Normal size of the ovaries by ultrasound. Ultrasound examination of the ovaries in women. How to prepare for the study and how it goes

Ultrasound examination of the reproductive system in women is one of the most accessible and accurate methods used both in emergency cases and for the routine diagnosis of most gynecological diseases, the detection of the ovum, the study of fetal development, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment, and the detection of tumor formations. Features of ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women is the variability of the echographic pattern depending on age, phase of the menstrual cycle, obstetric history.

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Ultrasound of the reproductive organs in women

Ultrasound examination - the creation of images (echograms) by reflecting high-frequency sound waves from the organs, which are recorded by the sensor. The acoustic signal, passing through dense media, is almost completely reflected, forming white areas on the echogram. Looser fabrics partially reflect the waves, creating different shades of gray on the screen. Liquids and cavities absorb sound and are colored black in the image.

Indications and benefits

Ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs is used to:

diagnostics of pathologies both during routine examination and in urgent cases;
monitoring the effectiveness of treatment;
tracking the dynamics of changes;
screening examination, including at different stages of pregnancy;
conducting various internal manipulations (biopsy).

Advantages of the method, allowing its use in obstetrics and gynecology:

high information content;
non-invasiveness;
safety for both the woman and the fetus;
availability and low cost;
the possibility of multiple holding;
no contraindications.

Pelvic ultrasound in women usually examines the uterus, cervix, ovaries, Douglas pouch, and bladder. Additionally, vessels and lymph nodes located close to the reproductive organs are examined. According to indications, clarifying imaging techniques (Dopplerography, echography with contrast) are used to assess not only the anatomical norm, but also the functional state of the organs.

Kinds

There are several ways to carry out an echographic examination of the reproductive organs:

1. Transabdominally (through the abdominal wall).
2. Transvaginally (by inserting a special sensor into the vagina).
3. Transrectal (through the rectum).

1-2 days before performing any type of echographic examination, it is necessary to exclude products that cause gas formation (legumes, cabbage, white bread, grapes, pears, dairy products, etc.). Before the procedure itself, it is advisable to empty the intestines and not eat. It is recommended to take a towel or wipes to cleanse the skin of the special gel after the examination.

Types and features of echographic examination of the reproductive organs:

Kinds	Indications and features	Preparation and holding	Precautionary measures
Transabdominal (TA)	Routine examination of the pelvic organs for the detection of pathologies. It is performed for all categories of patients (including children). Provides a wide view of the pelvic cavity. During pregnancy, it is carried out to study the fetus. Obesity, abdominal adhesions, and flatulence can sometimes affect ultrasound results.	An hour before the ultrasound, drink 1 liter of water without gas, do not empty the bladder before the procedure (a full bladder conducts sound waves better). During an obstetric examination - one hour before the procedure, drink 1-2 glasses of water	The procedure is safe
Transvaginal (TV)	Targeted examination of the uterus and appendages. Carried out to women who are sexually active. Do not apply to children. The advantage is a better and clearer image. The disadvantage is the limitation of the view of other areas of the small pelvis. The result of the study is not affected by obesity and adhesions, to a lesser extent, gases in the intestines. There is a risk of transmission of infection if the technique of processing the sensor and performing the procedure is incorrect	Does not require special training from a woman. The study is carried out with an empty bladder. Before use, the sensor is disinfected and a condom is put on its surface.	Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex
Transrectal (TR)	In special cases, according to indications: in girls and women who are not sexually active to diagnose the pathology of the uterus and appendages; with volumetric formations of the uterine-rectal space, etc.	Carried out after a cleansing enema. Use a special sensor with a condom on	Warn the diagnostician if there is an allergy to latex

In special cases (with congenital infection of the vaginal opening in girls or during menopause, according to indications), a transperineal examination (through the perineum) can be performed.

There are clarifying methods for imaging the reproductive organs, which are used during ultrasound:

1. Dopplerography - an ultrasound mode in which the reflection of sound waves from moving objects (including blood through the vessels) is recorded. Allows you to determine the number of vascularization zones, the mosaic pattern of blood flow, as well as indicators of blood flow velocity. It is used to study neoplasms in the evaluation of the "mother-placenta-fetus" system.
2. Hysterography is a method of examining the uterus by introducing echo-negative contrast into its cavity. It is prescribed for suspected malignant gynecological diseases, to determine the cause of infertility, etc.

