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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffOophorectomy is a relatively safe procedure that carries a small risk of complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to nearby organs
- Rupture of a tumor, spilling potentially cancerous cells into the body
- Retention of ovary cells that continue to cause signs and symptoms, such as pelvic pain, in premenopausal women (ovarian remnant syndrome)
Risks of premature menopause
Women who have yet to undergo menopause will experience premature menopause if both ovaries are removed. This deprives the body of the hormones produced in the ovaries, leading to complications such as:
- Menopause signs and symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness
- Depression or anxiety
- Heart disease
- Memory problems
- Decreased sex drive
- Osteoporosis
- Premature death
Studies have found that women who take low doses of hormone replacement drugs until about age 50 may reduce their risk of these complications. But hormone replacement therapy has risks of its own. Discuss options with your doctor.
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- DeSimone CP, et al. Gynecologic laparoscopy. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2008;88:319.
- Stany MP, et al. Benign disorders of the ovary. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:271.
- Chobanian N, et al. Ovarian cancer. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2008;88:285.
- Boyle KJ, et al. Benign gynecologic conditions. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2008;88:245.
- DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007.
- Shuster LT, et al. Prophylactic oophorectomy in pre-menopausal women and long term health - A review. Menopause International. 2008;14:111.
- Schorge JO, et al. Surgeries for Benign Gynecologic Conditions. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3166442. Accessed Feb. 7, 2009.
- Medeiros LR, et al. Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumor: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. 2008;18:387.
- Gostout BS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 16, 2009.
- Mettler L, et al. Robotic assistance in gynecological oncology. Current Opinion in Oncology. 2008;20:581.
