This article discusses the anatomy andfunction of ovaries, as well as conditions that affect these glands.
It also shows what an ovary looks like.
The ovary consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla.
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Embedded within the cortex are manyovarian folliclestiny fluid-filled sacs where eggs grow.
The medulla is made up of loose connective tissue containing blood vessels,lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibers.
Ovarian Follicles
At birth, a female baby has about 1 million ovarian follicles.
Each ovarian follicle contains a hollow ball of cells with an immature egg in the center.
During childhood, approximately half of the ovarian follicles are absorbed by the body.
The excess ovarian follicles are reabsorbed before ovulation occurs.
Is it possible for both ovaries to release an egg in the same cycle?
If both those eggs become fertilized, they may result in fraternal (nonidentical) twins.
Five to six days are required for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus.
If pregnancy does occur, the corpus luteum produces hormones that help to maintain the pregnancy.
When a person reachesmenopause, the supply of eggs is very low, and the ovaries stop ovulating.
Although the ovaries continue to make some hormones, their production of estrogen and other hormones decreases significantly.
The ovaries also become slightly smaller in size after menopause.
Why Do My Ovaries Hurt?
Some people notice a small amount of vaginal discharge.
During ovulation, some people may experience other symptoms such as breast tenderness,bloating, or headache.
How do you determine which ovary released the egg in a given cycle?
This is not usually easy to know.
Disease and Conditions
Listed below are some conditions that can affect the ovaries.
Ovarian Torsion
Rarely, an ovary can twist around the ligament that’s holding it in place.
This condition is known asovarian torsionand can result insevere pain.
The initial symptoms are severe pelvic pain, typically on one side, along with nausea and vomiting.
Immediate surgery is usually required to restore the blood supply and preserve the ovary.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs similar to blisters that can form on the ovaries.
Ovarian cysts are common during the reproductive years.
Ovarian cysts commonly form during ovulation or pregnancy.
In some cases, they may result from hormonal treatments, including fertility treatments.
Other causes are PCOS, endometriosis, or a pelvic infection.
Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment.
What does an ovarian cyst look like?
Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, that form on or inside an ovary.
They can range widely in size.
Depending on the cause, ovarian cysts may have other characteristic features.
Persons withendometriosiscan develop anendometrioma, a cyst filled with menstrual blood.
Sometimes these cysts are called “chocolate cysts” because the fluid inside resembles chocolate syrup.
It is the most common hormonal disorder among females.
Many cases of PCOS are undiagnosed because the symptoms can vary from person to person.
It also is often difficult to accurately diagnose.
What happens to ovaries during a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus.
In about half of hysterectomies, the ovaries are removed as well, in a procedure known as anoophorectomy.
Talk to a fertility specialist to learn more.
Summary
The ovaries are small, oval-shaped structures located on each side of the uterus.
Some of these conditions may require treatment.
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