Dates

Ultrasound can be performed immediately after menstruation or 1-3 days before it starts, depending on the goal. In emergency cases, an ultrasound scan is also possible during menstruation. It should be noted that there are differences in the sensitivity of echography for various diseases. For greater reliability, it is necessary to conduct an examination on certain days of the cycle:

The interpretation of echograms is carried out on the basis of:

position of the organ and surrounding tissues;
its size;
contour evaluation: evenness, clarity;
echogenicity: hypoechogenicity, hyperechogenicity, anechogenicity;
sound conductivity: amplification or attenuation of the signal;
analysis of the internal structure of education: cystic, solid-cystic, solid.

In connection with the functional features of the female reproductive organs, only a specialist can give a conclusion on the results of an ultrasound scan - taking into account age, gynecological history, phase of the cycle and the intake of certain hormonal drugs.

Uterus

Specialists pay attention to the shape of the uterus, its contours and position in the small pelvis. The location of the uterus is determined by the angle between its body and the neck. Normally, it is deflected forward, this position is called anteflexio. Deviation back (retroflexio) is not considered a pathology, but a woman may have problems conceiving and bearing a fetus.

The size of the uterus on ultrasound can undergo significant changes depending on age, obstetric history and reproductive function at the moment. The choice of the type of ultrasound scan can also affect the measurement results and give slightly different readings in the same patient. On a TV scan, the uterus is rounder because it is not under pressure from a full bladder.

Measurement of the length and thickness of the uterus, the thickness of the endometrium

The myometrium of the uterus should be homogeneous. When studying the echostructure of the endometrium, it is necessary to take into account the phase of the cycle. For convenience, a double layer of the endometrium is measured using the concept of M-echo.

The table shows the indicators in the norm:

Index	Norm
The form	pear-shaped
Position	anteflexio - the uterus is rejected anteriorly; retroflexio - the uterus is tilted backwards
Contours of the uterus	Clear and even
Echostructure of the myometrium	Has a uniform structure. There may be fineness. There are 3 layers:
Echostructure of the myometrium	Internal (subendometrial) - is a thin hypoechoic band around the endometrium	Medium - the thickest, has an average echogenicity	External - has the appearance of anechoic and hypoechoic inclusions, separated from the middle layer by a zone of vascular plexus
Echostructure of the endometrium	Homogeneous structure, change in the thickness and echogenicity of the endometrium in different phases of the cycle: I phase - anechoic structure; Phase II - hyperechoic structure. The thickness of the M-echo in the postmenopausal period should not be more than 5 mm
	cycle days	Thickness of the endometrium, mm
	1 - 2	1 - 4
	3 – 4	1 - 4
	5 – 6	3 - 6
	8 – 10	6 - 10
	11 – 14	8 - 15
	15 – 18	10 - 16
	19 – 23	10 - 20
	24 – 28	10 - 17
Uterine dimensions:	Length, mm	Width, mm	Thickness, mm
Women who have not given birth	38 - 50	27 - 37	39 - 49
Pregnancy without childbirth	43 -55	32 - 42	41 - 51
After the first birth	45 - 57	34 - 44	45 - 55
After 2 or more births	49 - 65	39 - 49	50 - 60
Menopause up to 5 years ago	32 - 44	26 - 36	30 - 42
Menopause more than 5 years ago	28- 38	20 - 30	26 - 36
The structure of the cervix	Homogeneous
The size of the cervix (in postmenopause, the cervix does not decrease significantly)	Length, mm	Width, mm	Thickness, mm
	28 - 37	29 - 53	26 - 33
cervical canal	from 2 to 6 mm
Douglas space	Lack of fluid (the presence of a small amount of transudate is permissible only during the period of ovulation)

The size of the uterus in girls

In children and adolescents, the size of the uterus is compared with age norms:

Ultrasound to determine pregnancy and after childbirth

Ultrasound is a method for determining pregnancy in the early stages, as well as the ectopic location of the fetal egg. With a normal pregnancy, an ultrasound procedure must be performed in each trimester:

I trimester - up to 12 weeks - examination of the fetus to identify gross malformations;
II trimester - 16-20 weeks - assessment of fetal development;
II trimester - 32-34 weeks - examination of the fetus, preparation for childbirth.

After uncomplicated delivery, ultrasound is performed on the 2nd day transabdominally. Normally, a small amount of blood clots is detected, and then the involution of the size of the uterus is traced.

Echogenicity is average with echo-negative inclusions (from 5 to 7-8 foci) - follicles. Features of the follicles on different days of the cycle:

1. Day 8-9 - detection of a dominant follicle up to 15 mm in size. The remaining follicles undergo involution.
2. 10-14 days - ovulation - an increase in the dominant follicle up to 25 mm.
3. After 14 days - the formation of a corpus luteum at the site of a burst follicle.

