The ovaries are two glands of the Feminine Reproductive System accountable for the synthesis of sexual hormones and the manufacturing and storage of reproductive cells, the eggs.
Throughout every menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce and launch an oocyte that may be fertilized and can give rise to an embryo.
Features of the ovaries
The primary features of the ovaries are:
- Manufacturing of feminine intercourse hormones, progesterone and estrogen ;
- Manufacturing and storage of eggs, that are launched one every month and picked up by the fallopian tubes, during the lady’s reproductive life.
Anatomy of the ovaries
There are two ovaries, one on either side of the uterus.
The ovaries are formed like an almond, typically measuring 3 cm lengthy, 1.5 cm broad and 1 cm thick. They’re positioned close to the lateral pelvic wall on both aspect of theuterus.
Two areas are distinguished within the ovaries:
- Cortex: The place the ovarian follicles are positioned at completely different levels of improvement. Relying on the lady’s age and cycle part, we discover the ovarian follicles, corpus luteum and corpora albicans.
- Medulla: Fashioned by unfastened connective tissue and wealthy in blood vessels.
See additionally:Female Reproductive System
What’s Ovulation?
Menstrual cycle
Each 28 days, on common, one of many ovaries produces an egg, which if fertilized by a sperm will give rise to an embryo.
The egg’s development and launch are stimulated by the hormones LH and FSH, that are produced by the pituitary gland .
Ovarian follicles are thought-about the practical items of the ovaries, fashioned by oocytes and surrounded by follicular cells.
The follicle containing the egg matures in about 12 to 14 days, when it ruptures and releases the egg, characterizing ovulation, which happens close to the sides of the fallopian tube. That is essentially the most fertile second of the menstrual cycle and when a girl has the best probability of turning into pregnant by sexual activity with out contraception.
What stays of the follicle is named the corpus luteum or yellow physique, accountable for producing progesterone after ovulation. This occurs for about 14 days earlier thanmenstruation, when it begins to degenerate, if fertilization has not occurred.
In instances of fertilization, the corpus luteum will likely be important for producing hormones accountable for sustaining the endometrium of the uterus, offering the suitable atmosphere for pregnancy .
See additionally: Ovulation and Fertile Period
What are Polycystic Ovaries?
Variations between polycystic ovary and regular ovary
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a typical hormonal situation in ladies of reproductive age, in which there’s a rise within the dimension of the ovaries, because of the formation of cysts.
The reason for polycystic ovaries continues to be unclear. They typically seem in ladies with a household historical past of the illness, weight problems and insulin resistance.
The primary signs of polycystic ovaries are irregular menstruation, excessive testosterone manufacturing, weight problems and pimples.
See additionally:Endocrine System
What Causes Ovarian Ache?
In some instances, ladies complain of ache within the ovaries or pelvic area. The primary causes of this sort of ache embody:
- Painful ovulation:It is not uncommon to expertise ache within the ovarian area through the launch of an unfertilized egg when the fertile interval begins. The ache is normally felt as a pointy stabbing ache that causes discomfort for as much as 24 hours.
- Menstrual ache:Happens because of contractions within the muscle mass of the uterus, inflicting slight discomfort.
- Irregular intervals: Irregular intervals additionally typically trigger ache within the ovaries. Nevertheless, the ache is stronger and extra intense.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Illness: Happens when there’s persistent irritation of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. It typically begins with a sexually transmitted an infection that, after therapy and treatment, leaves persistent irritation in these organs because of this.
- Endometriosis: Ache happens because of the persistent inflammatory course of attributable to the formation of cysts with bloody content material contained in the ovary.
- Polycystic ovaries: Ache happens within the decrease stomach when there’s rupture or twisting of the cysts fashioned within the ovary.
See additionally:Vagina
Curiosities
- On the time of menarche (first menstruation), there are about 400,000 follicles within the ovaries.
- Follicles are fashioned through the embryonic part. After beginning, it’s not potential to provide new follicles.