Can the ovaries be removed while preserving the cervix?

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Last updated: September 30, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Yes, ovaries can absolutely be removed while the cervix remains in place.

Oophorectomy (ovarian removal) and cervical preservation are independent surgical decisions that can be performed together—this is a well-established surgical approach called subtotal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy when the uterine body is also removed, or isolated oophorectomy when only the ovaries are removed.

Surgical Feasibility

The ovaries and cervix are anatomically separate structures with no direct connection requiring simultaneous removal:

  • The ovaries are located in the pelvis, attached by the ovarian ligaments and infundibulopelvic ligaments
  • The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus
  • Removing the ovaries does not necessitate cervical removal, and vice versa 1

Clinical Scenarios Where This Occurs

Risk-Reducing Surgery

Women with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations or other hereditary cancer syndromes commonly undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of tubes and ovaries) while preserving the uterus and cervix entirely if they have benign uterine pathology or no uterine indication for removal 2.

Subtotal Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy

When hysterectomy is indicated for benign disease, the uterine body can be removed while preserving the cervix (subtotal hysterectomy), and the ovaries can be removed or retained based on separate risk-benefit analysis 1.

Fertility-Sparing Cancer Surgery

In select cervical cancer cases, ovarian preservation or transposition can occur while addressing cervical pathology through trachelectomy procedures 3, 4.

Key Decision Points

The decision to remove or retain each organ should be made independently based on:

  • Age and menopausal status (premenopausal women face significant health consequences from premature surgical menopause including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive changes, and sexual dysfunction) 2
  • Cancer risk factors (BRCA mutations, Lynch syndrome, strong family history)
  • Personal history of hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Individual patient values and preferences 5

Critical Caveat for Premenopausal Oophorectomy

If ovaries are removed before natural menopause while the cervix (and uterus) remain, hormone replacement therapy with both estrogen AND progestogen is required until age 51 to protect the endometrium from unopposed estrogen stimulation 2. Women who have their entire uterus removed (including cervix) only need estrogen alone.

References

1
Research

Hysterectomy controversies: ovarian and cervical preservation.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 2014

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.