Have you ever had a doctor discuss the measurement of your ovaries during diagnosis? You may be wondering why this information is important. The size of a woman’s ovaries can offer valuable insights into her reproductive health. Even subtle changes in their size could significantly impact her fertility and ability to conceive. But what is considered normal ovary size, and why does it matter so much for fertility? In this blog, we will discuss the connection between ovary size and fertility and how even the slightest change can make a difference in your journey towards starting a family.
A] Understanding the Ovaries And Its Impact on Fertility
Ovaries, small oval-shaped glands situated on either side of the uterus, play a crucial role in female reproduction. They produce and store eggs and synthesise hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. During ovulation, an ovary releases an egg, which travels through the fallopian tube, awaiting potential fertilisation.
The normal ovary size varies considerably among individuals and throughout a woman’s lifespan. Typically, an ovary measures approximately 3.5 cm in length, 2-3 cm in width, and 1-2 cm in thickness. However, its size fluctuates during different stages of a woman’s life.
A common question arises regarding the significance of ovary size in fertility. Ovary size directly affects fertility by indicating the number of available eggs. While smaller ovaries may indicate a lower egg reserve, leading to potential challenges in conception, larger ovaries do not necessarily guarantee increased fertility. This is because enlarged ovaries can result from cysts or tumours, which can interfere with regular ovulation. Additionally, abnormal ovary size may signal underlying health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian insufficiency, further impacting fertility.
If you are having trouble conceiving, you can try ovarian rejuvenation. This treatment stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs and activates dormant eggs to improve your chances of pregnancy. If you are looking for ovarian rejuvenation treatment in India, Dr. Hrishkesh Pai’s clinic is here to help!
B] Factors Causing Changes in Normal Ovary Size
- Hormonal Conditions
Many hormonal conditions can affect the normal size of ovaries. For instance, women with PCOS have larger ovaries, which affects egg release and, as a result, affects fertility. Similarly, women with premature ovarian failure of diminished ovarian reserve can cause fewer eggs to be released, which again affects fertility.
- Age
The size of the ovaries varies with age, and the ovarian volume decreases with age. The size is maximum in the reproductive years, and towards menopause, the ovaries shrink as the follicles within them deplete. The normal ovary size in mm throughout a woman’s lifespan is as follows:
| Age | Length (in mm) | Width (in mm) | Depth (in mm) |
| Pre-pubertal | 15-25 | 10-15 | 5-10 |
| Pubertal | 25-35 | 15-25 | 10-15 |
| Reproductive | 30-50 | 25-30 | 10-20 |
| Post Menopausal | 15-25 | 10-15 | 5-10 |
- Infertility Treatment
As individuals undergo infertility treatments, it is vital to be aware of the potential impact on ovary size, particularly with procedures involving hormonal stimulation. Treatments like IVF utilise medications to stimulate the ovaries, which can lead to temporary enlargement. However, there is a risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in some cases, characterised by excessive swelling of the ovaries. You should monitor closely throughout the treatment process to prevent any complications.
- Pregnancy
Ovaries are enlarged during pregnancy. The size increases as the ovaries have to produce pregnancy hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Although the doctor ensures that the enlargement is not pathological, keeping your ovaries and eggs healthy is essential to have a normal conception.
- Ovarian Cyst Removal
There are different types of ovarian cysts. Some of them are follicular cysts caused by hormone imbalance or non-ovulation of the egg. A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst that may contain hair, teeth and sebaceous material. These cysts need to be removed as it can cause pain and swelling and for the egg to be released properly.
C] How to Improve Ovarian and Oocyte Health
You might be thinking about how you can increase eggs in your ovaries; however, it is not possible, but you can improve your egg quality. Some ways are listed below:
- Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
You may not know that obesity can affect a woman’s ability to have children. Extra weight can cause issues with ovulation and pregnancy and has also been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. So maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and can help improve your ovarian health.
- Healthy Diet
High fats and low carbs reduce inflammation in the body and help improve blood supply to the ovaries. You should also consume folic acid, vitamin B-complex and Vitamin D to boost energy.
- Exercise
Exercising can help improve overall health. It does not have to be intense; an hour of yoga and 30 minutes of walking and running would help maintain your weight, which in turn helps improve your ovarian health.
- Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being when a woman is trying to conceive. Research shows that getting enough sleep can improve ovarian health and oocyte quality.
- No Alcohol or Smoking
Smoking and drinking can damage your ovaries and egg cells, leading to reduced fertility and increased risk of miscarriage. Smoking has been linked with an increased risk of early menopause, while drinking alcohol can lead to congenital disabilities and other pregnancy complications.
D] Medical Interventions and Treatments
Fertility and medical interventions have a significant role in dealing with ovary issues. Treatments like IVF utilise drugs which stimulate ovaries to produce more eggs and retrieve them. Once retrieved, they are fertilised outside in a sterile environment and implanted back into the woman’s body. If you are looking for IVF doctors in Mumbai, we are here to help! We have a successful record of assisting parents to increase their families and bring joy to them.
Hormonal therapy is another common method of achieving regulation of the size of the ovaries; mostly, it occurs in conditions like PCOS or ovarian insufficiency. These therapies aid in restoring hormonal balance and optimise the working of the ovaries. In cases with cysts or structural abnormalities, surgical options like cyst removal or ovarian drilling are to be performed to restore normal ovary function and improve chances for pregnancy.
Conclusion
Ovary size plays an important role in determining a woman’s fertility; any changes can affect the chances of conception. Understanding these changes and seeking the right treatment can help improve your reproductive health and increase the likelihood of successful pregnancy. If you are concerned about your ovarian health or are struggling with fertility, seeking expert guidance is essential. Dr. Hrishkesh Pai’s clinic offers advanced fertility treatments, including IVF, ovarian rejuvenation, and other personalised fertility solutions. Contact us today for a consultation and take the next step towards growing your family.
