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Hysterectomy: Should I also have my ovaries removed too?
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
I’m looking for advice and/or experiences from women or their partners, who either kept their ovaries or had them removed whilst having a hysterectomy. Besides the associated risks of having the op, I’m concerned how it may affect my body and health. As having them out, I’ll go straight into a surgical menopause with all the symptoms, increased health risks of heart disease, etc. and probably taking HRT for the rest of my life - not to mention how it may affect my sex life! Although if they are conserved, I’ll probably go into a menopause in the next 3-4 years anyway (I’m 48), as the op shortens your timeframe for starting a natural menopause by about 2 years. On the flip side, it may relieve some of my PCOS symptoms, although this isn’t the reason for having the op.
The surgeon says it’s my decision, although he did mention the benefit of lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, but I don’t carry the gene nor have cancer. I’m 50/50 at the moment - probably more towards keeping them, but after suffering severe ovulation pain recently, I’m tempted to say have them out! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I kept my ovaries, I had a hysterectomy at 35 (I’m 54) Im currently going through the menopause with very few issues (hot flushes mostly). I’ve never needed HRT.
For me it was the right decision, but of course we are all different
Good luck with the op whatever you decide, Follow all the aftercare advice and take time to recover, it’s worth it xx |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I kept my ovaries, I had a hysterectomy at 35 (I’m 54) Im currently going through the menopause with very few issues (hot flushes mostly). I’ve never needed HRT.
For me it was the right decision, but of course we are all different
Good luck with the op whatever you decide, Follow all the aftercare advice and take time to recover, it’s worth it xx"
Thanks. The op is next week and I have my pre-op tomorrow, armed with loads of questions!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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When I had mine at 44 my consultant insisted that I left my ovaries (as did my GP) because it would mean when I had my "natural" menopause it would be more beneficial for me - apparently you still have a form of menopause even after hysterectomy
I can't tell you whether or not it has worked because - thank goodness - I have had NO problems since my op. x |
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By *eeleyWoman
over a year ago
Dudley |
"I’m looking for advice and/or experiences from women or their partners, who either kept their ovaries or had them removed whilst having a hysterectomy. Besides the associated risks of having the op, I’m concerned how it may affect my body and health. As having them out, I’ll go straight into a surgical menopause with all the symptoms, increased health risks of heart disease, etc. and probably taking HRT for the rest of my life - not to mention how it may affect my sex life! Although if they are conserved, I’ll probably go into a menopause in the next 3-4 years anyway (I’m 48), as the op shortens your timeframe for starting a natural menopause by about 2 years. On the flip side, it may relieve some of my PCOS symptoms, although this isn’t the reason for having the op.
The surgeon says it’s my decision, although he did mention the benefit of lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, but I don’t carry the gene nor have cancer. I’m 50/50 at the moment - probably more towards keeping them, but after suffering severe ovulation pain recently, I’m tempted to say have them out! "
How did your op go? I'm having mine on Thursday and I'm terrified lol |
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I’m having everything out & my cervix. Possibly top of vagina too. I don’t have a choice though. I have endometriosis, suspected adenomyosis & hyperplasia & has too many treatments after smear tests for pre-cancerous cells at highest level.
There are a few really good group on FB that would be very helpful for you.
B x |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I’m looking for advice and/or experiences from women or their partners, who either kept their ovaries or had them removed whilst having a hysterectomy. Besides the associated risks of having the op, I’m concerned how it may affect my body and health. As having them out, I’ll go straight into a surgical menopause with all the symptoms, increased health risks of heart disease, etc. and probably taking HRT for the rest of my life - not to mention how it may affect my sex life! Although if they are conserved, I’ll probably go into a menopause in the next 3-4 years anyway (I’m 48), as the op shortens your timeframe for starting a natural menopause by about 2 years. On the flip side, it may relieve some of my PCOS symptoms, although this isn’t the reason for having the op.
The surgeon says it’s my decision, although he did mention the benefit of lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, but I don’t carry the gene nor have cancer. I’m 50/50 at the moment - probably more towards keeping them, but after suffering severe ovulation pain recently, I’m tempted to say have them out!
How did your op go? I'm having mine on Thursday and I'm terrified lol "
Unfortunately, it was postponed until 4th October due to my broken foot not quite healed. During my pre-op last week, the practitioner nurse was concerned and spoke with the consultant, who was concerned that I wouldn’t be mobile enough after the op to help with the healing and the high risk of DVTs, because of that.
