Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionOvary PainDisease and Conditions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Ovary Pain
Disease and Conditions
The ovaries are glands that produce eggs and hormones that support the reproductive system and other tissues in the body. The ovaries are about the size and shape of a walnut and they are attached to theuteruswith one ovary on each side and in close proximity to thefallopian tubes.
This article discusses the anatomy andfunction of ovaries, as well as conditions that affect these glands. It also shows what an ovary looks like.
peakSTOCK / Getty Images
The ovary consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Embedded within the cortex are manyovarian follicles—tiny fluid-filled sacs where eggs grow. The medulla is made up of loose connective tissue containing blood vessels,lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibers.
The main function of the ovaries is to develop and release mature eggs and produce sex hormones for menstruation, pregnancy, reproductive function, and to support other tissues.
Ovarian Follicles
Although only one egg usually fully matures during each ovulation, between 10 and 20 follicles begin the process of maturation monthly. The excess ovarian follicles are reabsorbed before ovulation occurs.
Is it possible for both ovaries to release an egg in the same cycle?Yes. Normally, only one egg is released during ovulation, but it is possible for both ovaries to release an egg at the same time. If both those eggs become fertilized, they may result infraternal (nonidentical) twins.
Is it possible for both ovaries to release an egg in the same cycle?
Yes. Normally, only one egg is released during ovulation, but it is possible for both ovaries to release an egg at the same time. If both those eggs become fertilized, they may result infraternal (nonidentical) twins.
How Many Eggs Do Women Have During Their Lifetime?
Ovulation
Around the middle of the menstrual cycle (typically day 14 of a 28-day cycle, though this timing may vary), the process of ovulation is initiated.
The steps leading up to ovulation are as follows:
Conception (the fertilization of an egg with sperm) most often occurs in the part of the fallopian tube that is nearest the ovary. Five to six days are required for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus.
After ovulation, if pregnancy has not occurred, the empty follicle, called the corpus luteum, is reabsorbed into the body. If pregnancy does occur, the corpus luteum produces hormones that help to maintain the pregnancy.
When a person reachesmenopause, the supply of eggs is very low, and the ovaries stop ovulating. Although the ovaries continue to make some hormones, their production of estrogen and other hormones decreases significantly. The ovaries also become slightly smaller in size after menopause.
Why Do My Ovaries Hurt?
You might experience a twinge, a cramp, or some discomfort in your lower back or abdomen when ovulation occurs. Some people notice a small amount of vaginal discharge.
Ovary pain during ovulation is called “mittelschmerz,” ormidcycle pain.For some people, this pain is severe enough to be mistaken for an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus) orappendicitis(inflammation of the appendix, on the lower right side of the abdomen). During ovulation, some people may experience other symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, or headache.
How do you determine which ovary released the egg in a given cycle?
You can also have an ultrasound performed to visualize the ovaries to see which ovary contains the dominant follicle or corpus luteum.
Mittelschmerz Midcycle Pain
Listed below are some conditions that can affect the ovaries.
Ovarian Torsion
Rarely, an ovary can twist around the ligament that’s holding it in place. This condition is known asovarian torsionand can result insevere pain. Ovarian torsion is considered a medical emergency because the twisting (torsion) can cut off blood supply to the ovary and fallopian tube.
The initial symptoms are severe pelvic pain, typically on one side, along with nausea and vomiting. Immediate surgery is usually required to restore the blood supply and preserve the ovary.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs similar to blisters that can form on the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are common during the reproductive years.
Ovarian cysts commonly form during ovulation or pregnancy. In some cases, they may result from hormonal treatments, including fertility treatments. Other causes are PCOS, endometriosis, or a pelvic infection.
Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment.
What does an ovarian cyst look like?Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, that form on or inside an ovary. They can range widely in size. Depending on the cause, ovarian cysts may have other characteristic features.Dermoid cysts, which are made up of ovarian “germ cells,” can contain teeth, hair, or fat. Persons withendometriosiscan develop anendometrioma, a cyst filled with menstrual blood. Sometimes these cysts are called “chocolate cysts” because the fluid inside resembles chocolate syrup.
What does an ovarian cyst look like?
Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, that form on or inside an ovary. They can range widely in size. Depending on the cause, ovarian cysts may have other characteristic features.Dermoid cysts, which are made up of ovarian “germ cells,” can contain teeth, hair, or fat. Persons withendometriosiscan develop anendometrioma, a cyst filled with menstrual blood. Sometimes these cysts are called “chocolate cysts” because the fluid inside resembles chocolate syrup.
Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, that form on or inside an ovary. They can range widely in size. Depending on the cause, ovarian cysts may have other characteristic features.
Dermoid cysts, which are made up of ovarian “germ cells,” can contain teeth, hair, or fat. Persons withendometriosiscan develop anendometrioma, a cyst filled with menstrual blood. Sometimes these cysts are called “chocolate cysts” because the fluid inside resembles chocolate syrup.
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Getting a PCOS Diagnosis
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. In the United States, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, making it the deadliest gynecological cancer.
What happens to ovaries during a hysterectomy?Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus. In about half of hysterectomies, the ovaries are removed as well, in a procedure known as anoophorectomy. This may be recommended to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, especially if you are considered of high risk.
What happens to ovaries during a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus. In about half of hysterectomies, the ovaries are removed as well, in a procedure known as anoophorectomy. This may be recommended to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, especially if you are considered of high risk.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Causes
Fallopian Tube Damage
If the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, it can make it difficult or impossible for the egg and sperm to meet and, therefore, create an embryo. If you suspect that you may have tubal damage or if you are struggling to get pregnant, tests can assess the health of the tubes. Talk to a fertility specialist to learn more.
Some of the causes of fallopian tube damage arepelvic inflammatory disease (PID,an infection in the upper reproductive system) and endometriosis (tissue that normally grows inside the uterus develops outside this organ).Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs)and other pelvic infections can also damage the fallopian tubes.
Summary
The ovaries are small, oval-shaped structures located on each side of the uterus. These glands are responsible for storing and releasing eggs (ova), as well as producing sex hormones for menstruation and pregnancy. Diseases and conditions that affect ovaries include ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian cancer.
Some of these conditions may require treatment. See your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or irregular menstruation.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Salpingo-ovarian & peritoneal functional anatomy.
National Cancer Institute.Ovaries.
MedlinePlus.Aging changes in the female reproductive system.
University of Florida Health.Mittelschmerz.
NHS.Natural family planning.
Dzator JSA, Howe PRC, Griffiths LR, Coupland KG, Wong RHX.Cerebrovascular function in hormonal migraine: An exploratory study.Front Neurol. 2021;12:694980. doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.694980
Huang C, Hong MK, Ding DC.A review of ovary torsion.Ci Ji Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2017;29(3):143-147. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_55_17
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ovarian cysts.
Muto MG.Patient education: Ovarian cysts (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for ovarian cancer.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hysterectomy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
