Oophorectomy: Types, Reasons, Recovery and Life After Ovary Removal
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is an oophorectomy?
An oophorectomy is surgery to remove one or both ovaries, most often to treat conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion or ovarian cancer, or to lower cancer risk in people with BRCA gene changes. Removing both ovaries starts menopause right away. Most people return to normal routines within two to six weeks. [1]
What the research says
Removing the tubes and ovaries sharply cuts cancer risk in BRCA carriers. A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy lowered the risk of ovarian or fallopian tube cancer by about 79% (HR 0.21) and breast cancer by about 51% (HR 0.49) in people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. (Rebbeck et al., Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009) [2]
Age at surgery matters for heart health. In 18 studies with 2,414,600 participants, removing both ovaries before menopause was linked to a 15% higher risk of cardiovascular disease (HR 1.15) and a 26% higher risk of coronary artery disease (HR 1.26). Surgery after menopause showed no increased risk. (Attachaipanich et al., Indian Heart Journal, 2025) [3]
Keeping the ovaries may improve survival in some cancers. Across 9 studies of 115,528 premenopausal women with early-stage endometrial cancer, preserving the ovaries was linked to about a 20% lower risk of death from any cause (HR 0.805), with no rise in cancer death or recurrence. (Raffone et al., International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2026) [4]
Key takeaways
An oophorectomy removes one ovary or both. It may also include the fallopian tubes, the uterus or the cervix.
Common reasons include endometriosis, benign cysts, ovarian torsion, infection, ovarian cancer and inherited cancer risk.
Most operations are minimally invasive. Many people go home the same day.
Removing both ovaries causes immediate menopause. Removing one usually does not.
Ovaries do not grow back, so the decision deserves a careful talk with your surgeon. [1]
What does an oophorectomy remove?
An oophorectomy removes one or both ovaries, and depending on the type, it can also remove the fallopian tubes, the uterus and the cervix. [1]
Your ovaries are two small glands on either side of the uterus. They hold your eggs and make hormones that control your menstrual cycle. These hormones also help protect your bones and heart. [1]
Oophorectomy types at a glance
Type | What is removed |
Unilateral oophorectomy | One ovary |
Bilateral oophorectomy | Both ovaries |
Salpingo-oophorectomy | One ovary and one fallopian tube |
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy | Both ovaries and both fallopian tubes |
Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy | Uterus, one ovary and one fallopian tube |
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy | Uterus, cervix, both fallopian tubes and both ovaries |
Sources: [1]
The six types of oophorectomy, from removing a single ovary to removing the uterus, cervix, tubes and both ovaries.
If only the tubes are removed, the surgery has a different name. Read our guide to salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal) to learn more.
Why would someone need an oophorectomy?
An oophorectomy is done to treat a disease of the ovaries or to prevent ovarian cancer in people at high risk. [1]
Common reasons include:
Endometriosis — tissue similar to the uterine lining grows on or around the ovaries.
Benign (non-cancerous) ovarian cysts or tumors.
Ovarian torsion — the ovary twists and cuts off its own blood supply.
Pelvic inflammatory disease or a tubo-ovarian abscess (a pocket of pus involving the tube and ovary).
BRCA gene mutations or another high inherited risk of breast or ovarian cancer. [1][7]
When the surgery is done only to lower cancer risk, it is called a risk-reducing or prophylactic oophorectomy. For people at average risk, the benefit must be weighed against the long-term effects of losing ovarian hormones early. [5][6]
How do you prepare for an oophorectomy?
Preparing for an oophorectomy usually starts with a physical exam and a few tests so your surgeon can plan the safest approach. [1]
These may include:
Blood tests and a urine test
An ultrasound of the pelvis
An MRI in some cases
If you want children in the future and both ovaries and tubes will be removed, ask about seeing a fertility specialist before surgery. Freezing your eggs may be an option. [1]
How is an oophorectomy performed?
An oophorectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you are asleep during the operation. Local or regional anesthesia is used less often. [1]
There are three main ways to do the surgery.
