The ovaries are pale pink, oval-shaped paired glands of relatively small size. Located in the woman's pelvic area. The weight of each ovary is approximately 5 to 8 g. The ovaries consist of connective tissue ( stroma) and the parenchyma located in it. The deep layer of parenchyma is called the medulla, which contains nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The upper layer of parenchyma is called the cortex; it contains follicles of varying degrees of maturity. On top, the cortex is covered with a tunica albuginea.
Participation of the ovaries in the ovarian-menstrual cycle
The ovaries, together with the uterus, pituitary gland, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex, take part in the regulation of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Maturation of the egg and ovulation occurs in each cycle alternately in the left and then in the right ovary. The average cycle length is normally 28 days. It begins on the first day of menstruation and ends, if pregnancy has not occurred, on the first day of the next menstruation. From the very beginning of the cycle, a new follicle begins to mature, which is a miniature, temporary endocrine gland that synthesizes estrogens. Under their influence, the endometrium of the uterus is restored. Closer to ovulation ( from 10 to 14 days of the cycle) its tone increases, sexual sensation intensifies. The follicle grows quickly and fills with fluid. On days 12–16 of the cycle, the follicle membrane ruptures. The released egg is sent into the cavity of the fallopian tube. And in the place of its previous location, another is formed from one gland, called the corpus luteum, which synthesizes progesterone. Under its influence, changes occur in the body that contribute to successful fertilization and gestation. The corpus luteum, if fertilization has not occurred, continues to actively function for only 12–14 days, that is, until the onset of menstruation. Then, if pregnancy does not occur, a white body forms in its place ( scar), and the other dominant follicle takes over the hormonal baton.Ovarian function
Synthesis of female sex hormones, as well as in a small amount of male hormones - androgens;monthly maturation of eggs.
Embryonic development
The primary sex gland begins to develop from the germinal intestine from the 5th week of intrauterine development. From the 7th week, sex chromosomes influence the differentiation of the gonads: the future girl begins to develop internal and external genital organs. Ovarian development occurs from the 10th week. From this time on, the gonocytes contained in them begin to divide, from which primary follicles are formed. The fetal ovaries do not have hormonal activity. During the period of intrauterine development, as well as in the first days after birth, the child’s body is under the influence of the mother’s hormones.Diseases
#1. Adnexit– inflammation of the ovaries. The cause of the disease is an infection that enters the ovary by ascending or hematogenous ( lymphatic) by. Predisposing factors include: hypothermia, promiscuity, decreased immunity, etc. The woman is bothered by a nagging pain in the area of the inflamed ovary, radiating to the lower back and sacrum. If acute adnexitis is not cured in time, it becomes chronic, which is manifested by menstrual irregularities, alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions. Very often, the result of chronic adnexitis is infertility.#2. Wasted ovarian syndrome (in other words – premature menopause) is secondary early amenorrhea before the age of 45 years. This syndrome is characterized by the premature development of atrophic processes in the mammary glands and genitals. With this condition, a woman cannot have children. This syndrome is confirmed by ultrasound, in which there is a noticeable reduction in the body of the uterus and ovaries.
#3. Cyst– a benign tumor-like disease that occurs more often in women of reproductive age. A cyst is called follicular if it originates from a follicle. Such a cyst occurs at the site of ovulation that did not occur. Together with luteal cysts, follicular cysts are classified as functional cysts, since they are formed from the natural structures of the ovary. With ovarian endometriosis, endometrioid cystic formations appear at the site of the pathological focus. Another name for such cysts is “chocolate”. It is associated with the color of the monthly bleeding, which has a dark chocolate color, which forms at the site of the pathological focus.
#4. Quite often, ultrasound of the female genital organs reveals multifollicular ovaries, which means a simultaneous increase in 8 to 12 follicles. In medicine, this is considered the norm. The simultaneous development of many follicles is promoted by: taking contraceptive drugs, adolescence, endocrine diseases, stress, etc. Multifollicular ovaries can be confused with polycystic disease, which is also manifested by an increase in follicles. In order to clarify the diagnosis and distinguish normality from pathology, blood is additionally donated for hormones.
