Jessica Pin
Sep 2, 2018 · 1 min read

The etymology of hysterectomy is not sexist. “Hyster” comes from Greek “hystera” for uterus.

What is sexist is that emotional instability was historically associated with the uterus. The etymology of hysteria is sexist. The etymology of hysterectomy is not.

I do not agree there is any problem with using the term hysterectomy to mean removal of the uterus. I do see a problem with using the word hysteria to denote emotional instability.

    Jessica Pin

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    Getting clitoral neural anatomy included in OB/GYN textbooks. It was finally added to 1 OB/GYN textbook for the first time in July 2019. BME/EE @WUSTL