Oophorectomy

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


Wudu

This article should be merged with wodoo

Wudu, see also Wodoo, usually translated as "ablution", is a ritual act of purification that a Muslim does before praying. There are two types of wudu. The ideal form is done with water. The Muslim first silently makes the niyat or intention to perform wudu and cleanse himself of his impurities. He begins by saying bismillah (in the name of Allaah). The actions of wudu for males follow:

  1. Wash the right hand up the wrist three times, then the left hand.
  2. Suck water into the mouth and spit it out three times.
  3. Gently put water into the nostrils with the right hand, pinch the top of the nose with the left hand to exhale the water.
  4. Wash the face (from the hairline on the forehead to where facial hair begins and ear to ear).
  5. Wash the entire right arm, including the hand, three times, then the left arm three times. The Muslim should wash up to a point slightly above the elbow.
  6. Wet hands and starting with your hands flat on the top of your head near the hairline, wipe them to the back of the head where hair ends and come forward. This is only done once!
  7. With wet fingers, place thumbs at backs of ears, use index finger on curves of ear and middle finger to wash the ears. This is only done once
  8. Starting with the right foot, wash both feet including the ankles.

Thereotically one can do one wudu for fajr salaat and be okay for the rest of the day, but certain things invalidate the ablution. They are:

  1. "When urine, stool gas, blood and anything which comes out of the 2 private parts is discarged."
  2. Deep sleep.
  3. "Losing one's mind or reason by ingesting intoxicants, drugs, or for any other reason..."
  4. "Touching, with bare hands, one's own sexual organs with lust."

Hence, most Muslims perform wudu several times a day. If water is unavailable or the amount available is insufficient, one may perform tayammum, or "dry ablution."

  1. "Strike both hands lightly on pure earth, rock, or sand.
  2. Wipe the face once.
  3. Wipe the hands (to the wrists) as if you were washing them."

Related topics: ghusl

salaat

Sources: Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed. Salaat: The Islamic Prayer from A to Z. 2003.


Last updated: 01-28-2005 09:39:44