#5. Ovarian cancer- a common malignant tumor. It occurs mainly among women over 40 years of age. The cause of the disease is closely related to hormonal imbalance. The risk group includes women who have not given birth, as well as patients with more than 5 pregnancies. The first stages of cancer are asymptomatic. The first signs of ovarian cancer are very similar to adnexitis. A woman feels pain in the lower abdomen and there is ovarian dysfunction in the form of menstrual irregularities. As the tumor grows and metastases spread, general symptoms of cancer appear: weakness, exhaustion, fever, dysfunction of neighboring organs, for example, the intestines, etc.
#6. Ovarian apoplexy- outpouring of blood into the ovarian tissue, as well as into the peritoneal cavity. In most cases, the disease is severe and requires urgent surgery. Bleeding can be from a cyst, follicle, corpus luteum, ovarian stroma, etc. The following factors contribute to apoplexy: violent sexual intercourse, abdominal trauma, surgery, tumor, inflammatory process of the pelvic organs, etc. It most often occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. With apoplexy, the lower abdomen begins to hurt very strongly. The pain is constant, stabbing, paroxysmal in nature. It can radiate to the leg, lower back, or rectum. The woman complains of weakness, frequent urination, defecation, and nausea. Apoplexy should be distinguished from ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, torsion of ovarian cyst, etc.
Transplantation
Over the past five years, women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation have been given the opportunity to preserve their eggs for subsequent restoration of reproductive function. To do this, a microsurgical operation is performed, during which the ovarian tissue is carefully removed and then frozen. When the woman’s health is restored, tissue from her own ovaries is transplanted again and her reproductive function is restored. Similar operations on ovarian tissue transplantation are widely carried out in clinics in Israel, Germany, etc.True ovarian transplantation has been successfully performed in more than 20 women. In almost all cases, the ovarian donor was a twin sister. A piece of ovarian tissue was planted under the skin of the abdomen of a woman who did not have them. After successful engraftment of the ovaries, their stimulation was carried out, followed by pregnancy. A similar operation was carried out in Israel, Australia, Denmark, and Belgium.
Diagnosis of ovarian diseases
The study of ovarian function begins with collecting anamnesis. The onset of menstruation, cycle characteristics, etc. are clarified. During the examination, attention is paid to the development of the mammary glands, physique, etc., since these signs depend on the hormonal activity of the ovaries.Among laboratory methods, a blood test for hormones helps determine the functional activity of the glands.
To identify pathologies, the leading place among instrumental research methods is given to ultrasound diagnostics. Using ultrasound, you can evaluate the shape, size, and location of the ovaries. Ultrasound helps the doctor navigate the following diagnoses: cyst, apoplexy, cancer, adnexitis, etc.
Laparoscopy is a widely used invasive research method. With its help, you can not only evaluate, but also simultaneously perform a biopsy, as well as some therapeutic procedures, for example, resection of the ovary ( partial removal).
Treatment of ovarian diseases
A gynecologist treats ovarian diseases. Quite often, ovarian diseases lead to menstrual irregularities. In this case, it is difficult for a woman to become pregnant. One of the ways to successfully conceive is artificial stimulation of the ovaries with hormonal drugs with a one-time restoration of ovulation. During this favorable period, pregnancy may occur.Conservative methods of treating ovarian diseases include hormonal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Additionally, vitamins, antihistamines, tonic drugs, as well as traditional medicine are prescribed.
Some diseases, for example, apoplexy, can only be treated with emergency surgery. Malignant tumors are removed along with nearby lymph nodes and organs ( appendages, uterus).
Disease Prevention
In order to prevent ovarian diseases it is necessary:lead a healthy lifestyle;
If symptoms of any disease of the reproductive system occur, you must promptly consult a specialist.
