What Happens to Eggs After Hysterectomys?

By Dr. Kulsoom Baloch

Learn more about Dr. Baloch

Introduction

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a woman’s uterus. It’s commonly done for medical reasons like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer. One of the most frequently asked questions by women of childbearing age is: What happens to your eggs after a hysterectomy? This article explores how different types of hysterectomies affect egg production, ovulation, and fertility options.

Do Ovaries Still Function After a Hysterectomy?

Yes—if the ovaries are left intact, they will continue to produce eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Even though you can no longer carry a pregnancy without a uterus, your body may still ovulate monthly.

Types of Hysterectomy and Egg Function

• Total Hysterectomy – Removes the uterus and cervix; ovaries may or may not be removed.
• Subtotal (Partial) Hysterectomy– Removes the uterus but leaves the cervix and often the ovaries.
• Hysterectomy with Bilateral Oophorectomy – Removes the uterus and both ovaries; no egg production remains.

Can You Get Pregnant After a Hysterectomy?

Without a uterus, natural pregnancy is not possible. However, if your ovaries are functional and you still produce eggs, you may pursue parenthood through ‘IVF and surrogacy’. Eggs can be retrieved and fertilized, and embryos can be implanted in a gestational carrier.

What Happens to the Eggs Each Month?

If your ovaries are intact, you will continue to ovulate, and your body will release eggs monthly. These eggs are reabsorbed by the body since there’s no uterus for implantation.

Can You Donate Eggs After a Hysterectomy?

Yes, as long as your ovaries are functional and you meet age and health criteria. Egg donation is still possible after a hysterectomy if the ovaries remain intact.

Signs That Ovaries Are Still Working

• Regular hormonal cycles (even without menstruation)
• No menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats)
• Hormone testing to confirm estrogen/progesterone levels

Hormonal Effects After Ovary Removal

If both ovaries are removed during the hysterectomy, the body enters surgical menopause. In this case, egg production stops, and symptoms of menopause begin immediately.

Fertility Pathways After Hysterectomy

• IVF with egg retrieval + surrogate
• Egg freezing before surgery
• Egg donation (if eggs are viable)

Talk to a fertility clinic to explore options based on your surgical history.

Conclusion

Egg production can continue after a hysterectomy—depending on whether the ovaries are preserved. While natural pregnancy is no longer an option, assisted reproductive techniques like egg donation and surrogacy make parenthood possible. At Surrogacy4All, we guide women through these journeys with personalized fertility care.