Is ovary size important to get pregnant?
Ovaries are the backbone of the female reproductive system. You might ask why ovary size matters. We all know that the journey of pregnancy starts with the fertilization of the egg. So, the first condition to get pregnant is that the ovaries should release a mature and healthy egg for fertilization to take place. After fertilization, an embryo is formed. When this embryo gets successfully implanted in the uterine lining, you become pregnant.
Ovaries are the egg-producing factories. The importance of the production of mature eggs by the ovaries is talked about a lot. For instance, for conception, the eggs should be mature and of good quality. But do you know that the size of the ovaries also has a massive importance in pregnancy?
In this article, we are going to have a look at why ovary size is important to get pregnant. We will also talk about the various steps you can take to maintain the health of your ovaries.
What are the Functions of an Ovary?
The ovaries are tiny oval-shaped organs that are responsible for carrying out multiple functions in reproduction. These functions include:
- Producing, storing, and releasing eggs for fertilization.
- Producing and releasing female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone.
- Producing hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy.
These functions have a determining role in a woman’s fertility.
Size of a Healthy Ovary for High Chances of Conception
The shape and size of an ovary are like that of an almond. Doctors measure the size of an ovary in three dimensions: length, breadth, and height.
The normal size of an ovary is typically 3 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, and 1.5 cm thick. Normal ovary size in millimetres is 30 mm in length, 25 mm in breadth, and 15 mm in thickness.
Small Ovaries
If the size of the ovary is small, it means the number of eggs that the ovary will produces will be less.
Small ovaries impact follicular development, which hinders the process of ovulation.
Large Ovaries
Large ovaries don’t mean a large number of eggs. If the size of the ovary is large, it implies that there is some underlying condition, like the presence of cysts, tumours, or hormonal imbalance, that is impacting conception.
Both small and large ovaries impact fertility, so it is important to get in touch with a fertility expert to determine your ovarian size. He will help identify the root cause and will undertake surgery if required.
Factors Affecting the Size of the Ovary
The size of the ovary changes throughout a woman’s life. Several factors govern and affect the ovary size. Let’s understand these factors one by one.
1. Age
A woman has a fixed number of eggs in her ovaries, which is known as the ovarian reserve. When a girl child is born, the size of her ovaries is 1 cm in diameter, each weighing somewhere between 250 to 350 mg.
At the onset of puberty, an egg is released every month for fertilization. When fertilization does not take place, a woman gets her monthly menstrual cycle. As a woman ages, the ovarian reserve decreases, and the ovaries get smaller.
After menopause, the size of the ovaries becomes less than 2 cm.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
During certain medical procedures like IVF, some medications are injected into a woman to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This stimulation can affect the size of the ovaries.
3.Reproductive Issues-
Reproductive issues like PCOS, ie. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and tumours tend to change the size of the ovaries.
The presence of ovarian cysts can enlarge the size of the ovaries.
If a woman is having problems conceiving a baby, then these underlying reproductive issues should be identified and treated subsequently with the help of meditation or surgery.
4. Previous Pregnancies-
During pregnancy, the ovaries attain maximum size. It is because the ovaries secrete pregnancy hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. An imbalance in hormones can affect the size of the ovaries.
Some other reasons include:
- Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling
- Ovarian cyst removal
- Emergency Laparotomy
- Emergency removal of the fallopian tube
What is the Procedure to determine the Size of Ovaries?
To determine the size of your ovaries, the doctor will ask you to undertake some laboratory tests and procedures to analyze the overall health, functioning, and size of the ovaries.
- Ultrasound Scans– Autrasonography is done to gather important information about ovary size and the presence of cysts or fibroids.
- Blood Tests-: Blood tests help determine hormone levels associated with ovaries and pregnancy. One such hormone is anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), which plays a vital role in pregnancy.
How to Take Care of Your Ovaries?
Certain factors like age and changes in ovarian size due to previous pregnancy can’t be overturned. But it doesn’t mean you can not do anything for your ovarian health.
Lifestyle is the key to healthy ovaries. Here are certain lifestyle changes that you can stick to and improve the health of your ovaries.
1. Say no to alcohol and tobacco-:
It is a non-negotiable measure. A healthy body and healthy ovaries come with putting an end to drinking and smoking.
2. Healthy BMI
Healthy body weight improves fertility and ovarian health. If you are underweight or overweight, it can affect pregnancy. So please keep your BMI in check.
3. Balanced Diet
Nutrient-rich diet will nourish your reproductive system and make it ready for conception. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that can help improve fertility.
4. Exercising Regularly
Keeping your body active by indulging in a physical activity of your choice is vital for healthy ovaries.
You can perform simple yoga asanas, go for a morning walk, or swim.
5. No Stress
If you take a lot of stress, then not only your overall health but your reproductive health is also compromised.
Even if you are following a healthy diet, exercise regularly and do not smoke or drink.
Sometimes, even sticking to a healthy lifestyle doesn’t seem to help. If you feel like you are stuck in such a situation, then consider consulting with a fertility expert.
If you happen to live near or in Srinagar, then we invite you to Imprimis IVF, Srinagar.
Why Imprimis IVF?
Everything might appear fine on the surface, like you have a healthy BMI and no medical conditions. However, it is not possible to identify the root cause of infertility without medical expertise.
Our IVF experts at Imprimis IVF will help you thoroughly evaluate the health of your reproductive organs. Then, based on the underlying condition, we will develop a treatment option for you. On top of that, we provide affordable treatment without compromising on the service.
Final Words about Ovary Size
The reproductive system is highly delicate. Even a small problem with any of the organs can hamper fertility. Ovary size is one such important aspect that goes unnoticed but can affect pregnancy. So, get in touch with a fertility specialist to figure out the cause of infertility.
Also, it is vital to take care of your reproductive health by following a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.