At the moment I’m not too frightened (I’ve had 4 ops before, including 2 caesareans and a laparoscopic diathermy), as I know I’m in good hands and so far, I’ve been treated well. |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I’m having everything out & my cervix. Possibly top of vagina too. I don’t have a choice though. I have endometriosis, suspected adenomyosis & hyperplasia & has too many treatments after smear tests for pre-cancerous cells at highest level.
There are a few really good group on FB that would be very helpful for you.
B x "
I feel for you having such radical treatment. I was diagnosed with CIN3 in June, had two LLETZs over the summer and because they had to go in so deep the second time and didn’t achieve a satisfactory deep margin, my consultant recommended a hysterectomy. He suspects cells further up, where future screening won’t be able to monitor and it’s too risky to do another LLETZ. So the op is a no brainer and would also cure other issues too.
I’ve decided to keep my ovaries; if I wake up with them still in place, then that’s a bonus. If they have to be removed due to serious disease, then it saves me another op. Unfortunately, I have to remove my navel and VCH piercings and not allowed to put in plastic retainers.
Thanks, I’ll check on fb.  |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I’m having everything out & my cervix. Possibly top of vagina too. I don’t have a choice though. I have endometriosis, suspected adenomyosis & hyperplasia & has too many treatments after smear tests for pre-cancerous cells at highest level.
There are a few really good group on FB that would be very helpful for you.
B x "
I forgot to add that I found Jo’s Cancer Trust site very helpful. |
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I’m in for minor surgery on weds which I hope will resolve my current issues, if this doesn’t work then it’s hysterectomy and that will be a decision I really don’t wish to face .... even though 6 weeks off work would be great!
Only a man would design women with all the female reproduction complexities!!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I too have PCOS and had a hysterectomy (& cervix removed) when I was 41, but I chose to keep my ovaries.
I didn't want it to affect my sex drive and didn't want to start the menopause earlier.
They hoped to do my op via key hole surgery but as my womb tilted back they decided to cut my tummy. I really didn't mind either way tbh.
I healed and recovered from the op better than I anticipated.
I wish all you ladies the very best of luck for your ops x
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in Feb & kept my ovaries to avoid early menopause. I've had no major issues. Recovery was a lot longer than keyhole surgery would have been. Part of my incision took longer because the stitch underneath was quite big.
Randomly, my 'cervix' is lower than it originally was. Met a fab guy the day before (my cervix went out with a bang ) & met him again a few months after, when I had gotten the all clear. I noticed that I couldn't 'accomodate' like I had done previously.
Do take it easy during your recovery, I thought I was wonder woman & could do whatever I wanted. My body disagreed & I still get some pains now.
Good luck & I hope your surgery goes well. |
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My other half had everything removed approximately 3 years ago, we haven't had sex since.
She had a lower sex drive than me, and it's now virtually non-existent. Finds it painful, and had numerous of problems with her parts since. She's only 45 |
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By *eeleyWoman
over a year ago
Dudley |
"I’m looking for advice and/or experiences from women or their partners, who either kept their ovaries or had them removed whilst having a hysterectomy. Besides the associated risks of having the op, I’m concerned how it may affect my body and health. As having them out, I’ll go straight into a surgical menopause with all the symptoms, increased health risks of heart disease, etc. and probably taking HRT for the rest of my life - not to mention how it may affect my sex life! Although if they are conserved, I’ll probably go into a menopause in the next 3-4 years anyway (I’m 48), as the op shortens your timeframe for starting a natural menopause by about 2 years. On the flip side, it may relieve some of my PCOS symptoms, although this isn’t the reason for having the op.
The surgeon says it’s my decision, although he did mention the benefit of lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, but I don’t carry the gene nor have cancer. I’m 50/50 at the moment - probably more towards keeping them, but after suffering severe ovulation pain recently, I’m tempted to say have them out!
How did your op go? I'm having mine on Thursday and I'm terrified lol
Unfortunately, it was postponed until 4th October due to my broken foot not quite healed. During my pre-op last week, the practitioner nurse was concerned and spoke with the consultant, who was concerned that I wouldn’t be mobile enough after the op to help with the healing and the high risk of DVTs, because of that.
At the moment I’m not too frightened (I’ve had 4 ops before, including 2 caesareans and a laparoscopic diathermy), as I know I’m in good hands and so far, I’ve been treated well. "
I've never had any surgery at all so it's quite nerve wracking.
