If you had a hysterectomy, did you keep your ovaries?

My doctor gave me a strong indication, before surgery, that I would not be able to keep my ovaries since I had bilateral ovarian endometriomas, which were both about 7 cm. Before sugery they ruptured and during surgery it was discovered I had Stage 4 endometriosis, so both ovaries, when found, were removed.

I told the doctor to leave my ovaries if he could when he did my abdominal hysterectomy for fibroids. The right one had to go as the fibroid had wrapped itself around it and my tubes, and was pressing on my kidney, causing it to enlarge. The left one is still there after six years. I was 43 when this was done and not quite ready to go through menopause yet!

I am a 41 year old breast cancer survivor. After the cancer came back a second time last fall, my oncologist recommended having a TAH/BSO. I was on hormone blockers for 9 months and rode the roller coaster of emotions. Today I am 6 weeks post-op and doing okay. The hot flashes and insomnia are more intense but I'm dealing with it. My faith in the God of providence gets me through it all. Also, I have spoken to many other doctors and they have all agreed with the oncologist's suggestions. I have 4 children and no regrets. Yes, it is challenging to get thru. Gather as much info as you need to make the best decision possible.
Each day is a gift!

I had both ovaries removed mainly because my problem was endometriosis with ovarian cysts. Also, my left ovary was stuck to my left ureter and a specialist had to assist in the surgery to "unstick" the left ovary in order to remove it without damaging the ureter. I'm 49 and was still menstruating so now I'm in full blown menopause, but it's cool, cuz I'll take hot flashes and night sweats over pain any day. Good riddance little ovaries.

TVH nov11,2008 slow recovery I figured Id save time and money (no more surgeries) by not waiting for them to cause other problems I had my tubes tied 16 yrs ago already went thru the hormone changes and depression i just want to have a normal pain free remainder of life no more heavy periords pelvic pain from endometriosis

I had the right one taken out. I developed painful cysts on that side while the left one always seemed to behave itself. Originally I wanted both out as I have an aunt who died from ovarian cancer, but my doctor talked me out of it. She pointed out my aunt was almost 70 when it happened and also she's the only relative I have who ever developed it, so that reduces the odds for me. I will still insist on being vigilant about the one I have left though.

I had both my ovaries removed during my hysterectomy at the suggestion of both my surgeon and my pcp. I struggled with making that decision at first because I had gone through chemo 14 yrs. before and it caused an early meno. I had had such an up and down experience that I was afraid to upset the apple cart more, as it were. Both my drs. said it would be to my benefit to have them out, plus at my age (57) there was the concern for ovarian cancer. I am so glad I had them out - I am finally on a great hrt (Estrogel) and no longer have ovaries that would misfire and cause imbalance.

I had the daVinci surgery on 12/29/2008 - one week ago. I saw three surgeons, all recommended hys, two wanted to take everything. My doctor spent a good amount of time talking with me and we decided that I would trust his judgement once inside, but that I wanted to keep my ovaries if possible. I am 41 years old, and totally afraid of causing emotional upheaval.

My doc is an oncologist, even though I was not dx with cancer. Once inside, he found that my right ovary was stuck to my uterus, and my fallopian tube was pushed upward and twisted from scar tissue caused by a ruptured appendix and surgery for this condition in 1983. He peeled the ovary off the uterus before removal of the uterus, as well as repaired the position of the fallopian tube. He also biopsied both ovaries during surgery, which I didn't know was an option until just prior to surgery. I am pleased to say that there was no cancer anywhere.

I understand that there is a risk of ovarian cancer, but I couldn't live with the idea of removing my ovaries out of fear. I am taking my chances, because it is what made my heart and mind relax when I made the decision. Good luck with your decisions ladies, for those of you who have that option.

Hi hystersisters. I had a TAH and kept one ovary. The plan initially was to keep both ovaries, but the one ovary was infused with one of the fibroids or something like that so it had to go. I am happy, fully recovered and no menopause. What more can I ask for?

I was able to keep my right ovary. My left ovary was always the one that caused the problem with cysts. I was 32 at the time and didn't want to deal with HRT yet. I am looking at another surgery this month or next for adhesions and I am hoping that he won't have to remove the right one.