Surgical approaches at a glance
Approach | How it works | Hospital stay | Recovery |
Laparoscopic | A few small cuts in the belly; a camera guides the surgeon, sometimes with robotic help | Often same day or one night | Usually faster; lower infection risk |
Vaginal | Done through the vagina, usually during a hysterectomy | Often same day or one night | Usually faster |
Laparotomy (open) | One larger cut across the belly | Up to 3 days | Longer; complication risk higher but still low |
Sources: [1]
Laparoscopic and vaginal surgery are minimally invasive; laparotomy uses one larger incision and a longer stay.
Minimally invasive surgery is the most common choice. Your surgeon may choose open surgery when it is safer for your condition. [1]
Learn more in our guide to robotic surgery.
What are the benefits and risks of an oophorectomy?
The main benefit of an oophorectomy is that it treats or eases certain ovarian diseases and can prevent ovarian cancer in people at high risk. [1]
Like any surgery, it carries risks:
Risk | What it means |
Infection | At the incision or inside the pelvis |
Organ injury | Damage to the bladder or bowel |
Bleeding | More blood loss than expected |
Anesthesia reaction | A bad response to the medicine that puts you to sleep |
Blood clots | Clots that can form in the legs after surgery |
Ovarian remnant syndrome | Severe pain from ovarian tissue left behind |
Tumor rupture | If a cancerous tumor breaks open, cancer can spread |
Infertility | Loss of fertility when both ovaries are removed |
Sources: [1]
What are the long-term effects of removing both ovaries before menopause?
Removing both ovaries before natural menopause has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, memory problems and early death. [6]
Reviews also link early ovary removal to lower sexual function and reduced well-being. Estrogen treatment may prevent some of these effects, but not all of them. [5][6] This is why many surgeons try to keep healthy ovaries when the surgery is not done for cancer risk.
How long does oophorectomy recovery take?
Oophorectomy recovery usually takes two to six weeks, depending on the type of surgery. [1]
Laparoscopic or vaginal surgery: many people go home the same day. Expect at least two weeks of limited activity.
Laparotomy: a hospital stay of a few days, with up to six weeks of limited activity. [1]
Most people are back to normal routines two to six weeks after an oophorectomy.
While you heal, your care team will usually advise you to:
Walk, but avoid other exercise.
Avoid heavy lifting.
Avoid sex until you are cleared.
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons.
Shower, but do not take baths.
Keep your incisions clean and dry.
Take pain medicine or antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Not drive while taking pain medicine that makes you drowsy. [1]
What happens to your hormones and menopause after an oophorectomy?
Removing both ovaries starts menopause right away if you have not already reached it. This is often called surgical menopause. [1]
Removing only one ovary does not stop your periods, as long as the other ovary works normally. [1]
Symptoms of surgical menopause can include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness (genitourinary syndrome of menopause)
A higher risk of osteoporosis (weak bones) [1]
Your doctor may offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease these symptoms. Whether it is right for you depends on why your ovaries were removed. [1]
Read more about premature and early menopause.
Can you get pregnant after an oophorectomy?
You can usually still get pregnant after removing one ovary, because the remaining ovary keeps releasing eggs. [1]
Surgery | Natural pregnancy | Other options |
One ovary removed | Usually still possible | — |
Both ovaries and tubes removed, uterus kept | Not possible | IVF may be possible, often with eggs frozen beforehand |
Ovaries, tubes and uterus removed | Not possible | — |
Sources: [1]
What is the difference between an oophorectomy and a hysterectomy?
An oophorectomy removes the ovaries, while a hysterectomy removes the uterus. [1]
The two are often done in the same operation, but they are separate procedures. A hysterectomy on its own does not remove the ovaries. [1]
When should you call a doctor after an oophorectomy?
Call your doctor after an oophorectomy if you notice signs of infection, a blood clot or other problems. [1]
Swelling, redness, leaking fluid or pus at an incision
Pelvic pain
Pain or swelling in a leg — this can be a sign of a blood clot (DVT)
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or chills
Pain when you urinate
Vaginal discharge that smells bad or itches [1]
Conclusion
An oophorectomy is a common, usually minimally invasive surgery that can treat painful ovarian conditions and save lives in people with high inherited cancer risk. The biggest question is not the operation itself, but what comes after: whether one or both ovaries are removed decides your fertility, your periods and your hormones.
