Oophorectomy

An oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both of a person's ovaries. It may also be called ovariectomy but that term is mostly used in reference to non-human animals.

Oophorectomy is most often performed because of diseases such as ovarian cysts or cancer, or as a preventive measure to reduce the chances of developing ovarian cancer or breast cancer. However, some transmasculine people choose to have an oophorectomy as part of their gender transition. It can be done on its own or along with a hysterectomy.

Oophorectomy is usually performed by abdominal laparoscopy. The patient usually won't need to spend the night in the hospital.

Removing both ovaries results in the person no longer having a menstrual cycle, and becoming permanently infertile. Oophorectomy also drastically lowers the body's production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Oophorectomy is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.