They are hopefully doing mine vaginally so my recovery should be quicker, they are leaving my ovaries so I don't go into early menopause. |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I’m looking for advice and/or experiences from women or their partners, who either kept their ovaries or had them removed whilst having a hysterectomy. Besides the associated risks of having the op, I’m concerned how it may affect my body and health. As having them out, I’ll go straight into a surgical menopause with all the symptoms, increased health risks of heart disease, etc. and probably taking HRT for the rest of my life - not to mention how it may affect my sex life! Although if they are conserved, I’ll probably go into a menopause in the next 3-4 years anyway (I’m 48), as the op shortens your timeframe for starting a natural menopause by about 2 years. On the flip side, it may relieve some of my PCOS symptoms, although this isn’t the reason for having the op.
The surgeon says it’s my decision, although he did mention the benefit of lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, but I don’t carry the gene nor have cancer. I’m 50/50 at the moment - probably more towards keeping them, but after suffering severe ovulation pain recently, I’m tempted to say have them out!
How did your op go? I'm having mine on Thursday and I'm terrified lol
Unfortunately, it was postponed until 4th October due to my broken foot not quite healed. During my pre-op last week, the practitioner nurse was concerned and spoke with the consultant, who was concerned that I wouldn’t be mobile enough after the op to help with the healing and the high risk of DVTs, because of that.
At the moment I’m not too frightened (I’ve had 4 ops before, including 2 caesareans and a laparoscopic diathermy), as I know I’m in good hands and so far, I’ve been treated well.
I've never had any surgery at all so it's quite nerve wracking.
They are hopefully doing mine vaginally so my recovery should be quicker, they are leaving my ovaries so I don't go into early menopause. "
I feel a little apprehensive, too. It’s been 18 years since my last operation, so I’ll be starting afresh again.
I’m sure you’ll be fine and if your hospital is anything like mine, you’re be treated well. |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I’m in for minor surgery on weds which I hope will resolve my current issues, if this doesn’t work then it’s hysterectomy and that will be a decision I really don’t wish to face .... even though 6 weeks off work would be great!
Only a man would design women with all the female reproduction complexities!! "
Indeed. Only a man would invent our plumbing! 
Good luck for tomorrow. |
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By *qua vitae OP Woman
over a year ago
Shropshire/Midlands |
"I too have PCOS and had a hysterectomy (& cervix removed) when I was 41, but I chose to keep my ovaries.
I didn't want it to affect my sex drive and didn't want to start the menopause earlier.
They hoped to do my op via key hole surgery but as my womb tilted back they decided to cut my tummy. I really didn't mind either way tbh.
I healed and recovered from the op better than I anticipated.
I wish all you ladies the very best of luck for your ops x
"
I’m booked in for a laparoscopic vaginal assisted method, but have been warned that they may revert to an abdominal incision, if they deem it’s too risky or awkward. My uterus is bicornuate, tills back and my cervix is displaced, too and because of my previous surgeries, there’s a good possibility it will end up an abdominal. I’m of the mindset that if it does become an abdominal, I’ve had 2 previous caesareans and I was ok with them. |
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I had a full hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries and cervix about 8 years ago. I'm BRCA2 and had really bad periods and fibroids plus had breast cancer in 2003. My grandmother died at 45 of ovarian cancer so I was advised to have the op at 40.
I actually found it an absolute doddle. Op on a Fri afternoon, home on Sun and back to work a week later. I started HRT patches a few days after the op and everything has been brilliant. I see a lovely doc who specialises in gynae-endocrine medicine twice a year and he monitors my hormone levels.
Sex with Mr Kinky improved if anything because there were no pesky periods and PMT.
We had to wait 6 weeks for vaginal sex but found plenty of ways to entertain ourselves in the neantime!
Good luck with whichever op you choose.
Mrs K |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I had a hysterectomy at age 32 due too severe bleeding and all the artificial hormones being pumped into made it all the worse!! I would say keep your ovaries let the body go through it’s natural progression but like has been said we are all different
Good luck
Ms b  |
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By *eeleyWoman
over a year ago
Dudley |
I'm already out of hospital,less than 24 hours after my hysterectomy was finished. Ended up having a spinal and a slight sedative so I was awake for all of it which was interesting.
I had no complications, no excessive bleeding etc. I've got to give myself injections for two weeks to prevent blood clots but in general it was pretty easy. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm already out of hospital,less than 24 hours after my hysterectomy was finished. Ended up having a spinal and a slight sedative so I was awake for all of it which was interesting.
I had no complications, no excessive bleeding etc. I've got to give myself injections for two weeks to prevent blood clots but in general it was pretty easy."
Glad it’s gone so well, but remember you’ve had major surgery still and try not to do too much too early. Hope you make a good recovery x |
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