What does oophorectomy mean?
An oophorectomy is an operation to remove one or both ovaries, the paired reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones including oestrogen and progesterone. The term is most often encountered in oncology, gynaecology, and discussions of risk-reducing surgery for ovarian or breast cancer. It is also known medically as an ovariectomy, while “bilateral oophorectomy” specifies removal of both ovaries. Because the procedure can trigger early menopause and has long-term effects on fertility, bone health, cardiovascular health, and hormone-related symptoms, its consequences and alternatives are carefully discussed in clinical care. The word combines the Greek-derived term for the ovary with the surgical suffix meaning removal, and is chiefly used in professional medical contexts rather than everyday speech.
nounSurgical removal of one or both ovaries. The procedure is also called an ovariectomy and may be performed as part of the treatment of certain reproductive-system cancers or other medical conditions.
- Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
"The patient underwent an oophorectomy after the tumor was found in one ovary."
"She had a bilateral oophorectomy to reduce her risk of ovarian cancer."
"The oophorectomy was performed using minimally invasive surgery."
The standard plural is “oophorectomies.”
"The surgeon explained the risks of both unilateral and bilateral oophorectomies."
Oophorectomy takes its name from the Greek roots for “ovary” and “removal,” making the meaning unusually transparent: surgical removal of an ovary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oophorectomy come from?
The first element comes from Greek oophoron, meaning “ovary,” which is also the source of ovary and ovarian. The second element is a medical suffix derived from Greek ektomē, meaning “a cutting out” or “removal,” and appears in words such as appendectomy. In modern English, oophorectomy developed as a specialized term for the surgical removal of an ovary or both ovaries.
How oophorectomy is actually used
This is a technical medical term. In general medical usage, “ovariectomy” is also widely used, and “ovary removal” may be used in less technical contexts. The term can refer to removal of one ovary or both ovaries, so a modifier such as “unilateral” or “bilateral” may clarify the extent of surgery.