Probably all women have a fear of being unprotected and exposed to ovarian diseases. After all, it is in these organs that the process of formation of the most important cells for conception - eggs - occurs. Especially in winter, many people complain of a predisposition to problems in the sexual sphere. According to doctors, even mild hypothermia can cause infertility. How to recognize and identify the disease quickly and, most importantly, independently? The most important thing is to know where the ovaries are and the location of pain in the event of a particular pathology.
General information about the ovaries and their location
Why is it so important for a young and inexperienced woman to know where the ovaries are located? The point is that if the first symptoms arise, she will be able to quickly determine their source. This will reduce the likelihood of complications, and there will be an awareness of what you have to fight with. This especially applies to young girls who do not have enough information on this topic.
It is important to convey to the younger generation how useful and effective it is to know the normal sizes of the ovaries, because in many diseases their cells and tissues tend to hypertrophy. In other words, growth occurs, affecting where one or both affected organs will be located.
The location of the ovaries changes during the disease, causing certain symptoms. Normally, these organs are characterized by a length of 20 to 40 mm, and a width ranging from 15 to 25 mm. As for thickness, it is considered normal at values from 15 to 25 mm. If the doctor deems it necessary, he will order the patient to undergo a diagnostic examination in order to clearly determine the location and shape of the appendages.
For example, signs of displacement include:
- nagging, occasionally sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
- spasms in the side, unrelated to diseases and changes in the condition of the intestines;
- characterized by a gradual increase in discomfort and unpleasant sensations in the abdomen;
- swelling of the ovaries (it can be determined by ultrasound).
Being a paired female organ, the ovary, located in the pelvic cavity, is located on both sides of the body of the uterus. In the area of the ovarian fossa, it is attached with the help of a neurovascular ligament to the inner surface of the pelvis. The fallopian tubes, which extend from the ovaries, connect the appendages to the uterus, uniting them into one. If you seriously ask yourself where the ovaries are in women, you will have to study information from books on anatomy.
What is the peculiarity of the location of the appendages?
It is important to emphasize that the location of the ovaries has its own nuances. To accurately determine them, you will need the help of reliable sources. According to information presented in the anatomical literature, these paired organs are located deep in the pelvis.
Normally, the ovary differs from the left one in size, and in addition they are located at slightly different levels. This is explained by the fact that, under the weight of its own weight, one ovary is slightly lowered down. The uterus has a broad ligament with it, which holds it in the required position and prevents it from descending. The ovaries, in turn, articulate with it through the mesentery, and in the pelvic cavity the genitals are tightly held precisely thanks to the ligaments.
During pregnancy, the appendages can change their normal anatomical position. This is very important, because during such a difficult period, the uterus gradually begins to take up more and more space. In this case, the distance between the uterus and the appendages is reduced, and one of the ovaries is closer to it. Nature has foreseen everything, and if from an anatomical point of view the internal genital organs do not have deviations, a change in the localization of the ovaries does not pose any danger.
Not only the period of gestation, but also various pathological conditions can lead to changes in the position and shape of these glands. The main thing is to identify them in time, and having identified the symptoms and causes of the disease, begin adequate treatment as soon as possible. If you visualize the appendages, that is, imagine them along the anterior abdominal wall, they will be located in the lower abdomen, just above the inguinal folds. The pain often begins to bother the right or left side above the pubis.
Pathological changes in the location of the ovaries
The left ovary will tell you that they have begun to develop in the pelvis.
It is fixed firmly, so ligament rupture cannot occur. 
However, at this time, connective tissue cords tighten the organs, bringing them as close as possible. This process is dangerous because if the ovary is located behind or above the uterus, it can be injured. Thus, if it is discovered that the ovary is located at or above the rib of the uterus, urgent treatment, usually surgical, is indicated. There are often cases when, based on the results of an ultrasound examination, a syndrome is determined - the maturation of 8 or more follicles in just 1 cycle.
This or that pathology rarely changes the correct position of the ovaries in the body in a short period of time. This is only possible with a congenital or acquired anomaly. Under the influence of inflammation, suppuration or other pathological processes, internal organs gradually change their configuration and are displaced.
