Ovaries: Meaning, Anatomy, Ovulation, Hormones, and Fertility

Simple examples include:

• Ovaries contain follicles with immature egg cells.
• Ovaries usually release one egg during an ovulatory cycle.
• Ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones.
• Ovaries may develop cysts.
• Ovaries become less active around menopause.

Pregnancy normally develops inside the uterus, not inside the ovaries.

• one ovary;
• two ovaries;
• both ovaries;
• healthy ovaries.

The spelling changes from -y to -ies:

• Correct: ovaries
• Incorrect: ovarys

The adjective is ovarian:

• ovarian tissue;
• ovarian hormones;
• ovarian cysts;
• ovarian function;
• ovarian cancer.

Common Usage Patterns

The word commonly appears in phrases such as:

• examine the ovaries;
• hormones produced by the ovaries;
• cysts on the ovaries;
• removal of both ovaries;
• functioning ovaries;
• ovaries and fertility;
• ovaries during menopause;
• pain near the ovaries.

Compare:

• The left ovary contains a developing follicle.
• Both ovaries were visible during the ultrasound.
• One ovary may release an egg.
• The ovaries produce reproductive hormones.

People commonly have two ovaries, but some have one ovary or no ovaries because of congenital anatomy, surgery, injury, or medical treatment.

Each ovary contains many follicles. A follicle is a small structure containing an immature reproductive cell called an oocyte, commonly known as an egg cell.

The ovaries are often described as almond-shaped, although their size and appearance vary with age, hormonal activity, pregnancy history, and health. The National Cancer Institute’s definition of an ovary describes the paired organs as glands where eggs form and estrogen and progesterone are produced.

During an ovulatory cycle:

1. Hormones stimulate follicles in the ovaries.
2. Several follicles may begin developing.
3. Usually one follicle becomes dominant.
4. The dominant follicle releases an egg.
5. The finger-like end of a fallopian tube helps guide the egg into the tube.

The ovaries do not necessarily alternate perfectly each month. The same ovary may release eggs during consecutive cycles, and some cycles occur without ovulation.

Both ovaries do not usually release an egg in every cycle. However, more than one egg may occasionally be released, which can contribute to fraternal twins if both eggs are fertilized.

• estrogen;
• progesterone;
• inhibin;
• small amounts of androgens, including testosterone.

These hormones help regulate:

• puberty;
• menstrual cycles;
• development of the uterine lining;
• ovulation;
• breast development;
• bone strength;
• genital tissues;
• aspects of sexual desire and response;
• preparation for pregnancy.

Ovarian hormones influence the body, but they do not independently determine personality, femininity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If sperm fertilizes the egg, the developing embryo normally travels through the tube and implants in the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, the egg breaks down naturally.

The ovaries support reproduction by producing eggs and hormones, but they are not where a typical pregnancy develops.

Not every person with ovaries can become pregnant, and the presence of ovaries alone does not prove fertility.

• The ovaries develop and release eggs and produce hormones.
• The uterus develops a lining that may support pregnancy.
• The fallopian tubes help transport an egg toward the uterus.
• The cervix and vagina form passages between the uterus and the outside of the body.

Hormones from the ovaries influence the uterine lining. When pregnancy does not begin, declining hormone levels commonly contribute to menstruation.

A person may have functioning ovaries without having regular periods because of pregnancy, medication, hormonal contraception, stress, illness, age, or another condition.

People are born with a finite supply of immature egg cells. This supply naturally decreases over time, and only a small proportion of the original cells are released through ovulation.

Tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone measurement and antral follicle counting may help estimate how the ovaries could respond during fertility treatment. These tests cannot guarantee whether someone will become pregnant naturally.

Age affects egg number and quality, but fertility also depends on sperm, fallopian-tube function, uterine health, timing, and other factors.

• congenital anatomy;
• ovarian torsion;
• a cyst or tumor;
• endometriosis;
• injury;
• surgery.

