Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries of a female animal. In the case of non-human 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.

In humans, oophorectomy is most usually performed together with a hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus. Its use in a hysterectomy when there are no other health problems is somewhat controversial.

In animals, spaying involves an invasive removal of the ovaries, but rarely has major complications; the superstition that it causes weight gain is not based on fact. Spaying is especially important for certain animals that require the ovum to be released at a certain interval (called estrus or "heat"), such as cats and dogs. If the cell is not released during these animal's heat, it can cause severe medical problems that can be averted by spaying or partnering the animal with a male.

Oophorectomy is sometimes referred to as castration, but that term is most often used to mean the removal of a male animal's testicles.

See also

• tubal ligation & birth control
• circumcision
• genital mutilation & female circumcision

Southern Africa is a region generally considered to include:

• Angola
• Botswana
• Lesotho
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• South Africa
• Swaziland
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Southern Africa refers to the southern part of the African continent.

Southern Africa, the region, should not be confused with the South Africa, the country.

Southern Africa is a distinct region. Some of its main exports include diamonds, gold, and uranium. Because of early imperialism, Southern Africa has not yet fully developed and industrialized. It is therefore in persuit of economic and political stability.

Southern Africa faces unique challenges, some of which are addressed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

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