To Keep or Not To Keep (Ovaries)

I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy in June and have to decide whether or not to keep my ovaries. I am 52 years old and have never had any problems related to my menstrual cycle nor have a family history of cancer. My initial plan was to have surgery to have a bladder sling put in to help with stress incontinence. But my female gyn recommended the hysterectomy because I'm pre-menopausal and has convinced me that I won't be needing my uterus much longer so I might as well get rid of it now versus later (along with my cervix). She's also recommending that I have my ovaries removed. This is the part that concerns me. I'm told that if I get rid of my ovaries I'll jump right in menopause. I don't think I'm ready for this so soon. I'd rather ease into menopause slowly. But then I hear ovarian cancer stories and it terrifies me (even tho this doesn't run in my family). Women I've talked to who have had everything removed said it was the best thing they ever did. But they also had the surgery because of their female medical problems so they're comparing it to that. Anyone out there care to share their opinion? I'm afraid I may be doing something I may be sorry for afterwards.

have you seen a urologist to talk about the bladder sling? if you have no problems and all is healthy, i would question her wanting to do unnecessary major surgery, remove everything and put you into menopause. why not just do the bladder sling? i'd definitely suggest a second opinion with a urologist.
good luck with whatever you decide to do

Hi Kremdog,

I *so* agree with Dressedupinblue. Get a 2nd opinion with a urologist. If you are not having gyneo problems..why have a hyst?? There is that old Hyster Sisters quote...if it isn't broken...why fix it??

If you are a candidate to just have a bladder sling..sounds less invasive to me...than proceeding with a surgery that it sounds like you don't even need right now.

Sending best wishes~

Mary

I have to agree with the others. If there are no problems with it now, why risk it? Have you read any of the posts in "The Road Less Traveled" forum? Not everyone has a happy experience with hysterectomies. You risk having long-term complications with this surgery no matter what age you are. You should definitely go for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure you'll find that most doctors out there don't treat hysterectomies as an elective surgery anymore.

Good luck!