What is the medical term for the absence of one or both ovaries?

• A. Oophorectomy
• B. Hysterectomy
• C. Amenorrhea
• D. Menopause

Answer: (A)

Oophorectomy is a medical term that specifically refers to the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. When either one or both ovaries are absent from the body, either due to surgery or other conditions, it is described by this term. This operation is often performed for various medical reasons, including the treatment of ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or severe pelvic pain.

The other terms listed have different meanings. Hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus, amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, and menopause is the natural cessation of menstrual cycles typically occurring in women as they age, marking the end of reproductive capability. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why oophorectomy is the correct term for the absence of one or both ovaries.