience all the hormonal changes, mood swings and hot flashes associated with menopause which can only be contravened by taking on hormonal pills.

These days, women are given the opportunity to choose not to undergo oophorectomy alongside her hysterectomy. Surgeons no longer have “clean sweep” mentality of taking everything out while they are on the operating table.

The necessity to make the decision to have an oophorectomy is left to those women whose families have a history of ovarian or breast cancer. You see removing the ovaries causes hormonal changes that are recognized as a preventive measure to reduce ovarian or breast cancer risk.

However, removing the ovaries also result in the loss of sexual appetite, for which reason doctors are advising women, especially those with partners, not to opt for oophorectomy. These doctors are fully cognizant of the fact that sexual appetite is not all that it seems to be. It is more intricately tied to a woman’s self esteem, her relationship with her mate and her emotional state. So unless there is a pressing medical condition that would require the removal of the ovaries, they would strictly advice against it.