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

Simple examples include:

• An ovary contains many immature egg cells.
• An ovary may release an egg during ovulation.
• Each ovary is located near a fallopian tube.
• An ovarian cyst may develop on or inside an ovary.
• A person can sometimes become pregnant with one functioning ovary.

The ovaries do not directly hold a developing pregnancy. Pregnancy normally develops inside the uterus.

• one ovary;
• the left ovary;
• the right ovary;
• two ovaries.

The plural changes from -y to -ies:

• Correct: ovaries
• Incorrect: ovarys

The adjective is ovarian:

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

Common Usage Patterns

The word commonly appears in phrases such as:

• release an egg from an ovary;
• cyst on an ovary;
• remove an ovary;
• examine the ovaries;
• functioning ovary;
• ovarian hormone production;
• pain near an ovary;
• cancer of the ovary.

An ovary contains many small structures called follicles. Each follicle contains an immature reproductive cell called an oocyte, commonly referred to as an egg cell.

During a menstrual cycle, several follicles may begin developing, but usually only one becomes dominant and releases an egg. The ovaries can differ somewhat in position, shape, and size among individuals and across different stages of life.

The National Cancer Institute definition of the ovary identifies the ovaries as paired glands where eggs develop and estrogen and progesterone are produced.

The process generally involves:

1. hormones stimulating several follicles;
2. one follicle becoming dominant;
3. the egg maturing;
4. the follicle opening and releasing the egg;
5. the fallopian tube drawing the egg toward its interior.

The egg does not move directly from the ovary into a sealed tube. It is released near the open, finger-like end of the fallopian tube and is then guided into it.

The MedlinePlus explanation of ovulation describes how follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone support egg development and release.

An ovary does not necessarily alternate perfectly with the other ovary each month. The same ovary may ovulate in consecutive cycles.

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

These hormones help regulate:

• the menstrual cycle;
• development of the uterine lining;
• ovulation;
• pregnancy preparation;
• breast development;
• bone strength;
• skin and body changes;
• aspects of sexual desire and genital function.

Hormone levels naturally change during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.

Ovarian hormones are important, but they do not alone determine personality, femininity, attraction, behavior, or gender identity.

After fertilization, the developing embryo usually travels toward the uterus and implants in its lining. The pregnancy normally develops in the uterus rather than in the ovary.

An egg that is not fertilized breaks down naturally. Hormonal changes may then cause the uterine lining to shed during menstruation.

Not every menstrual cycle includes ovulation, and releasing an egg does not guarantee pregnancy.

A person is born with a finite supply of immature egg cells. The number generally decreases over time, and only a small proportion are ever released through ovulation.

Age is an important influence on ovarian reserve and egg quality, but age alone cannot predict an individual’s fertility.

Tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone testing or antral follicle counts may provide information about ovarian response, especially during fertility treatment. They cannot guarantee whether someone will or will not become pregnant naturally.

• The ovaries develop and release eggs and produce reproductive hormones.
• The uterus develops a lining that may support pregnancy.
• The fallopian tubes provide a pathway between the area near the ovaries and the uterus.
• The vagina provides an external passage from the cervix.

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

A person may have ovaries without having regular menstrual periods, particularly because of age, pregnancy, medication, hormonal contraception, surgery, or a health condition.

After natural menopause:

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

The ovaries may continue producing small amounts of certain hormones after menopause.

Menopause does not mean that the ovaries disappear. They remain in the body unless surgically removed.

• congenital anatomy;
• previous surgery;
• ovarian torsion;
• a cyst or tumor;
• injury;
• another medical condition.

One healthy ovary may continue to ovulate and produce enough hormones for menstruation and natural pregnancy. Fertility depends on several additional factors, including age, egg quality, fallopian-tube function, sperm, and uterine health.

Removing one ovary does not usually cause immediate menopause when the other ovary remains functional.

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

Removing both functioning ovaries before natural menopause causes an immediate major reduction in ovarian hormones, commonly called surgical menopause.

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

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled or partly solid sac in or on an ovary. Many cysts are related to the menstrual cycle and resolve without treatment.

Some cysts may cause pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, bleeding changes, or pain during sex.

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, a person with PCOS does not need to have large ovarian cysts.

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists and restricts its blood supply. It may cause sudden, severe pelvic pain, often with nausea or vomiting, and requires urgent medical assessment.

Ovarian Cancer

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

The MedlinePlus overview of ovarian disorders notes that symptoms vary by condition and may include pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, discharge, nausea, or menstrual changes.

• continuing or recurring pelvic pain;
• unusual abdominal swelling or bloating;
• menstrual bleeding that changes significantly;
• 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 vomiting, weakness, or fainting, requires urgent evaluation because ovarian torsion, cyst rupture, internal bleeding, or another emergency may be possible.

Symptoms alone cannot show whether an ovary is causing the problem. Examination, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, blood tests, or other investigations may be needed.

Some transgender men, non-binary people, and intersex people have ovaries. Some cisgender women do not have ovaries because of congenital anatomy or surgery.

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

Both ovaries release an egg every month.
Usually one dominant follicle releases one egg, and ovulation may not occur in every cycle.

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

A person 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 determines someone’s gender.
Reproductive anatomy does not establish gender identity.

1. An ovary stores developing egg cells and produces reproductive hormones.
2. The left ovary released an egg during ovulation.
3. Can someone become pregnant with only one ovary?
4. An ultrasound showed a small cyst on the right ovary.
5. Each ovary is located near a fallopian tube.
6. Removal of one ovary does not always cause menopause.
7. Sudden severe pain near an ovary may require urgent medical assessment.
8. An ovary produces estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones.
9. Having an ovary does not determine a person’s gender identity.
10. A fertilized egg normally travels away from the ovary and toward the uterus.

Having ovaries does not determine sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual behavior, or readiness for sexual activity. A person with ovaries may have any identity or relationship preference.

Accurate sexuality education distinguishes the ovaries from the uterus and fallopian tubes, explains ovulation and pregnancy clearly, recognizes gender diversity, and encourages medical attention for significant pelvic pain or persistent reproductive-health changes.