Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
11:29
Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: January 22, 2022
Elective oophorectomy for benign gynecological disorders
Donna Shoupe1, William H Parker, Michael S Broder
1Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. shoupe@usc.edu
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|May 4, 2007
Summary
Elective oophorectomy has risks, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Conserving ovaries until at least age 65 improves long-term survival for women at average risk of ovarian cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Preventive Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Elective oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove ovaries.
- The decision involves balancing cancer prevention against potential long-term health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks and benefits of elective oophorectomy.
- To determine the optimal age for oophorectomy where benefits outweigh risks.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published articles on oophorectomy risks and benefits.
- Analysis of quality-of-life and mortality outcomes.
- Comparison of oophorectomized versus non-oophorectomized women regarding hormone-linked diseases.
Main Results:
- Oophorectomy is linked to increased cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and reduced well-being.
- Benefits include ovarian and breast cancer risk reduction.
- Ovarian conservation until age 65 is associated with significantly higher long-term survival rates, primarily due to reduced cardiovascular disease and hip fracture mortality.
Conclusions:
- Elective oophorectomy carries significant short- and long-term health risks.
- Ovarian conservation until at least age 65 is recommended for women at average risk of ovarian cancer to enhance long-term survival.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...