Question:

i am having a hysterectomy as i have a prolapsed uterus and want to no if it is wise to have my ovaries removed. i am 67 years old and feel if i am having surgery they should come out.

Answer:

One of the benefits of preserving the ovaries during hysterectomy is that they will continue to make ovarian hormones. This obviously makes more sense the younger you are. Even after menopause, the ovaries continue to make hormones. Obviously the concerns are that ovarian cancer or other more common conditions like pain, ovarian cysts, etc can occur. In general, there is a 2-5 % risk for the need for future surgery because of these problems. The benefits become much less important after 65 years of age and their removal should be considered.

For more information:

Go to the Gynecology health topic.