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WHAT IS AN OOPHORECTOMY?

An oophorectomy is designed to remove a woman's ovaries. 

It can be done after a hysterectomy (as Lena Dunham has done) but it is rare and there are risks. 

Removing just one of the ovaries allows the patient the option to still have children. 

REASONS FOR AN OOPHORECTOMY:  

  • treat abnormal tissue growth from endometriosis
  • lower the risk of ectopic pregnancy
  • treat pelvic inflammatory disease 
  • remove ovarian cysts, abscesses, or cancerous cells in the ovaries
  • remove the source of estrogen stimulating cancer, such as breast cancer  

TYPES OF OOPHORECTOMIES

  • Unilateral: This is what Lena Dunham had done. It removes one ovary allowing a woman the option to still become pregnant if she wants
  • Bilateral: Removes both ovaries to prevent disorders or spread of cancer cells
  • Salpingo-oophorectomy: This is what Christina Applegate got. It involves removing the fallopian tube along with the ovary to treat cancers or other disorders
  • Prophylactic: Also called a preventative oophorectomy,done to reduce the risk of future diseases
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