For example, after a difficult and long labor, some women experience uterine prolapse. This happens due to overstrain of the muscles in the small pelvis, then changes occur, and the ligaments lose their ability to hold organs. It also happens otherwise - weak and inelastic muscle fibers suddenly cease to cope with the function assigned to them. It all depends on the functional ability of muscle tissue.
If the level at which one of the ovaries is located is too high, this can lead to difficulties in planning and conceiving a child. To know, where are both ovaries located? It’s not difficult, the main thing is to have the intention to immediately consult a gynecologist for advice at the first manifestations of pathology. All this is necessary for only one thing - not to worry about your health and to be confident in your capabilities. It will never hurt to study the structure of your body, and in particular the ovaries.
Often, after an ultrasound examination of the pelvis, the gynecologist reveals that a woman’s ovary is located behind the uterus. This phenomenon frightens patients; many questions arise about the danger of such an arrangement of organs. But is this something worth worrying about? If the ovary is behind the uterus, what does this mean?
Ovaries in women
Normally, each ovary is located on the side of the uterus. When viewed from the abdomen, these organs are located in the lower part of the abdominal cavity, directly under the inguinal folds. They are attached to the surface of the small pelvis by a ligament of nerves and blood vessels. This area is called the ovarian fossa.
From there the fallopian tubes go to the uterus. The reproductive organs in question have their own peculiarity of location, namely that they are located asymmetrically in relation to each other - one is located slightly higher than the other. Also, the size of the organs is slightly different. Usually the right ovary is larger and heavier than the one on the left. In shape and color they are absolutely identical.
Normally, the reproductive organ is equal to the following dimensions: length - 20-50 mm, width, thickness - 15-30 mm. If there are minor discrepancies, within a few millimeters, then most likely this indicates the individual characteristics of the woman. If the size is much higher than normal, then there is a reason to visit a doctor.
Disorders of the location of the ovaries
It happens that the ovary is located behind the uterus, located close to it and forming an inflection. 
At the same time, patients often feel pain if any diseases develop in the reproductive organs. Doctors do not consider this disorder pathological.
Usually the bend is observed during pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that when the uterus increases, the distance between it and the appendages decreases. In this case, the left ovary is located closer to the uterine cavity, because it is located below the right organ from the very beginning.
The ovary is a paired female reproductive gland.
Anatomy. The ovary has a dense consistency and is shaped like a peach pit. Average dimensions of the ovary: length 3-4 cm, width 2-2.5 cm, thickness 1-1.5 cm. The ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, each on the posterior layer of the broad uterine (Fig.), at the side wall of the pelvis, slightly below the terminal line and approximately in the middle of it. The ovary is connected to the uterus by its own ligament. It is attached to the lateral wall of the pelvis by means of a ligament that suspends the ovary.
The blood supply to the ovary is carried out by the ovarian arteries, which arise from the abdominal aorta or from the left renal artery. Part of the ovary is supplied with blood by branches of the uterine artery. The veins of the ovary correspond to the arteries. Lymphatic drainage occurs in the para-aortic lymph nodes. Innervation comes from the solar, superior mesenteric, and hypogastric plexuses.
Most of the ovary is located extraperitoneally. Under the tunica albuginea of the ovary is its cortical zone. It contains a large number of primordial follicles at different stages of maturity. The primordial follicle is formed by an egg cell surrounded by flattened epithelial cells. A mature follicle has a diameter of 6-20 mm and is called the Graafian vesicle; its cavity is lined from the inside with a granulosa membrane and filled with follicular fluid.
During ovulation, the Graafian vesicle bursts and an egg is released from the follicle, and a corpus luteum is formed from the granulosa membrane, which is 2-3 times larger than the size of the Graafian vesicle. In the yellow body, the former cavity of the Graafian vesicle is filled, and along the periphery there is a rim of a scalloped structure of a yellowish color (see).
