Why do we have to create the term “hysterectomy”

Did you have tonsil excision (tonsils removed), appendixing (appendic to the appendix) or lumpectomy (removal of the breast lump)? Suffix “ecomomia“It means surgical removal of the named part of the body, so these conditions give us a clear idea of ​​what the procedure entails.

So why is the removal of the uterus called hysterectomy, not minuscule?

The name of hysterectomy is rooted in mental health – “hysteria” – It was thought that this applies to women. But now we know that this state does not exist.

He still calls this significant Hysterectomy surgery, he both fixes misogyne and hinders understanding of people.

From the non -existent state “hysteria”

Hysteria was a psychiatric state Formally defined first WV century BC had Many symptomsIncluding excessive emotions, irritability, anxiety, shortness of breath and fainting.

But hysteria was only diagnosed with women. At that time, male doctors claimed that these symptoms were caused by “wandering womb.” They believed that the uterus (uterus) moved around the body I’m looking for sperm AND He disturbed other organs.

Because the uterus was blamed for hysteria, treatment was to remove it. This procedure was called hysterectomy. Unfortunately, Many women Or their robust uterus unnecessarily removed and most died.

The word “hysteria” originally came from an age-old Greek word for the uterus, “Hister“But a state-of-the-art Greek word for the uterus is”Coronet“, From which words such as” endometrium “come.

Hysteria was only Removed as an official medical diagnosis In 1980 it was finally recognized that it did not exist and is sexist.

“Hysterectomy” should also be removed from medical terminology because it still combines the uterus with hysteria.

Widespread but misleading

ABOUT One in three Australian women I will remove their uterus. Hysterectomy is One of the most common operations all over the world. Is used to treat Conditions, including:

• Incorrect uterine bleeding (severe bleeding)
• uterine fibroids (bland tumors)
• Uterine loss (when the uterus protrudes into the vagina)
• Adenomyosis (when the inner layer of the uterus grows into the muscle layer)
• cancer.

However, at our colleagues from the survey and I conducted almost 500 Australian adults, which were not yet published in the reviewed magazine, one in five people believed that hysterectomy meant the removal of the ovaries, not the uterus.

That’s true Some hysterectom for cancer Also remove the ovaries. Hysterectomy or partial hysterectomy is the removal of only the uterus, the total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, while radical hysterectomy usually removes the uterus, cervix, uterine tube and juba.

There are essential differences between These hysterectomSo they should be replaced to clearly indicate the nature of the operation.

Studies have shown ambiguous terminology, such as “hysterectomy” is associated with low understanding of the patient procedures and female anatomy.

Operate the uterus in combination with Medical conditions for If necessary, removing the cervix, uterine pipes and ovaries. For example, the uterus and cervical uterus relate to the removal of the uterus and cervix.

This can support patients understand what is (and not), which are removed from their bodies and enhance the clarity for a wider audience.

Other women and body procedures have male names

There are many of them Eponymous (something named in honor of a person) in anatomy and medicine, for example Achilles tendon and Parkinson’s disease. They are almost exclusively Names of white people.

Eponies for women of anatomy and procedures include ovate tubes, a Douglas purse and a slurry smear.

The anatomical term for fallopian tubes are uterine tubes. “Uterus” indicates that they are attached to the uterus, which strengthens them An important role in fertility.

The Douglas bag is a space between the rectum and uterus. The operate of an anatomical name (pouch with prostotrin) is essential because it common place of endometriosis And it can explain any related intestinal symptoms.

PAP’s smear does not indicate its location or function. Novel Cervical test test The exactly what explains his cervical cell samples explained. This helps people understand these tests at the risk of cervical cancer.

Language is essential in medicine and healthcare

Language in medicine affects patient care and health. It must be right and vivid, and not contain words related to prejudice or discrimination and do not deprive people.

For these reasons, he recommends the International Federation of Anatomów Associations removal of eponyms from scientific and medical communication.

Meanwhile, Experts rightly argued Time To change the name of hysterectomy to maternity.

Hysterectomy is an emotional procedure not only physical but also psychological movables. Without referring directly to the uterus Historical disregard of reproductive anatomy and female function. Removing the link to hysteria and changing the name of hysterectomy to the regulation would be a plain but symbolic change.

Teachers, Doctors and science communicators It will play an essential role in applying the term regulatory instead of hysterectomy. Ultimately, the World Health Organization should make official changes in International classification of health interventions.

According to the growing consciousness and discussions about the reproductive health of women and medical misogyne, it’s time to improve terminology. We need to make sure that the names of the body parts and medical procedures reflect the appropriate anatomy.