Postmenopausal - follicles are not detected

The size of the ovaries in postmenopausal women decreases in the same way as the uterus:

The fallopian tubes

Normally, with transabdominal ultrasound, it is very difficult to detect the fallopian tubes. Unchanged tubes are well visualized with transvaginal ultrasound. If there is an inflammatory process or tubal pregnancy, the fallopian tubes become detectable for transabdominal imaging.

The ovaries are the most important components of the female reproductive system. They are located on the sides of the uterine organ, on the same symmetry relative to each other. In the cavity of these organs, the processes of maturation of the eggs take place, their release from the follicular membranes and subsequent movement along the fallopian tube, where the moment of its meeting with the sperm and fertilization takes place. In view of the fact that pathological changes in the functionality of the ovaries can lead to serious changes in the reproductive capacity of the body and general health, the normal size of the ovaries during menopause plays a big role, especially with ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

The size of the ovaries in a woman's young and healthy body, which is in the fertile period, can change under the influence of hormonal levels and general health. Also, the size of both ovaries can diverge up to several millimeters in normal. A sharp and disproportionate growth of the ovaries is evidence of the development of any neoplasm of various etiologies or an inflammatory process.

The indications of the size of these organs depend on a certain number of reasons that tend to affect the gonads of women at various stages in the menstrual cycle.

For the most accurate study of the condition of the ovaries and the correct determination of their size, ultrasound research methods are carried out on days 5-7 of menstruation. As the main indicator, which is worth paying attention to, this is not the width and length of the ovaries, but the indications of the volume of their cavity. Judging by them, the development of a tumor-like neoplasm, cystic lesion, inflammation is established, or is this a normal condition.

Normal indicators of ovarian volume are:

volume readings from 4 and not more than 10 cm 3;
lengths - 21-36 mm;
width - 17-31mm;
thickness - 16-23 mm.

The run-up in terms of the norm of the ovaries is quite large, therefore, the data obtained from the ultrasound examination of the reproductive system cannot be the only basis for making an accurate diagnosis. This requires other diagnostic methods.

Causes of ongoing changes in the ovaries

Throughout the life of the female body, the ovaries tend to change slightly in size, which depends on:

age indicators;
the number of births and abortions;
days of menstruation;
use of contraceptive preparations containing hormonal substances;
taking hormonal medications.

With the onset of puberty, the ovaries begin to be included in the functioning of the reproductive system in a woman and in the future, within the limits of normal, can change in size. During the bearing of a child, these organs, under the influence of an increase in blood flow, necessary to ensure proper nutrition of the fetus, increase in size. Moreover, with the course of an increasing period of pregnancy, the ovaries can change their localization, since the growing uterine organ, with its dimensions, shifts all nearby organs and tissues to a certain level. In size, the sex glands of a woman increase by a couple of millimeters, and the processes of ovulation that occur earlier stop during pregnancy. Instead, the ovaries begin to produce progesterones, which play a critical role in normal gestation and an easy delivery process.

With delivery, the size of the ovaries in the involutional mode begins to decrease, along with the uterus.

The processes of blood circulation in the placenta stop, the speed of general blood flow decreases, which leads to a gradual return of the ovaries to their original form. This, in turn, leads to the resumption of estrogen production and the subsequent preparation of the female body for the full functioning of the entire reproductive system of organs, if the woman does not breastfeed her baby. In the event that HB is still used, then the restoration of the reproductive functionality of the reproductive system will occur only after the end of the lactation processes in the mammary glands.

With the passage of age, reproductive functionality in women begins to gradually fade away. This also affects the size of the ovaries, which begin to decrease at a leisurely pace. And by the period of premenopause, both glands become the same in all sizes.

Norm in premenopausal The stages of menopause are the following values for the dimensions of the ovaries:

In volume from 1.5 to 4 cm 3;
In length - from 20-25 mm;
Width - 12-15 mm;
Thickness - 9-12mm.

The first two or three years of the postmenopausal period may be accompanied by the production of single follicles, despite the fact that there is no menstrual cycle. This explains the slight changes in size indicators in the ovaries.

Pathological causes of changes in the sex glands

When determining the possible development of the pathological process, it is necessary to take into account the indications of the norm of the ovaries in the fertile period. Evidence of the beginning of the development of a pathological change is the size of the ovaries doubled by two or more times.

When determining the indications of the volume of the ovaries, the pathology includes their increase by 1.5-2 mm 3.

When determining such indications during an ultrasound examination of the reproductive system of organs in the female body, this may be evidence of the development of the following pathological processes:

Cystic lesion of the ovarian cavity with different etiology and localization.
The development of polycystosis, that is, the multiple formation of the smallest cysts.
The appearance of benign neoplasms.
The appearance of neoplasms with a malignant course.
development of metastases.
Hereditary factor or congenital pathological development of the reproductive organs.