Normally, during a two-manual (vaginal-abdominal) examination, the ovary is usually palpated only in thin women.
The ovary (ovarium, oophoron) is a paired female reproductive gland (gonad).
Embryology
The formation of the gonads, initially the same for the ovary and testicles, occurs at the 6th week of the embryo’s life. On the inner surface of the Wolffian body (primary kidney; develops at the beginning of the second month of embryonic life), growths of the germinal (coelomic) epithelium appear, initially in the form of a ridge (genital fold), which later, as it develops, differentiates and turns into an ovary or testis.
Rice. 1. Development of the ovary: a - rudimentary epithelium (1 - epithelium, 2 - mesenchyme); b - proliferation of the rudimentary epithelium, indifferent stage (1 - Pfluger's cords, 2 - mesenchyme); c - development of the ovary from an indifferent sex gland (1 - egg balls, 2 - oogonia, 3 - follicular cells, 4 - mesenchyme).
The development of the sexual germ (ridge) in the direction of the ovarian gonad consists in the fact that its epithelium begins to grow into the underlying mesenchyme in the form of dense cellular strands (Fig. 1). As the gonad grows, it gradually separates from the Wolffian body. At this stage of development, the primary gonad still has an indifferent character. The special development of the ovary begins at the end of the second month of embryonic life and ends only in the postembryonic period. Dense epithelial strands of the indifferent sex gland, growing into the mesenchyme, are separated by the latter into separate cell groups (“egg” balls). The cells of each of these groups are arranged in such a way that one of them, the primary egg (ovogonia), is located in the center, and the rest are located along the periphery of the cell in one row (ovarian epithelial cells). The entire formation as a whole is called the primary (primordial) follicle. Initially, the follicles are scattered in large numbers throughout the ovary. Subsequently, the centrally located follicles die, leaving only the follicles located in the peripheral parts of the gonad (cortical layer of the definitive ovary).
Anatomy
Dimensions of the ovary: length 3-4 cm, width 2-2.5 cm, thickness 1-1.5 cm. Weight 6-8 g. The right ovary is usually slightly larger and heavier than the left.
The ovary is distinguished: two surfaces - the internal, or middle (facies medialis), and the external, lateral (facies lateralis); two edges - internal free (margo liber) and mesenteric, or straight (margo mesovaricus, s. rectus). The outer surface of the ovary (lateral) is adjacent to the side wall of the pelvis, located here in a depression or fossa (see fossa ovarica below). The internal free edge of the ovary is directed posteriorly (into the pouch of Douglas).
The mesenteric (straight) edge faces anteriorly, borders the mesentery of the ovary (short duplication of the peritoneum, mesovarium) and takes part in the formation of the ovarian hilus (hilus ovarii), through which arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, and nerves enter the ovary.
Rice. 1. Female internal genital organs. On the left - the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus and vagina are opened; on the right - the peritoneum has been partially removed: 1 - uterus (uterus); 2 - lig. ovarii proprium; 3 - ramus ovaricus (a. uterinae); 4 - tuba uterina (fallopian tube at the end of the fimbria); 5 - ramus tubarius (a. uterinae); 6 - plexus ovaricus; 7 - ovarium (ovary); 8 - lig. suspensorium ovarii; 9 - a. et v. ovaricae; 10 - lig. latum uteri (broad ligament of the uterus); 11 - margo liber; 12 - stroma ovarii; 13 - margo mesovaricus; 14 - appendix vesiculosa; 15 - extremltas tubaria; 16 - ductuli transversi; 17 - ductus longitudinalis epoophori; 18 - mesosalpinx (mesentery of the fallopian tube); 19 - mesovarium; 20 - extremitas uterina and own ligament of the ovary; 21 - plexus uterovaginal; 22 - a. et v. uterinae; 23 - vagina ().
