Final answer:
An ovariectomy is the surgical removal of an ovary and is conducted to address various gynecological issues, including ovarian cysts. Not all ovarian cysts require removal, and menopause naturally decreases ovarian functionality over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for the removal of an ovary is ovariectomy. An ovariectomy is a surgical procedure often performed when conditions such as ovarian cysts, tumors, or other gynecological issues necessitate the removal of one or both ovaries. This procedure is distinct from a biopsy, which is the surgical removal of a tissue specimen for laboratory analysis, frequently to diagnose conditions like cancer. Should ovarian cysts present, not all are cancerous, and most do not require surgical removal, depending on their size and whether they cause symptoms. Changes such as menopause naturally affect the ovaries' function over time, leading to a decrease in reproductive capacity due to the reduced sensitivity to hormones like FSH and LH.