The reason for urgent surgical intervention can be such pathologies as a purulent inflammatory process of the ovaries in menopause or their torsion. With such a course of dysfunction of the genital organs, if a timely operation is not performed, then everything can be complicated to an irreversible violation or death.

The most dangerous pathological change for a woman's life is oncological processes.

Cancer tumor, localized in the organs of the reproductive system of the female body, ranks second among all the causes leading to death, after oncological lesions of the mammary glands. If an ultrasound specialist manages to discern the development of a cancerous tumor in the first stages of its development, then a woman has every chance to live on, leading an active fight against cancer. And sometimes even a full recovery is possible.
The clinical picture will be much worse if malignant neoplasm will reach an impressive size, and will cause symptoms of metastases. Therefore, a timely ultrasound examination will help to identify the pathology in a timely manner, and take the necessary measures to eliminate it.

Dangerous is also a sharp decrease in the size of the ovaries in the fertile period. Such changes in the ovaries that have occurred are mainly called premature menopause, since the sex glands in a woman simply fade away and cease to fulfill their functionality in the reproductive performance of the female body. Such a pathological change can overtake from 36 to 40 years. Moreover, the uterine organ begins to decrease, and the uterine walls thin out, not a single follicle is observed in the ovaries themselves. Under the influence of these atrophic processes, natural menstruation stops. After that, after a short period of time, menopausal symptoms may begin to develop in the female body:

Increased sweating.
Violation of the psycho-emotional state.
The appearance of insomnia.
A sharp decrease or a set of extra pounds.
Hot flashes and hot flashes.

If timely diagnosis of these manifestations is carried out, then when taking hormone replacement therapy, it will still be possible to restore reproductive functionality, and safely conceive and give birth to a child.

Ovarian changes during menopause

Atrophic changes characteristic of the female body in the menopausal period also apply to these organs of the reproductive system.

The size of the ovaries during menopause decreases. Their structure also undergoes changes, during which hormone-secreting tissues begin to be replaced by connective tissues. The number of follicles is reduced, up to their complete disappearance.

The development of a functional cyst at menopause should not be. All neoplasms that occur at this age are already referred to as tumors.

Taking into account the fact that after the age of 55, the likelihood of developing oncology in women increases several times, medical specialists should pay special attention to the state of health of a woman in diagnostic research methods during the menopausal period, especially her mammary glands and reproductive organs.

Each woman, in turn, should not forget that the absence of a menstrual cycle does not mean at all that there can be no problems with gynecological health.

Regular visits to the gynecological office (at least once every six months) will help eliminate the likelihood of developing many serious pathologies, up to preventing the development of oncology to a stage that is no longer amenable to any method of treatment.

Any cystic lesion of the ovaries in menopause should be treated with surgery to prevent complications.

Symptoms of pathological changes in the ovaries

All the insidiousness of the development of tumors in women in menopause is that they do not cause any clinical manifestations. And only sometimes (no more than 30%) can make themselves felt with blurred manifestations relating to the same extent to neoplasms of both the malignant nature of the course and the benign one.

In most cases, in those representatives of the weaker sex who ignore the need for regular examination by specialists, such diseases are detected only with complications characterized by torsion or rupture of the ovary, or acute pain symptoms in the lower abdomen. Also, an increasing manifestation of ascites and symptoms of compression near the located organs indicates the development of metastases against the background of the underlying pathological process.

Diagnostic methods

To find out what is happening with the ovaries, ultrasound diagnostics with an additional method of dopplerometry of the state of the vessels will help. Can also be carried out:

CT scan;
Magnetic resonance imaging.

But these methods are expensive, and they do not differ much in their effectiveness, and therefore they are used much less frequently than conventional ultrasound.

Neoplasms of a malignant nature are distinguished by a number of characteristic manifestations that contribute to the detection of a cancerous tumor during ultrasound, these are:

increase in the speed of blood flow;
bilateral localization of the lesion;
overgrowth of polyps.

If an ultrasound examination reveals the presence of a neoplasm, then a blood test is prescribed to detect the content of oncological markers. The obtained results of the blood test, in combination with the results of ultrasound, give a more complete clinical picture, on the basis of which the subsequent treatment regimen is developed.

After the surgical removal of the neoplasm in the ovaries, a histological examination of the extracted tissues is performed, on the basis of which the final diagnosis and further treatment are made.

Useful video on this topic:

Ultrasound examination of the uterus and ovaries in gynecology is considered the most affordable and effective method of examination. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can quickly diagnose various gynecological diseases in women, assess the size, location and structure of the female reproductive organs.

uterus and ovaries

In what cases is the study assigned?

