Announcements
Click the Menopause Health Center and slideshow to learn more about menopause and perimenopause. Skin and Beauty Center | Acne Health Center | Hair Loss Health Center | Incontinence/OAB Health Center | Look Up Your Meds
Includes Expert Content
Oh where, oh where have my ovaries gone?
Lala411 posted:
I am so glad I found this discussion because...I had endometriosis and fibroids and had a hysterectomy in 2001. I was able to keep both ovaries. Through the years I've had cysts in my right ovary which cause pain but then rupture and resolve themselves. My last cyst was 2 years ago. For the last month I've had all the symptoms of another cyst. Today I finally had to see a new GYN because my doctor moved away. She took my history, did a urine test and a transvaginal sonogram. Then she tells me that I have NO ovaries! She laughed because I was so shocked. I just didn't expect to hear this. But after she laughed I felt awkward about asking more questions other than, "What?? Are you sure?". She said she had no explanation for my pain but that I shouldn't worry, did a PAP smear and prescribed anitbiotics for just in case. In case of what? I don't know if my reaction is normal, but I am feeling a little confused and sad. I feel that 53 years old is still so young and I'm disappointed that I wasn't prepared to hear this. What should I expect now?
4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Oh where, oh where have my ovaries gone?I am so glad I found this discussion because...I had endometriosis and fibroids and had a hysterectomy in 2001. I was able to keep both ovaries. Through the years I've had cysts in my right ovary which cause pain but then rupture and resolve themselves. My last cyst was 2 years ago. For the last month I've had all the symptoms of another cyst. Today I finally had to see a new GYN because my doctor moved away. She took my history, did a urine test and a transvaginal sonogram. Then she tells me that I have NO ovaries! She laughed because I was so shocked. I just didn't expect to hear this. But after she laughed I felt awkward about asking more questions other than, "What?? Are you sure?". She said she had no explanation for my pain but that I shouldn't worry, did a PAP smear and prescribed anitbiotics for just in case. In case of what? I don't know if my reaction is normal, but I am feeling a little confused and sad. I feel that 53 years old is still so young and I'm disappointed that I wasn't prepared to hear this. What should I expect now?
Anon_6061 responded:
That would be a shock!! The ovaries are the size of almonds so sometimes they're hard to see especially if you have adhesions, endo, cysts, etc. Also, after the uterus is removed, the ovaries can become displaced. It seems like you would have symptoms of hormone deficiency if your ovaries are gone unless you still have some endo which is producing enough estrogen to keep symptoms at bay. Also, it's possible (although not very likely) that you have a third ovary.
Do you still have your cervix? I didn't think they generally did pap smears if there's no cervix except in cases where a hysterectomy was done for cervical cancer or pre-cancer.
You may want to obtain your medical records from your hysterectomy and any other pelvic surgeries to see if your ovaries were removed.
Do you still have your cervix? I didn't think they generally did pap smears if there's no cervix except in cases where a hysterectomy was done for cervical cancer or pre-cancer.
You may want to obtain your medical records from your hysterectomy and any other pelvic surgeries to see if your ovaries were removed.
Report This| Share this:Oh where, oh where have my ovaries gone?That would be a shock!! The ovaries are the size of almonds so sometimes they're hard to see especially if you have adhesions, endo, cysts, etc. Also, after the uterus is removed, the ovaries can become displaced. It seems like you would have symptoms of hormone deficiency if your ovaries are gone unless you still have some endo which is producing enough estrogen to keep symptoms at bay. Also, it's possible (although not very likely) that you have a third ovary. <br /> <br />Do you still have your cervix? I didn't think they generally did pap smears if there's no cervix except in cases where a hysterectomy was done for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. <br /> <br />You may want to obtain your medical records from your hysterectomy and any other pelvic surgeries to see if your ovaries were removed.
Thanks for your reply!
I always ask for copies of all my medical tests so I have the report from 2 yrs ago when I had an adnexal cyst in my right ovary. I know my ovaries were not removed.
My cervix was removed at the time of the hysterectomy. When I brought up the issue of, no-cervix, the doctor told me that even after a hysterectomy a woman should get a PAP smear every 3-5 years.
As of yet, I the pain continues and I am still taking the "just in case" antibiotics.
I'll never see this doctor again. I'm going to go to where my original doctor moved to and get a second opinion fro her. At the same time I'll go over my other concerns.
Although I know that there are worse things than this happening to women, I feel that ALL women deserve to have their concerns listened to with compassion and respect.
This getting older business never ceases to amaze me!
I always ask for copies of all my medical tests so I have the report from 2 yrs ago when I had an adnexal cyst in my right ovary. I know my ovaries were not removed.
My cervix was removed at the time of the hysterectomy. When I brought up the issue of, no-cervix, the doctor told me that even after a hysterectomy a woman should get a PAP smear every 3-5 years.
As of yet, I the pain continues and I am still taking the "just in case" antibiotics.
I'll never see this doctor again. I'm going to go to where my original doctor moved to and get a second opinion fro her. At the same time I'll go over my other concerns.
Although I know that there are worse things than this happening to women, I feel that ALL women deserve to have their concerns listened to with compassion and respect.
This getting older business never ceases to amaze me!
