What Happens to Your Ovaries?
In some cases, a hysterectomy may involve removing the ovary. Removal of the ovary is known as oophorectomy. The presence of certain underlying conditions determines if your ovary will be removed during a hysterectomy [1]. For example, your ovaries will be removed if you have ovarian cancer. Your ovaries will not be removed if you have a uterine fibroid [2].
If you have had menopause or will soon experience it, your doctor may recommend removing your ovaries no matter the existing disease or reason for your procedure. This is usually done to prevent any health complications.
If your ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, your fallopian tubes will also be removed. If they are not removed, they will remain in the same position after the procedure. The ovaries are attached to your abdomen via a ligament known as the suspensory ligament [3]. The ligament is a large part of the ligament of the uterus.