There are certain indications for the appointment of ultrasound diagnostics of the condition of the uterus and ovaries. These include:

Conducting folliculometry when planning pregnancy.
Diagnosis of pregnancy, determination of the place of attachment of a fertilized egg (to exclude ectopic pregnancy).
Ultrasound is done as part of IVF.
Identification of ovarian cysts.
Complaints of pain in the lower abdomen.
Menstrual irregularities.
Bloody discharge outside of menstruation.
Profuse, painful menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea

Pain in the lower back.
Suspicion of cancer of the uterus and ovary, diagnosis of a uterine polyp.

Types of ultrasound diagnostics in gynecology

There are two main methods for performing ultrasound of the pelvic organs:

Transvaginal ultrasound - done using a special sensor that is inserted into the woman's vagina. The method is more accurate, it can show pregnancy in the early stages, but in some cases its use is impossible.
Transabdominal - the doctor makes a scan through the abdominal wall, the organs are better visualized with a full bladder.

How to prepare for the examination?

Preparation for the study directly depends on what methods the doctor will use in diagnosis.

When conducting a transvaginal examination, a woman is advised to prepare - to completely empty her bladder.

With a transabdominal examination, the preparation is that the bladder should be as full as possible. This is due to the fact that ultrasonic waves pass well through the aquatic environment, which significantly improves the visualization of internal organs. Therefore, shortly before the examination, it is recommended to drink about a liter of liquid - plain water or tea.

1.5 hours before the transabdominal examination, you must drink up to 1 liter of water

It is important to find out in advance the method by which the study will be carried out so as not to confuse the method of preparation.

A common point in preparing for both types of research is to limit the use of foods that increase gas formation in the intestines the day before the examination - swollen intestinal loops prevent the passage of ultrasound to the pelvic organs, distorting the results.

When is the best time to do research?

In order to diagnose gynecological diseases, the study is best done in the first days of the cycle - 5-7 days after the onset of menstruation, when the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) has the smallest thickness, due to which visualization is better and the likelihood of detecting tumors and polyps increases.

In order not to confuse the days of the cycle and correctly come to the examination, women are advised to keep a calendar in which the days of menstruation should be noted.

Menstruation calendar

To assess ovarian function, it is better to do several ultrasounds within the same menstrual cycle. It is revealed which follicle is dominant, the course of its maturation, the release of a mature egg and the formation of the corpus luteum are monitored. The presence of cysts on the surface is also diagnosed. The correct course of all these processes play a major role in a woman's ability to become pregnant and bear a child.

Interpretation of survey results

When performing ultrasound diagnostics of the pelvic organs, the doctor acts according to the examination protocol, which includes the study of the following parameters:

Location of the uterus in the pelvis: Normally, the uterus is in the anteflexio position, that is, it is slightly tilted forward.
External contour of the uterus: normally clear and even. Rough contours can be caused by benign tumors or cancer. When the doctor reveals the blurring of the edges, then we can talk about the inflammatory process of the surrounding tissues.
Dimensions: average length is 7 cm, thickness 6 cm, length in the anterior-posterior direction can be within 4.5 cm.
Echogenicity of the myometrium: normally homogeneous, an increase in this parameter raises the question of the development of cancer.
: this parameter directly depends on what day of the woman's menstrual cycle. To facilitate the diagnosis, changes in the endometrium were divided into phases:
1. Regeneration - restoration of the endometrium after menstruation (2-4 days, the beginning of the cycle).
2. Proliferation is the growth of the endometrium. The thickness of the mucosa can increase from 3-5 to 10-15 mm (5-14 days).
3. Secretory phase - the thickness of the endometrium during this period reaches its maximum values on the day of ovulation - 16-20 mm. The mucous membrane is preparing for a possible pregnancy.

Pathological and normal endometrium

Assessment of the state of the uterine cavity: uniform with clear and even edges.
Condition of the cervix: the length of the neck can normally be 36-41 mm, the cervical canal is filled with a mucous mass. The diameter of the endocervix is 2-4 mm. In the case when the diameter is increased, they talk about the presence of inflammation or serious diseases such as cervical cancer and endometriosis.
Free fluid in the retrouterine space: Normally, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, there may be a small amount of fluid in the pelvis that came out of the ovary when the dominant follicle ruptured. The presence of fluid behind the uterus in the first half of the cycle indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the small pelvis.
Evaluation of the condition of the ovaries: during the examination, the doctor pays attention to the contours of the organs - normally clear and bumpy due to the presence of follicles on their surface. The dimensions of the ovaries are normally 2.5 cm wide, 3 cm long and 1.5 cm thick. On ultrasound, one dominant follicle and several ripening follicles should be determined.

