What Happens to Eggs After a Hysterectomy?

By Dr. Kulsoom Baloch

Learn more about Dr. Baloch

Introduction

A hysterectomy is a life-changing surgery, often done to treat uterine fibroids, cancer, or severe endometriosis. But what happens to your eggs afterward? If you’re concerned about your fertility or egg function post-hysterectomy, this article explains what you need to know about your reproductive health.

Types of Hysterectomy and Their Impact

• Total hysterectomy – Removes uterus and cervix; ovaries may remain.
• Subtotal (partial) hysterectomy – Removes the uterus but keeps the cervix and often the ovaries.
• Radical hysterectomy – Removes uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and possibly surrounding tissue.
• With or without oophorectomy – Oophorectomy means removing the ovaries. If your ovaries are preserved, you may still produce eggs.

Do You Still Have Eggs After a Hysterectomy?

Yes—**if your ovaries are intact**, you still produce and release eggs. However, since you no longer have a uterus, those eggs have nowhere to implant. You won’t menstruate, and you can’t carry a pregnancy naturally, but ovarian function may continue.

Where Do the Eggs Go After Hysterectomy?

The released eggs are naturally absorbed by your body. Without a uterus or fallopian tubes to transport them, they dissolve without causing harm. There is no risk of ‘egg buildup’ or damage from unreleased eggs.

Can You Freeze Eggs After a Hysterectomy?

If you still have your ovaries, it may be possible to **retrieve and freeze your eggs** for future use. You’ll need to undergo an egg retrieval procedure via IVF before or after hysterectomy, depending on timing and surgical plan. This allows for future surrogacy using your genetic material.

Can You Donate Eggs After a Hysterectomy?

Yes, in some cases. If your ovaries remain healthy and you’re under the age of 31, you may qualify for **compensated egg donation**, even after a hysterectomy. Egg donor eligibility is based on hormone levels, health history, and ovarian reserve—not the presence of a uterus.

Long-Term Health of Ovaries After Hysterectomy

Ovaries typically continue functioning for years after a hysterectomy, especially in younger women. However, some studies suggest ovarian function may decline earlier without the uterus. Regular monitoring with your doctor is recommended.

Fertility Options After Hysterectomy

• Egg freezing or IVF with surrogacy (if ovaries are intact)
• Embryo transfer to a gestational carrier
• Use of donor eggs or embryos if ovarian function is lost

Surrogacy4All works with women exploring these paths to parenthood.

Conclusion

Even after a hysterectomy, your eggs don’t disappear overnight—especially if your ovaries are intact. While natural conception is no longer possible, egg retrieval and future fertility options remain available to many women. Contact Surrogacy4All to learn more about egg preservation and surrogacy options after hysterectomy.