Oophorectomy (or ovariotomy) is the surgical removal of the ovaries of a female animal. In the case of nonhuman animals, this is also called spaying. It is a form of sterilization.

The removal of the ovaries together with the Fallopian tubes is called salpingo-oophorectomy. Oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy are not common forms of birth control in humans; more usual is tubal ligation, in which the Fallopian tubes are blocked but the ovaries remain intact. Removal of ovaries causes hormonal changes and symptoms equivalent to menopause. Women who have had an oophorectomy usually have to take hormone replacement drugs to prevent other conditions usually associated with menopause.

In humans and some animals such as cats and dogs, oophorectomy is most usually performed together with a hysterectomy — the removal of the uterus. This procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy. It is generally not used in humans in the absence of health problems.

See also

• Spaying and neutering
• Tubal ligation
• Birth control

Gynecology | Surgical removal procedures