Today, we are going to talk about something probably not really on most people’s radar, yet something that might really contribute toward a person becoming a parent: the size of the ovaries. Here at Banker IVF & Women’s Hospital, we never know what questions we may get from many types of parameters that seem to affect fertility, and ovary size happens to be one of them. Now, go ahead, have a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s dive right into the question of whether the size of your ovaries really affects if you will be able to get pregnant or not.
Basics First: What Is an Ovary, and What Does It Do?
Before we delve into the debate regarding size, let us refresh our memories about the ovaries. Small, almond-shaped, the organs are powerhouses within the female reproductive system, forming the eggs and hormones.
Most women have two ovaries, located on either sides of the uterus. They usually are about 3-5 cm in length, 1.5-3 cm in width, and 0.6-1.5 cm thick. But here is the catch—just as all of us do, ovaries can come in different shapes and sizes!
So, Does Size Really Matter?
Alright, coming straight to the point – does the size of the ovaries matter in fertility? The short answer would be yes and no.
Ovary size may be an indicator of the general health and function of the ovaries, necessary for fertility. But that is not all. There are lots of women with smaller-than-average ovaries who get pregnant quite easily, and also several women with larger ovaries who struggle. Basically, it all really depends on what’s happening inside those ovaries and not on their exact size measurements.
Is Ovulation Bleeding Normal?
A little spotting near the time of ovulation is normal and harmless in most women. Up to 1 in 5 women have at least occasional ovulation bleeding each cycle. Unless the bleeding is abnormally heavy or accompanied by severe pain or other concerning symptoms, there’s usually no need to worry.
Some women even report that ovulation spotting helped them get a much better idea as to the timing of their cycles and fertile window for becoming pregnant. This familiar spotting, typically occurring about two weeks before the next period, can indicate that ovulation is occurring or will happen within the next day or two.
When Is Ovary Size a Matter of Concern?
Now, there are some situations when ovary size may raise a concern or two:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): this fairly common condition can enlarge the ovaries due to numerous small cysts in the ovaries. Generally, women with PCOS have irregular periods; besides, it is harder for such women to ovulate, so getting pregnant may turn out to be more challenging.
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve: The ovaries in the female body physically shrink in size as they age and finally turn to produce fewer eggs. Sometimes, this happens earlier than it was expected to be, leading to the ovaries being smaller than usual and possibly affecting fertility.
- Ovarian Tumors: This is pretty rare and often due to some benign tumor that makes the ovaries bigger than usual for their size. Alone, this doesn’t actually affect fertility; however, this certainly does demand medical attention.
- Premature Ovarian Failure: Some ovaries may quit working properly before age 40, making them smaller in size and thus causing infertility. Note that the slight smallness or largeness of the ovaries will not be a determiner of one’s chances of getting pregnant; instead, it involves the proper functioning of the ovaries.
Note that the slight smallness or largeness of the ovaries will not be a determiner of one’s chances of getting pregnant; instead, it involves the proper functioning of the ovaries.
The Real MVPs: Follicles and Egg Quality
When considering fertility, what’s inside the ovaries tends to be bigger in importance compared to their overall size. Let’s discuss two major players:
Follicles: These tiny sacs, located inside your ovaries, encase and nourish eggs. The actual number of these so-called antral follicles hence gives a good indication of your ovarian reserve—in other words, how many eggs you’ve got left in the bank.
Egg Quality: It’s not just about quantity; it’s about the quality also. As one grows older, the quality of the eggs goes down. That could be why a 40-year-old with fewer high-quality eggs might just get pregnant more easily than a 25-year-old with lots of lower quality eggs.
So, while ovary size may give us some clues, often these internal factors play a more significant role when it comes to fertility
How Do Doctors Assess the Health of the Ovaries?
Now you’re probably wondering, “How am I supposed to know if my ovaries are really working?” Good question! So, there are some ways your doctor is going to recommend just to rule out things and give a better picture of ovarian health:
- Ultrasound: The size of the ovaries and the count of the follicles is most frequently ascertained by this method. This technique is not painful and is fast; it shows us the ‘in-vivo’ picture of your ovaries.
- Blood Tests: These hormones, namely FSH, AMH, and estradiol, all give clues about ovarian function and reserve.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing: This includes ultrasound and blood tests to give a clear description of the egg supply and quality.
Remember, these tests are just tools. They give us insight, but they’re not predictive in terms of outcome. We’ve seen plenty of women with “less-than-ideal” test results conceive healthy pregnancies!
What If My Ovaries Are “Too Small” or “Too Large”?
First things first – don’t panic! If your doctor tells you that your ovaries are small or large, it doesn’t mean you can’t conceive. Here’s what you need to know about small and large ovaries and fertility:
Small Ovaries:
– Indicate lower egg reserve
– Advancing age, genetic history, or some medical conditions
– Not an indicator of infertility; quality is greater than quantity!
Large Ovaries:
– Common among women suffering from PCOS
– May be due to cysts or tumors, usually benign
– May sometimes lead to ovulation disorders
In both these cases, frequently there are certain measures that can be taken to enhance your chance at conception. Which brings us to.
Enhancing Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, Regardless of the Size of Your Ovaries
Regardless of the size of your ovaries, the following are some such steps you can take to enhance your overall fertility:
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, keeping active, and managing stress can work magic on your reproductive organs.
- Ditch Smoking: If you were looking for yet another reason to quit, there you have it! It damages the quality of the eggs and also accelerates ovarian aging.
- Keep Track of Your Cycle: Knowing exactly when you are ovulating can help in timing intercourse to perfection for that baby.
- Supplements: Ask about folic acid and other supplements that can help keep your reproductive system in top shape.
- Underlying Conditions: If you have PCOS, hormonal imbalances, and other issues related to the same, their management with the help of a doctor can help in better fertility.
- Treatments: Options range from medications to stimulate ovulation to IVF; there are many choices if you just need a little extra help.
When to Seek Help
If you have been attempting for a little while to get pregnant and have become unsuccessful, it may be time to speak with a fertility specialist. In general, we recommend seeking help if:
- You’re under 35 and have been trying for one year
- You’re between the ages of 35 to 39 and trying for six months
- If you have irregular periods or known fertility issues.
Remember, for some, looking for help doesn’t equate to giving up or the idea that anything is “wrong.” It’s about being proactive and getting support along your journey to parenthood.
The Banker IVF & Women’s Hospital Approach
Here at Banker IVF & Women’s Hospital, we understand that every woman’s fertility journey is different. We don’t believe in ovary size or any other single factor; instead, we adopt a holistic approach toward the assessment of your whole reproductive health.
Bringing together a team of accomplished fertility experts, our doctors will help you with:
- Detailed evaluation by ultrasound and hormone tests
- Explaining to you your results in layman’s terms—no medical mumbo-jumbo, we assure!
- Design a treatment plan that would work uniquely for you.
- Help you emotionally through this journey.
We want everyone to be knowledgeable about their options, and we believe in empowering our patients. Whether this is your first time considering having a baby or if you have been trying for years, we will be here for you all along the way. We are going to make your dream of parenthood happen—TOGETHER!