One healthy ovary may continue releasing eggs and producing enough hormones to support menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

Removal of one ovary does not usually cause immediate menopause if the remaining ovary continues to function.

• Unilateral oophorectomy removes one ovary.
• Bilateral oophorectomy removes both ovaries.

Removing both functioning ovaries before natural menopause causes a sudden reduction in ovarian hormones. This is commonly called surgical menopause.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus but does not necessarily remove the ovaries. Someone may therefore stop menstruating after a hysterectomy while their ovaries continue producing hormones.

After natural menopause:

• the ovaries usually stop releasing eggs;
• estrogen and progesterone production becomes much lower;
• menstrual periods permanently end;
• natural pregnancy is no longer expected.

The ovaries do not disappear after menopause. They remain in the body unless removed surgically and may continue producing small amounts of certain hormones.

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled or partly solid sac that develops in or on an ovary. Many cysts form naturally during menstrual cycles and disappear without treatment.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal and metabolic condition that may affect ovulation, menstruation, skin, hair growth, and fertility.

Despite its name, PCOS does not require large cysts on the ovaries.

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists, potentially reducing or blocking its blood supply. It commonly causes sudden severe pelvic pain and requires urgent medical assessment.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. Ovarian activity may sometimes occur unpredictably, so it is not always identical to permanent menopause.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer begins in or near ovarian tissue. Symptoms may be vague and can resemble many noncancerous conditions.

The MedlinePlus overview of ovarian disorders includes cysts, PCOS, torsion, primary ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, infections, tumors, and ovarian cancer.

• continuing or recurring pelvic pain;
• unusual bloating or abdominal swelling;
• major menstrual changes;
• pain during sexual activity;
• unexplained difficulty becoming pregnant;
• persistent urinary or bowel pressure;
• feeling full unusually quickly;
• symptoms that continue or worsen.

Sudden severe one-sided pelvic pain, especially with nausea, vomiting, weakness, or fainting, requires urgent evaluation. Possible causes include ovarian torsion, a ruptured cyst, internal bleeding, or another emergency.

Symptoms alone cannot confirm that the ovaries are responsible. Pregnancy testing, examination, ultrasound, blood tests, or other investigations may be needed.

Some transgender men, non-binary people, and intersex people have ovaries. Some cisgender women have only one ovary or no ovaries.

Respectful healthcare uses accurate anatomical language while also following the person’s chosen name, pronouns, and preferred terms for their body.

Both ovaries release an egg every month.
Usually one dominant follicle releases one egg, and some cycles do not include ovulation.

The ovaries alternate perfectly during ovulation.
Either ovary may release an egg, and the pattern is not always alternating.

Someone with one ovary cannot become pregnant.
One functioning ovary may support ovulation and pregnancy.

A hysterectomy always removes the ovaries.
The uterus may be removed while one or both ovaries remain.

Having ovaries makes someone a woman.
Anatomy alone does not determine gender identity.

1. Ovaries are reproductive organs that develop egg cells and produce hormones.
2. The ovaries are usually located on opposite sides of the uterus.
3. Can ovaries release more than one egg during a cycle?
4. The ultrasound showed small cysts on both ovaries.
5. Ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, and small amounts of androgens.
6. Healthy ovaries may support ovulation and fertility.
7. The ovaries do not necessarily alternate perfectly each month.
8. Removing both ovaries before natural menopause causes a major hormonal change.
9. Having ovaries does not determine a person’s gender identity.
10. Sudden severe pain near the ovaries requires prompt medical assessment.

Conditions affecting the ovaries may also influence pelvic comfort, pain during sex, body image, reproductive choices, and emotional well-being. However, having ovaries does not determine sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual behavior, or readiness for sexual activity.

Accurate sexuality education explains the ovaries’ reproductive and hormonal roles, distinguishes them from the uterus and fallopian tubes, recognizes gender diversity, and encourages medical attention for severe or persistent pelvic symptoms.