The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are a key organ in the pelvis. The ovaries, also known as the ovum or ovaries, occur in pairs and are located on either side of the uterus. In the ovaries, egg cells mature within follicles and are released during ovulation.
The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it can be fertilized. At the same time, the ovaries produce important sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and influence numerous bodily processes. A woman’s ovaries are therefore crucial for fertility and hormonal balance. Ovarian disorders can impair these functions and should be evaluated by a gynecologist.
What are the ovaries, and where are they located?
The ovaries are internal reproductive organs in the female body. They are part of the reproductive system. Every woman has two ovaries.
Some women choose to have their ovaries removed as a form of birth control once they no longer wish to have children.
The anatomy of the female reproductive organs © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
The ovaries are located in the pelvis near the iliac arteries. They can be felt with two fingers: one finger rests on the abdominal wall, and the other is inserted through the vagina.
The adjacent organs are
- the appendix,
- the lumbar plexus nerve, and
- the ureter.
Structure of the Ovaries
The ovaries are covered by a single layer of specialized tissue. This tissue consists of the inner medulla and the outer cortex. The egg cells are located in the cortex of the ovaries.
Functions of the ovaries
Egg cells mature in the ovaries, usually one per month. The egg cell grows inside a sac called a follicle. At the end of this maturation phase, the follicle ruptures and the egg cell is released into the fallopian tube. This is known as ovulation. At this point, the egg can be fertilized by male sperm. Each month, the body also sheds up to 1,000 immature eggs.
After ovulation, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. This transformation leads to the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (also called the corpus luteum hormone). These two hormones regulate the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone promotes the growth of the uterine lining, where a fertilized egg would implant. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down. Menstruation then begins.
Egg production ceases with a woman’s menopause.
The functions of the ovaries are controlled by the pituitary gland (hypophysis). To this end, it releases the hormones FSH and LH at regular intervals.
Ovarian Disorders
Fallopian tube inflammation
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes is caused by bacteria and can affect one or both tubes. Fallopian tube inflammation can be acute or chronic.
Salpingitis can lead to
- ovarian inflammation with abscess formation, as well as
- an infection of the peritoneum
.
The most common signs of fallopian tube inflammation include fever and pain in the lower abdomen, which may be on one side or both sides.
If the fallopian tubes are inflamed, the treating gynecologist will prescribe antibiotics. The patient should also take it easy and, ideally, rest in bed. If she is experiencing severe pain, she will also be given pain medication.
If necessary, the abscess should be drained via laparoscopy. Afterward, tests can be performed to determine how sensitive the causative bacteria are to antibiotics. Common pathogens include chlamydia, which is often responsible for subsequent infertility.
With timely and proper treatment, the woman’s reproductive function—and thus her fertility—is usually preserved. However, if the condition is not treated in a timely manner, it can become chronic. In the worst-case scenario, this leads to permanent infertility in the affected woman.
If the condition is left untreated, chronic symptoms often result. This can sometimes lead to complications such as abscesses in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. In such cases, surgery is often the only treatment option.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer, also known in medical terms as ovarian carcinoma, is a malignant tumor. It develops directly from the tissue of the ovaries. In contrast, about 10 to 15 percent of ovarian cancers originate in specific cells of the peritoneum.
The average age of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer is 65 years. The following groups have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer:
- childless women and those who gave birth later in life, as well as
- women with a family history of the disease or a genetic mutation.
There are no typical symptoms that indicate ovarian cancer. The signs can vary widely, ranging from abnormal bleeding to a decrease in energy levels. Often,
- an increase in abdominal girth,
- nonspecific abdominal pain, and
- bowel problems
.
Ovarian cancer is usually treated with an abdominal incision. This allows the tumor to be completely removed. In addition, this procedure also removes
- affected lymph nodes,
- the fallopian tubes,
- the uterus, and
- the omentum
are also removed. As a result, this surgery usually leads to infertility in the patient. Conventional treatment with
- hormone therapy and
- radiation therapy
is often not effective for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cyst
An ovarian cyst—also known in medical terms as an ovarian tumor—is a benign growth on the ovary. Cysts on the ovaries are generally very common.
