Should the ovaries be removed at the time of hysterectomy for prolapse?

At times, a partial or total hysterectomy is recommended at the time of prolapse repair. Whether or not to remove the ovaries at the time of hysterectomy is a separate and distinct issue.

If the patient is not menopausal and the ovaries are fully functioning, the ovaries are left in place unless they are abnormal. If the patient is menopausal and the ovaries are normal, they are often times left in place. Post-menopausal ovaries do secrete testosterone they do not secrete estrogen or progesterone. Leaving the ovaries in place allow for continued testosterone secretion from the ovary. There are times when post-menopausal normal ovaries are removed for reducing the risk of later
developing ovarian cancer.