Ultrasound examination for various diseases of the uterus and ovaries

ovarian cysts

A cyst is a hollow pathological formation filled with fluid and located on the surface or in the body of the ovary. In most cases, the development of cysts is due to the physiological function of the organ and does not pose a serious danger. However, in some cases, the rupture of the dominant follicle does not occur on the day of ovulation, it increases in size and degenerates into a follicular cyst. Such cysts are called functional, since their appearance is due to the normal functioning of the ovaries. In most cases, the formation goes away on its own within a few cycles and does not interfere with the onset of pregnancy. On ultrasound, an ovarian cyst looks like a rounded bubble filled with hypoechoic fluid.

ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a malignant neoplasm that develops on the surface and in the body of an organ. The exact causes that can cause this serious disease have not yet been identified. One theory is that the cancer is caused by a disruption in the normal healing process on the surface of the ovary after the follicle ruptures during ovulation. There is evidence of a relationship between the disease and hereditary predisposition and the age of the patient - young women get sick less often. Less commonly, cancer occurs in women who have gone through pregnancy and breastfeeding. When conducting an ultrasound, the doctor is able to assume the presence of cancer, noticing on the monitor a pathological formation of various sizes with clear edges. To clarify the diagnosis, laparoscopy is done.

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is of great importance in identifying early gynecological pathologies. Timely diagnosis of serious pathologies can save a woman from serious problems, so it is better to do monitoring at least once a year.

Ultrasound shows the shape, size, position of the ovaries.

It is by the volume of these organs that their pathology is revealed.

To diagnose the disease in women, it is important to know what are the normal sizes of the ovaries.

The ovary (female gonad) is a paired organ. It is responsible for the production of hormones and eggs.

The ovaries are located in the peritoneal cavity in the region of the 1st sacral vertebra. In a nulliparous woman, the ligament of the gland is located almost vertically, in a woman who has given birth, the ovary is more in a horizontal position.

The organ resembles a flattened ellipsoid:

3-5 cm long;
1.5-3 cm wide;
0.7-1.5 cm thick;
with a volume of 4-10 cm 3.

The mass of each ovary is 5-6 g.

The dimensions of both glands can differ by 0.2 mm.

The outer surface of the organ is dense, pink-white, matte, smooth, with elevations, depressions and scars.

With age, their number increases, but the surface of the ovary itself is generally not bumpy. The gland is covered in one row with cells of the reduced peritoneum. From the age of 35-40, the size of the ovaries decreases, regardless of pregnancies and childbirth.

In the postmenopausal period, their atrophy occurs (weight and size are almost halved):

length - up to 2-2.5 cm
width 1.2-1.5 cm
thickness no more than 1.2 cm
volume 1.5-4 cm 3.

Both ovaries acquire the same size.

Ovarian ultrasound picture

During pregnancy, the dimensions of the glands increase by several mm due to the influx of nutrients from the blood to the internal genital organs. The ovaries may be displaced upward due to the enlarged uterus. After 2 months after childbirth, the glands decrease to their usual size.

If a woman is breastfeeding, the period of return of the ovaries to reproductive function is delayed until the moment the baby is weaned from the breast. In the first few years of menopause, deviations in the size of the ovaries up to 1 cm are possible due to the residual production of follicles - egg carriers.

The spread of the normal values of the glands is quite large, therefore, when establishing the pathology, many other characteristics are taken into account.

The ovary is laid on the 4th week of uterine development in the form of a thickening of the genital folds stretching between the mesentery and the groove in which the primary kidney is located.

Ovarian parameters according to ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound is performed on the 5-7th day of the cycle, while the volume of the ovary is of paramount importance compared to other indicators.

The main tissue of the organs is permeated with blood vessels, ultrasound is reflected from the glands in approximately the same way as from the uterus.

In each ovary there are about 12 maturing follicles 3-8 mm in section. Less than 5 follicles in both organs is a serious pathology.

In the middle of the cycle (approximately 12-14th day), one “main” follicle 10-24 mm in diameter can be identified on ultrasound, from which an egg will be released into the fallopian tube (ovulation will occur). In its place, a corpus luteum of pregnancy is formed, the work of which can be assessed by its size using ultrasound on the 18-23rd day.

The size of the ovaries depends on:

age;
the number of pregnancies;
having children;
inflammatory diseases;
violations in the development of the genital organs;
days of the cycle;
taking hormones;
individual characteristics.

In the past, doctors used a wide transducer to make a diagnosis. This type of study provides the least information and is able to identify only serious health problems. Now a thin long probe with a special condom is inserted into the vagina. In virgins, it is inserted into the anus.