In most cases, the formation of an ovarian cyst is caused by hormonal imbalances. Normally, the follicle ruptures during ovulation. The egg is then flushed out along with the fluid that is released. The egg eventually enters the fallopian tube.
Hormonal imbalances can prevent the follicle membrane from rupturing. As a result, ovulation cannot occur. This leads to the accumulation of additional fluid, which ultimately results in an ovarian cyst.
The birth control pill slightly increases the risk of an ovarian cyst. The pill artificially suppresses ovulation, but hormonal imbalances can still occur.
In some cases, an ovarian cyst causes no symptoms at all. As a result, it is often discovered by chance during a gynecological examination using ultrasound.
However, if the cyst grows to a certain size, it can press on neighboring organs. This manifests as dull or pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
Other possible symptoms include
- pain during sexual intercourse,
- back pain, or
- frequent urination.
The cyst can also rupture. This is felt as a slight pulling sensation in the lower abdomen. In rare cases, this can also cause blood vessels to tear, resulting in bleeding in the abdominal cavity. In this case, those affected complain of
- acute pain,
- dizziness and weakness
- or even go into shock.
In most cases, surgery is then required.
The type of treatment depends, among other things, on the size and location of the cyst. The patient’s age and the cause of the cyst also play a role in determining the appropriate therapy.
For younger women, the treating gynecologist will first perform regular ultrasound examinations to check whether the cyst has changed. Functional cysts occur only in women whose ovaries are still functioning.
In many women, the cyst resolves on its own after several menstrual cycles. If this does not occur, hormone therapy may be prescribed.
In the case of
- complications,
- symptoms
- or if the cyst is larger than 5 cm
, the doctor will recommend a laparoscopy. If the doctor determines during the procedure that the cyst is a malignant tumor, surgery will be necessary.
Conclusion
A woman’s ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and, as gonads, serve as a central site for the production of viable eggs. Anatomically, the ovaries are located on either side of the uterus and are connected to it via the ligamentum ovarii proprium, as well as blood vessels and nerves.
The ovaries, also known as the ovaries, are almond-shaped and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla, which contain tissue, epithelium, and follicles. Over the course of a woman’s life, egg cells mature in the ovaries; FSH regulates this cycle, causing a follicle to develop into a corpus luteum, while estrogen and progesterone, as well as estrogen and progestins, influence the menstrual cycle and menstruation.
The two ovaries are connected to the uterus via the fallopian tubes, allowing the egg to be transported toward the uterus; if fertilized, an embryo forms that can later implant. At the same time, ovarian conditions such as cysts, adnexitis, ovarian cancer, ovarian disorders like ovarian insufficiency or polycystic changes, as well as benign ovarian tumors or Brenner tumors—which are benign tumors—are of clinical significance. Hormonal changes can also cause amenorrhea and symptoms ranging from discomfort to nausea and vomiting, which is why a gynecological evaluation is important.
Overall, it becomes clear how the ovaries function, as they play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, in the production of eggs, and in embryonic development.
FAQ
What are the ovaries, and what is their function?
The ovaries are female reproductive organs. Their main function is to produce eggs and secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
How do the ovaries work?
The ovaries function by allowing eggs to mature within follicles. During ovulation, an egg is released and can travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
Where are the ovaries located in the body?
The ovaries are located in the pelvis on either side of the uterus. They are connected to the surrounding tissue by ligaments and blood vessels.
What are some ovarian disorders?
Ovarian disorders include cysts, inflammatory conditions such as adnexitis, and ovarian cancer. Hormonal imbalances or polycystic changes may also occur.
What role do hormones play in the ovaries?
The ovaries produce sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, menstruation, and the development of eggs capable of being fertilized.