Typical normal position of the ovary (tsvetn. fig. 1). The ovary lies at the side wall of the pelvis, approximately in the middle of the terminal line (below it). It is freely and movably connected by its own ligament (lig. ovarii proprium) to the uterus. With its mesenteric edge, the ovary is inserted into the posterior layer of the broad uterine ligament. The place of transition of the ovarian integumentary epithelium into the endothelium (mesothelium) of the peritoneum of the broad ligament is clearly visible: it appears as a whitish line (Farr-Waldeyer line). The ovary is not adjacent to the broad ligament; it is located in a depression (fossa) on the peritoneum (fossa ovarica). The fossa is located under the terminal line in the corner between the divergence a. iliaca ext. and a. iliaca int. Posteriorly, the fossa is limited by the ureter and common iliac vessels, above by the external iliac vessels, below by the uterine arteries (aa. uterinae). The free convex edge of the ovary is facing backward and inward, the mesenteric edge is facing forward and somewhat posteriorly. The inner surface of the ovary is covered by the funnel of the corresponding tube and its mesentery (mesosalpinx), due to which the so-called ovarian sac (bursa, s. saccus ovarica) is formed here.
Ligaments. The ligaments of the ovary (ligg. ovarii propria) start from the fundus of the uterus, posteriorly and below the junction of the tube with the uterus, and end at the uterine poles of the right and left ovary. Proper ligaments, in terms of fixation, have little effect on the position of the ovary.
Paired infundibulopelvic or suspensory ligaments (ligg. infundibulopelvica, s. suspensoria ovariorum) are parts of the wide uterine ligament (its folds) that no longer contain a tube. Each ligament begins at the tubal pole of the right and left ovary and from the abdominal opening of the tube. The infundibulopelvic ligaments essentially also cannot be considered a truly fixing factor that maintains the normal typical position of the ovary.
Tubal-ovarian ligaments (ligg. tuboovarica) - paired folds of the peritoneum (parts of the broad uterine ligament) extending from the abdominal opening of the right and left tubes to the tubal pole of the corresponding ovary. Large ovarian fimbriae (fimbriae ovaricae) lie on these ligaments.
Blood supply. There are 2 arteries going to the ovary, anastomosing with each other: a. ovarica and ramus ovaricus (branch of a. uterinae). The ovarian arteries, departing from the abdominal aorta (usually a. ovarica dextra) or from the left renal artery (usually a. ovarica sinistra), descend into the small pelvis, reach the broad ligament of the uterus, continuing its path in the thickness of the infundibulopelvic ligament (lig. infundibulopelvicum) towards the uterus. Here a. ovarica is divided into several branches, one of which (the main trunk of a. ovarica) continues into the mesentery of the ovary, into its gate. A number of branches a. ovarica goes directly to the ovary.
The part of the ovary (half or third) corresponding to the uterine end is supplied with blood mainly by the branches of the uterine artery, and the part corresponding to the tubal end is supplied by the ovarian artery system.
The veins of the ovary (vv. ovaricae) correspond to the arteries. Forming a pampiniform plexus (plexus pampiniformis), they pass through the infundibulopelvic ligament, often flowing into the inferior vena cava (right) and left renal (left) veins. In the ovary itself, the veins form a plexus in the medullary zone and at the hilum of the ovary. The center that unites all the venous plexuses of the pelvis is the uterine plexus (V.N. Tonkov).
Lymphatic system. The lymphatic vessels of the ovary begin as capillary networks near its egg-containing follicles. From here the lymph is carried into the lymphatic vessels of the ovarian medulla. At the gate of the ovary, the subovarian lymphatic plexus (plexus lymphaticus subovaricus) is distinguished, from where the lymph is drained through the vessels that follow the plexus of the ovarian artery to the aortic lymph nodes.
Innervation. The ovary has sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation. The latter is disputed by some authors (S. D. Astrinsky). However, parasympathetic innervation cannot be categorically disputed. Sympathetic innervation is provided by postganglionic fibers from the solar plexus (plexus solaris), superior mesenteric (plexus mesentericus superior) and hypogastric (plexus hypogastrics) plexuses. Parasympathetic innervation is carried out by nn. splanchnici pelvici.