Report This| Share this:Oh where, oh where have my ovaries gone?Thanks for your reply! <br /> <br />I always ask for copies of all my medical tests so I have the report from 2 yrs ago when I had an adnexal cyst in my right ovary. I know my ovaries were not removed.<br /><br />My cervix was removed at the time of the hysterectomy. When I brought up the issue of, no-cervix, the doctor told me that even after a hysterectomy a woman should get a PAP smear every 3-5 years. <br /><br />As of yet, I the pain continues and I am still taking the "just in case" antibiotics.<br /><br />I'll never see this doctor again. I'm going to go to where my original doctor moved to and get a second opinion fro her. At the same time I'll go over my other concerns.<br /><br />Although I know that there are worse things than this happening to women, I feel that ALL women deserve to have their concerns listened to with compassion and respect. <br /><br />This getting older business never ceases to amaze me!
Dear Lala411,
Of course all concerns should be listened to with compassion and respect. The ovaries can certainly shrink in size overtime, and occasionally they do become so small that you cannot find them on an ultrasound. My hunch is that she prescribed the antibiotics (perhaps) thinking that she was treating a low grade diverticulitis; diverticular symptoms can indeed mimic pelvic issues; so perhaps she thought that antibiotics would help if that were the cause.
Unfortunately, scar tissue can develop after any surgery, especially one in which endometriosis is involved; and alas it can also give you discomfort. The problem is that there is no reliable X-ray type test to look at scar tissue; you need to actually go take a look in the pelvis; and of course, anything surgical can lead to more adhesion formation; so we try to avoid it if possible.
Hope your pain gets better,
good luck,
Mary Jane
Of course all concerns should be listened to with compassion and respect. The ovaries can certainly shrink in size overtime, and occasionally they do become so small that you cannot find them on an ultrasound. My hunch is that she prescribed the antibiotics (perhaps) thinking that she was treating a low grade diverticulitis; diverticular symptoms can indeed mimic pelvic issues; so perhaps she thought that antibiotics would help if that were the cause.
Unfortunately, scar tissue can develop after any surgery, especially one in which endometriosis is involved; and alas it can also give you discomfort. The problem is that there is no reliable X-ray type test to look at scar tissue; you need to actually go take a look in the pelvis; and of course, anything surgical can lead to more adhesion formation; so we try to avoid it if possible.
Hope your pain gets better,
good luck,
Mary Jane
Report This| Share this:Oh where, oh where have my ovaries gone?Dear Lala411,<br />Of course all concerns should be listened to with compassion and respect. The ovaries can certainly shrink in size overtime, and occasionally they do become so small that you cannot find them on an ultrasound. My hunch is that she prescribed the antibiotics (perhaps) thinking that she was treating a low grade diverticulitis; diverticular symptoms can indeed mimic pelvic issues; so perhaps she thought that antibiotics would help if that were the cause. <br />Unfortunately, scar tissue can develop after any surgery, especially one in which endometriosis is involved; and alas it can also give you discomfort. The problem is that there is no reliable X-ray type test to look at scar tissue; you need to actually go take a look in the pelvis; and of course, anything surgical can lead to more adhesion formation; so we try to avoid it if possible.<br />Hope your pain gets better,<br />good luck,<br />Mary Jane
Lala411 replied to Mary Jane Minkin, MD's response:
Dear Dr. Minkin:
You are spot on!
I actually went to see my original doctor on 7/20 and she found and showed me my ovaries. She also explained about how they do get smaller (and they were) with time and why. She also asked questions, listened to mine and was able to explain that because I have diverticulosis the pain may be radiating from there, from a pinched nerve in my lower back or adhesions.
I still have some pain but I feel more at ease because I can better understand why.
Again I will say"026this getting older business never ceases to amaze me!
Thank you.
Lala
You are spot on!
I actually went to see my original doctor on 7/20 and she found and showed me my ovaries. She also explained about how they do get smaller (and they were) with time and why. She also asked questions, listened to mine and was able to explain that because I have diverticulosis the pain may be radiating from there, from a pinched nerve in my lower back or adhesions.
I still have some pain but I feel more at ease because I can better understand why.
Again I will say"026this getting older business never ceases to amaze me!
Thank you.
Lala
Report This| Share this:Oh where, oh where have my ovaries gone?Dear Dr. Minkin:<br /><br /><br /> You are spot on!<br /><br /><br />I actually went to see my original doctor on 7/20 and she found and showed me my ovaries. She also explained about how they do get smaller (and they were) with time and why. She also asked questions, listened to mine and was able to explain that because I have diverticulosis the pain may be radiating from there, from a pinched nerve in my lower back or adhesions. <br /><br /><br />I still have some pain but I feel more at ease because I can better understand why.<br /><br /><br />Again I will say"026this getting older business never ceases to amaze me!<br /><br /><br />Thank you.<br />Lala
Featuring Experts
Mary Jane Minkin, MD, is a nationally recognized obstetrician gynecologist, with a special interest in menopause. Dr. Minkin is clinical professor of ...More
Helpful Tips
Fact or fiction? Estrogen therapy is an option for all menopausal women
Fiction: Only women who no longer have a uterus should consider using esdtrogen-alone therapy (ET). For women with a uterus, the option ... More
Was this Helpful?
24
of
38 found this helpful
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the North American Menopause Society website
Other Menopause Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.