3 days before the ultrasound procedure, it is necessary to exclude products that cause gas formation:

legumes;
sweets;
cabbage.

For 1-2 days, take sorbents or make a cleansing enema.

Normally, there should be no cysts, tumors or other neoplasms on the organs. In general, the cyst can be traced on ultrasound in the form of a ball 25 mm or more in diameter.

The size of the glands can vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and the amount of hormones, so a slight deviation in one direction or another does not always mean health problems.

Significant deviations in dimensions indicate a pathology, in which case you should immediately consult a doctor.

On ultrasound, the ovary is sometimes not visible. This can be observed due to its depletion, bloating, adhesive disease of the pelvic organs, as well as in its absence (congenital or after surgery). Then a second ultrasound is performed with careful observance of the preparation for the procedure.

If necessary, the study is repeated on the 8-10th, 14-17th, 22-25th day of the cycle, every six months.

Failure in the process of ovulation can lead to the development of ovarian cysts. occurs in women of reproductive age.

Every woman should know where the ovaries are located and what their sizes are. If you don't already know, read on.

You can read about the causes and methods of treating hypofunction of the ovaries.

Reasons for sizing

The ovaries increase in volume with:

their dysfunctions;
pregnancy;
cancer, metastases;
cysts;
polycystosis (numerous cysts);
benign formations;
congenital anomaly.

A decrease in volume (exhaustion) indicates the extinction of the ability to reproduce in women 35-40 years old.

Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common disease after breast cancer.

Pathologies leading to a change in the size of the ovaries

If at least one of the glands has increased by 2 times (by 1.5 cm 3), you need to sound the alarm!

With torsion or purulent inflammation of the ovary, a surgical operation is immediately performed.

The presence of a cyst is not always a pathology. With a change in the hormonal background, such physiological variants of the norm as a follicular cyst or a cyst of the corpus luteum of pregnancy are possible.

Endometriosis and ovarian cyst

In the 1st case, the follicle did not burst and did not release the egg (ovulation did not occur), but filled with fluid. In place of the ruptured follicle, a corpus luteum normally appears, which produces hormones that support pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, it disappears. A corpus luteum cyst forms when it has not resolved.

These rapidly passing physiological states on ultrasound look like dark balls with thin walls. The follicular cyst grows from the 1st day of the cycle to its middle, the corpus luteum cyst disappears in one or more cycles, and in the case of pregnancy - in the 2nd trimester.

Dermoid cysts are benign tumors. It is formed with improper differentiation of the embryo, when the tissues from which the covers should develop remain in the ovaries. An endometrioid cyst arises from the cells of the lining of the uterus in endometriosis.

ovarian cancer

Polycystic occurs in young girls with excessive secretion of male sex hormones and is corrected by oral contraceptives, in severe cases - by surgery.

Cancer often strikes after menopause, occasionally occurs in immature girls. One of its varieties - cystadenoma - is very similar to a cyst. If oncology is suspected, a second ultrasound is prescribed, and if the patient has not yet begun menstruation or she is over 45 years old, tissue is taken for cancer cells.

Table. Ultrasound characterization of various ovarian pathologies

	crayfish	cyst
	crayfish	endometrioid	dermoid	follicular	corpus luteum	polycystic
location		from one side
view	a ball with many chambers of incomprehensible filling	spherical or elongated, smooth on the outside, smooth or bumpy on the inside	round	up to 5 cm in diameter	30 mm in section	the ovary is enlarged more than 10 cm 3 , cysts are 2-9 mm in section
wall thickness, mm		2-8, uneven	7-15
internal areas that are highly reflective of ultrasound (lighter)		in the form of honeycombs up to 2 mm thick	there is
uterus		enlarged, without changes in shape, structure				increased
follicles		in a healthy ovary there are many, 2-3 "main"				increased
other features	"capture" of adjacent organs, fluid in the pelvis, abdomen	ovary with cyst is not specialized	filled with skin, cartilage, nails, hair

When the ovaries are depleted, the production of follicles stops, ovulation or the release of sex hormones does not occur, the uterus also decreases in size, its walls become thinner. The first thing you should pay attention to if you suspect this pathology is not abundant menstruation. They may occur less frequently, with a small amount of blood released.

A few months after the cessation of menstruation, menopause occurs: insomnia, irritability, sweating, sudden hot flashes, weight loss or gain. Treatment is made by competent selection of hormonal contraceptives. If ovarian failure is detected in time, a woman can successfully become pregnant.

Cystic cavities on ultrasound

It is often difficult to diagnose any pathology of the female genital glands only by appearance, so the doctor performs several ultrasound procedures, sends for CT, MRI.