The morphology of the ovarian receptor apparatus has not been sufficiently studied. Some authors even argue that the receptors described in the literature should be considered artifacts. However, in recent studies, receptors are described in all layers of the ovary, in its cortex and, more often, in the medulla, as well as in the hilus ovarii.
- Pathology
The ovaries are female paired sex glands. They are located in the small pelvis and are responsible for the generative function (egg cells develop and mature in them), internal and endocrine secretions. The glands work cyclically, and at different periods they carry out certain functions, secreting various hormones and secretions. During a woman's life, the ovaries and their functions undergo age-related changes.
They are located in the pelvis. The ovaries are formed in the first months of intrauterine development of the fetus. In the fifth month of pregnancy, the next stage of development of the gonads begins, follicles are formed that will protect the eggs. By the time a child is born, there are a lot of follicles in the ovaries, which is an intermediate stage of organ formation, which occurs by the age of two.
Structure of the ovaries
Ideally, the ovaries in women are ovoid in shape, slightly flattened at the end, and the color of healthy tissue is blue-pink. The surface of the organ is covered with scars, which are a consequence of the presence of corpus luteum in the ovaries and the passage of ovulation. Its weight ranges from 5-10 grams. The dimensions of the ovaries are about 25-55 millimeters in length and fifteen to thirty millimeters in width. Thickness is about 20 millimeters.
Women's ovaries can change their location. They are attached to the pelvis by a ligament that suspends them and a ligament that connects to the uterus called the mesentery. Depending on the situation, the ovaries can change not only their location, but also their size.
Important! The ovaries have lateral and medial sides. The front side of the surface of the organ smoothly passes into the edge, which protrudes and is attached to the mesentery. The structure has a groove-like depression called the “ovarian hilum.” An artery and a nerve run through them, and veins and vessels emerge.
The top of the ovary is covered with germinal epithelium. Underneath it is white connective tissue with a higher density than the connective tissue. The stroma, which has a large number of elastic fibers, also consists of it. Parenchyma has two layers - outer and inner. The internal one is the medulla, which has a loose structure in which lymphatic and blood vessels are located. The outer one is the ovarian cortex; large vesicular and primary, small follicles are located on it.
At the edge of the organ there is a follicle, already ready for the ovulation process. Inside a mature, membrane-covered follicle there is a liquid, inside of which there is a granular layer containing eggs and an egg-bearing tubercle. This follicle reaches 2 centimeters in diameter.
Main functions of the ovaries
At the very beginning of the menstrual cycle, follicles begin to mature and grow. In the dominant follicle, the one that first reaches the required size, the process of maturation of the egg begins, and the development and growth of the remaining follicles slows down and gradually stops completely. At the moment of ovulation it bursts. The egg inside it and the liquid is poured into the peritoneum. It then enters the fallopian tubes. And a scar forms in place of the follicle. The ruptured follicle produces a corpus luteum.
If fertilization occurs, it begins to play the role of a gland. And after childbirth, the corpus luteum regresses and becomes white, and then connective tissue forms in its place. The surface in this place remains rough. If fertilization has occurred, the corpus luteum almost immediately regresses and dissolves.
Please note: It is worth highlighting two main functions of the ovaries - the reproduction of hormones and the maturation of germ cells. For obvious reasons, the main function of the ovaries is reproductive, it allows a woman to conceive and carry a child. As for hormones, their level in the blood depends on the phase of the cycle. The ovary synthesizes hormones such as progestins, estrogens and androgens (in small quantities).
Despite the fact that women's ovaries are relatively small, their role in the reproductive system cannot be overestimated. The slightest malfunction can lead to serious health problems for the entire body.
Diseases, causes and symptoms
Ovarian diseases are divided into four types:
1. Diseases that arise against the background of hormonal imbalance. A characteristic symptom is menstrual irregularity, and the consequence can even be infertility.
2. Diseases associated with the occurrence of various neoplasms, most often cysts. Most of them are asymptomatic in the first stages.
