Why is a simple hysterectomy not called a uterectomy?

Answer 1

Why is a simple hysterectomy not called a ovariectomy because there are ovaries involved in ovariectomy.

Answer 2

Because it's a misogynistic terminology from centuries ago that needs to be updated but because "of the womb" in Latin terminology is "hysteria," it is still considered proper medical Latin terminology. It's origins as a word are riddled in misogynistic thought though. Once upon a time, a diagnosis of "hysteria" described when the uterus would be twisted, out of place, or just "off" in a way that caused a woman to behave the way she did. As an example, that meant depressive symptoms in Egyptian times some 1900 B.C. ago. In more modern times, it meant a head-strong woman with opinions, and thus "hysteria" basically became a term for any woman who was passionate and spoke out (not something women were encouraged to do in the 1700-1800s for example). So, since the womb was thought to be the cause of "hysteric behavior," this further fueled a need for a "hysterectomy," i.e. remove the womb that's causing hysteria.

As a doctor, I wish we would remove this terminology from use and remember it for the chauvinistic B.S. that it is. "Uterectomy" would be more appropriate, in my opinion.