Ovary and Its Functions and Diseases

Introduction to Ovary

The ovary is a vital organ in the female reproductive system, primarily located within the pelvic cavity. Its primary function revolves around the production of estrogen, a crucial hormone for female health. Additionally, the ovary plays a fundamental role in ovulation, enabling women to conceive normally.

Location and Structure of Ovary

The ovary is situated within the pelvic cavity as a paired solid organ, belonging to the female gonads. It has a flattened oval shape with distinct inner and outer surfaces, anterior and posterior edges, as well as superior and inferior ends. The outer surface adheres to the pelvic sidewall, positioned at the angle between the internal and external iliac arteries. The inner surface faces the uterus. The superior end is connected to the pelvic wall via the ovarian suspensory ligament, while the inferior end is attached to the uterus by the ovarian proper ligament. The posterior edge is free, and the anterior edge is attached by mesentery, with vessels, lymphatic ducts, and nerves passing through.

The size and shape of the ovary vary with age. In young girls, the surface is smooth. After puberty, due to multiple ovulations, the surface becomes scarred and uneven. During sexual maturity, the ovary reaches its maximum size, approximately 2.5 to 5.0 cm in length, 1.5 to 3.0 cm in width, and 0.6 to 1.5 cm in thickness. After menopause, the ovary significantly decreases in size, and in elderly women, its length, width, and thickness are approximately 0.5 cm.

Functions of Ovary

The primary functions of the ovary are to produce and release ova (eggs) and secrete sex hormones. These hormones promote the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics. Typically, the left and right ovaries alternately release a mature egg each month.

Ovarian Diseases: Ovarian Cancer

The ovary is a common site for female tumors. Ovarian cysts, a serious gynecological condition that poses a significant threat to women's lives, refer to cystic changes in the ovary. Broadly classified as a type of ovarian tumor, ovarian cysts can vary in morphology and nature. However, regardless of their form or nature, they can develop into ovarian malignancies, known as ovarian cancer.

The symptoms of ovarian cysts vary depending on the size, nature, progression, and presence of secondary degeneration or complications. Common clinical manifestations include discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, increased vaginal discharge with a yellow tint and odor, menstrual irregularities, and the presence of a firm and painless mass in the lower abdomen. Occasionally, pain may be experienced during sexual intercourse. Surgical intervention is one of the treatment options in Western medicine, which requires thorough preoperative preparation, including assessment of the patient's general condition, selection of anesthetic protocols, surgical instruments and related medications, emergency measures, surgical approach, and operative scope. Surgical plans are tailored based on factors such as the patient's age, tumor nature, growth pattern, location, presence of adhesions, and malignant metastasis. In some cases, patients with ovarian cysts may require surgical biopsy to determine the nature of the mass before undergoing surgical treatment.

Although surgical treatment offers various options, it can be invasive and may result in significant physical trauma. Therefore, patients often have a low preference for surgical intervention due to concerns about postoperative recovery and potential complications.