If the follicular cyst did not go away on its own, but ruptured, urgent surgical intervention is required.

Women's health directly depends on the timeliness of the visit to the doctor. Atypical discharge, pain, cycle disorders - all this is the reason for an immediate visit to a specialist.

Most often, ovarian cysts are treated surgically. also apply in some cases.

We will tell about the methods of treating ovarian cysts with folk remedies. How effective can it be?

The results of ultrasound of the ovaries: norms and pathology

First of all, sizes are determined: for women aged 16-40 years, this size should be the same. Normally, the average size of the ovaries is 25 mm wide, 30 mm long, and 15 mm thick. However, with age, their size may change: the largest size is observed by about 40 years.

If the patient is sent for an ultrasound of the ovaries, the norm, as a rule, turns out to be violated: normally they should not be present in them - formations filled with liquid. Their presence may indicate a slight functional impairment, then over time the cyst will disappear by itself. However, more often it is a sign of a serious one and requires immediate treatment.

In some cases, the ovary is not detected at all on ultrasound. This may indicate its absence due to congenital pathology of development, premature exhaustion, adhesive disease. In addition, it may not be visible due to bloating (to avoid this, sorbents or Espumizan are prescribed). Also, its absence may be the result of gynecological operations.

More information about ovarian cyst can be found in the video.

Normally, the surface of the ovary is bumpy, as follicles are located on it.Usually there are about 12 of them, and if their number is less than 5, this already indicates a pathology.

The diameter of the follicle at the beginning of the cycle does not exceed 3-8 mm, subsequently one dominant follicle should stand out, which will subsequently increase in size to 24 mm, and a mature egg will come out of it.

One of the most common types of ovarian ultrasound is an examination for folliculogenesis: it allows you to track the process of ovulation - the appearance of a dominant follicle, the release of an egg, the formation of a corpus luteum.

After conducting such a study, the following results are possible:

Normal ovulation. All processes proceed within the normal range, an egg is released from the follicle at the appointed time.
Follicular atresia. This diagnosis is made if the process of ovulation does not occur, and the follicle is reduced in size.
Lack of folliculogenesis. This result indicates that the dominant follicle is not formed, and no changes occur during the entire menstrual cycle.
Follicular cyst. The follicle becomes normal in size, but it does not leave the ovary and gradually terminates into a cyst.
Persistence is the development of the follicle, in which the egg does not leave it, and it remains in the same place for some time.
luteinization. The corpus luteum is formed, but the egg does not pass into.

All these pathologies indicate a violation of the process of oogenesis, and in the absence of a normal egg, conception and subsequent pregnancy are impossible.

Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is not always a frightening diagnosis that requires immediate intervention. Functional formations of this type can disappear on their own: a corpus luteum cyst (luteal) usually disappears on its own after several cycles, a follicular cyst also most often disappears by itself.

However, a rupture of the follicular cyst is possible, which will cause severe pain and require urgent surgical intervention.

However, much more serious formations are often found. Let's consider each of them in more detail:

Dermoid cyst. It looks like a round formation with thick walls, their thickness can reach 7-15 centuries. Inside, the echogenic effect allows you to see inclusions of dermoid origin: the cells that ended up in the ovaries were originally planned for the construction of the skin and its derivatives.
Endometrial cyst. Usually it is a consequence: endometrial tissue is in the ovary. As a rule, it is located only on one side, it is a rounded formation with an uneven wall thickness. In the cyst cavity, inclusions up to 2 mm in size are noted.
With polycystic ovaries, they significantly increase in volume, multiple cysts are noted in them, the diameter of which reaches 9 mm. As a rule, this is detected in women and young girls. Polycystic is treated with hormonal therapy, and in difficult cases, surgery is prescribed.
The most terrible neoplasm is ovarian cancer - outwardly it is little different from a cyst, but very often it will be multi-chambered, and its contents are difficult to recognize. In addition, it also captures neighboring organs, and fluid appears in it.

If the doctor suspects the presence of a cancerous tumor, it will be repeated several times to track the nature of the neoplasm in dynamics.

As a rule, ovarian cancer is detected in women aged 45 years and older, but it can also be detected in very young girls even before the onset of menstruation.

The sooner a tumor is detected and treatment is started, the higher the chance of success.You can undergo an ultrasound of the ovaries both in a regular antenatal clinic, and in paid clinics and special rooms. According to its result, a document is filled out, which is embedded in the medical history and further taken into account by all specialists who will conduct the study.

The ovaries are a convenient and informative method for examining the female reproductive organs, which will make it possible to quickly identify pathologies and start treatment on time.