If you are facing this surgery, ask your surgeon which type you need, whether your ovaries can be kept, and how menopause symptoms will be managed. Those three answers will shape your recovery more than anything else.
Keep learning: Explore more guides in our Diseases & Conditions library, including salpingectomy, ovarian cancer and PARP inhibitors for BRCA-related cancers. Save or share this page to bring to your next appointment.
FAQ
Is an oophorectomy a major surgery?
An oophorectomy is a significant operation done under general anesthesia, but most are minimally invasive. Many people go home the same day, while open surgery may need up to three days in hospital. [1]
How long does it take to recover from an oophorectomy?
Oophorectomy recovery usually takes two to six weeks. Expect at least two weeks of limited activity after laparoscopic or vaginal surgery, and up to six weeks after open surgery. [1]
Will I go into menopause if one ovary is removed?
Removing one ovary does not cause menopause if the other ovary works normally. Your periods usually continue. [1]
What happens to your body when both ovaries are removed?
Removing both ovaries starts menopause immediately if you have not reached it yet. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and a higher risk of osteoporosis. [1]
Can ovaries grow back after an oophorectomy?
Ovaries cannot grow back after they are removed. This is why the decision to remove healthy ovaries should be discussed carefully with your doctor. [1]
Why are both fallopian tubes and ovaries removed in BRCA carriers?
Removing both tubes and ovaries in BRCA carriers greatly lowers the risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. A large meta-analysis found about a 79% lower risk of these cancers after surgery. [2]
Can you still get pregnant after an oophorectomy?
Pregnancy is usually still possible after removing one ovary. If both ovaries and tubes are removed but the uterus stays, IVF may be an option, often using eggs frozen before surgery. [1]
When should I call my doctor after an oophorectomy?
Call your doctor after an oophorectomy if you have fever, chills, pelvic pain, leg pain or swelling, or redness, fluid or pus at an incision. These can signal infection or a blood clot. [1]
Do you need hormone therapy after both ovaries are removed?
Many people who have both ovaries removed before menopause are offered hormone therapy to ease symptoms and protect long-term health. It may not be safe for everyone, such as people with some hormone-sensitive cancers, so your doctor will advise you.
Is an oophorectomy done laparoscopically?
Most oophorectomies are done laparoscopically through a few small cuts. Open surgery may be needed for a large mass or suspected cancer.
Related Reading
Salpingectomy: Understanding Fallopian Tube Removal Surgery explains why and how the fallopian tubes are removed.
Hysterectomy (Surgical Removal of the Uterus) covers the types of hysterectomy, recovery and risks.
BRCA Testing: Who Should Get It, How It Works and What Results Mean explains genetic testing for BRCA changes that raise cancer risk.
Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — A Clear Guide to Understanding and Managing the Disease covers ovarian cancer symptoms, staging and treatment.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Oophorectomy: Purpose, Surgery, Risks & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated September 12, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17800-oophorectomy
Rebbeck TR, Kauff ND, Domchek SM. Meta-analysis of risk reduction estimates associated with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009;101(2):80-87. PMID 19141781. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djn442
Attachaipanich T, Attachaipanich S, Kaewboot K. Cardiovascular outcomes of bilateral oophorectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian Heart J. 2025;77(6):424-431. PMID 40812682. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2025.08.001
Raffone A, Raimondo D, Neola D, et al. Impact of ovarian preservation on survival for premenopausal women with early-stage endometrial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2026;175(2):608-618. PMID 42274100. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.71101
Erekson EA, Martin DK, Ratner ES. Oophorectomy: the debate between ovarian conservation and elective oophorectomy. Menopause. 2013;20(1):110-114. PMID 22929033. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e31825a27ab
Shuster LT, Gostout BS, Grossardt BR, et al. Prophylactic oophorectomy in premenopausal women and long-term health. Menopause Int. 2008;14(3):111-116. PMID 18714076. https://doi.org/10.1258/mi.2008.008016
National Cancer Institute. BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet. National Cancer Institute. Reviewed July 19, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your doctor or surgeon about your own situation before making decisions about surgery.
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