3. Malignant ovarian tumor (cancer). In some cases, it also does not make itself felt for a long time and is detected only when metastases appear.
4. Inflammatory processes of the ovaries. The causative agent is bacteria from the cocci family, and sometimes the common cold.
As a rule, the symptoms of all diseases are similar. This:
1. Sharp or aching pain in the lower abdomen.
2. The occurrence of bleeding in the middle of the cycle.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Vaginal discharge of various types.
5. Increase in temperature.
6. Pain when urinating.
7. Irregular menstruation or its complete absence.
8. Problems with conception.
These are general symptoms that are characteristic of any disorder in the functioning of the ovaries. However, each disease also has specific symptoms that are specific only to a specific disease. Your doctor will tell you about them in detail during your examination.
Common causes of ovarian diseases are hormonal imbalance, untreated inflammation, hereditary predisposition, and the presence of damage by bacteria, viruses or fungi. In some cases, the cause of ovarian diseases may be a previous injury or taking a hormonal-based drug.
There are also factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:
1. Failure to comply with the rules of intimate hygiene.
2. Self-medication using antibacterial agents.
3. Stress.
4. Uncontrolled sexual intercourse.
5. Weak immunity.
6. Unprotected sexual intercourse.
7. Abortion.
8. Some types of contraceptives.
9. Childbirth.
What is polycystic disease, apoplexy and ovarian depletion
Premature ovarian failure syndrome can be diagnosed in women under the age of 48 due to the absence of menstruation for up to 1 year. The supply of eggs is depleted, menstruation stops, but then can be restored. This diagnosis is made extremely carefully, since menstruation can stop for other reasons, so all other options must be excluded. Characteristic signs of the presence of this disease are anorrhea, disorders of the vegetative-vascular system, and infertility.
Polycystic ovary syndrome does not depend on age. This is due to a hormonal imbalance. Its danger is the occurrence of infertility if left untreated. Apoplexy is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous diseases. Characterized by rupture of the ovary and subsequent bleeding into the peritoneum. This condition is accompanied by sharp and prolonged pain. Reasons include lifting weights and stopping taking hormone-based contraceptives. For mild forms, conservative treatment is possible. Otherwise, surgical intervention is necessary, during which the final diagnosis is established.
How to treat
The choice of treatment method for the ovaries depends on the disease. Upon admission, the doctor will immediately prescribe a full examination, which consists of examination and palpation, tests, and ultrasound. In some cases, additional examination methods are required to establish a more complete picture of the disease. Based on the results, the doctor will prescribe therapy.
Treatment must meet standards. Depending on the type of disease, the following types of therapy are prescribed:
hormone therapy;
chemotherapy;
radiotherapy;
conservative treatment;
surgical intervention;
combination treatment (surgery and subsequent chemotherapy are prescribed for cancer);
alternative medicine.
Disease Prevention
In order to avoid having to undergo treatment later, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures for ovarian diseases. These include:
1. Regular examinations with a gynecologist.
2. If alarming symptoms appear, go to the doctor immediately, without thereby prolonging the illness.
3. Do not be promiscuous and remember contraceptive methods.
4. Giving up bad habits.
5. Maintaining an active lifestyle.
6. A varied diet.
7. Timely treatment of concomitant diseases.
The health of a woman’s genital organs should be protected, starting from birth, because the ovary “remembers” the adverse effects and in the future this can affect not only the ability to conceive, but also the health of children.
Age-related changes
During pregnancy, the process of follicle formation stops, and the ovaries themselves slightly increase in size. In the first 3.5 months, the corpus luteum is located there, the functions of which gradually fade away. The uterus becomes larger, which entails the expansion of the ovaries and its extension beyond the boundaries of the pelvis.
Only a small number of existing follicles will mature, the rest will undergo degradation. The period when the follicles in the ovaries end is called menopause. There is a decrease in hormone production, which entails changes in all reproductive organs. Atrophy of tissues and mucous membranes occurs.
