Quick Read: When Removing the Uterus, Leave the Ovaries

A new study of more than 30,000 women who had a hysterectomy shows an overall higher risk of dying if women have their ovaries removed than if they leave them intact. The study looked exclusively at women who had a hysterectomy for "benign disease." This is part of the large Nurses Health Study, a group of women that researchers have followed for 28 years. The study was published in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Source: Reuters

Researchers found that women's risk of ovarian cancer diminished when their ovaries were removed, but their risks of dying from other, more common causes rose. Based on the results, "it looks like, if given a choice, you should keep your ovaries," said Leslie Bernstein, a professor at City of Hope cancer center, who was not involved in the study.