The choice of conserving or removing the ovaries at the time of hysterectomy for benign conditions

When a woman decides to have a hysterectomy (removal of the womb), it is important for her to consider whether she should keep the ovaries, or have one or both of them removed at the same time as the hysterectomy. To remove ovaries at the time of a hysterectomy will only add a small amount of operation time and increase the risks of the hysterectomy operation minimally.  This leaflet will provide information that enables the right decision to be made by the woman.