Ovaries are the primary components of the female reproductive system. Women have a pair of ovaries on both sides of their uterus. The main functions of the ovaries are the release of eggs for fertilisation and the production of female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone). Ovaries are delicate by nature and are exposed to a variety of complex ovarian issues faced by women.

What are the different types of ovarian issues?

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are responsible for producing and storing a woman’s eggs. The ovaries also produce female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. It is with menopause that both the production of hormones and eggs stops.

There are various ovarian issues, including:

Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cysts
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Ovarian torsion

There are various tests that a woman has to have to keep a check on her ovaries and to prevent the complications of any future ovarian issues.

What are the risk factors for ovarian issues?

There are several tests to check the health of your ovaries and maintain your fertility. These tests also detect the presence of any ovarian issues. There are also tests to assess the fertility of women, such as the AMH test, which detects an ovarian issue called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); and the FSH test, which helps doctors decide on treatment options. All such tests are associated with the risk factors that are general for all women. For instance, primary ovarian insufficiency comes with the risk factors of age, family history, and ovarian surgery.

In the case of ovarian cancer, the risks involved are: being obese, getting old, having a late pregnancy, hormone therapy after menopause, and having a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer. Risk factors involved with the diagnosis of ovarian cysts are hormonal problems in women.

What are the different treatment options for ovarian issues?

You can expect a variety of tests to be done to diagnose ovarian issues. For instance, tests that are done to diagnose cancer include:

Pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood tests
Surgery
Genetic testing

Tests to treat ovarian cysts are:

Pregnancy tests
Pelvic ultrasound
Laparoscopy
Tumour market tests

Tests for PCOS include:

Pelvic exam
Blood tests
Ultrasound

Any woman diagnosed with any of the ovarian issues listed above has to take the above-mentioned tests to get treated.

When should you see a doctor for ovarian issues?

If it is confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your doctor will assess the information from your tests and inform you about your stage of the disease. The stages of ovarian cancer range from 1 to 4. The lowest stage indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries, while stage 4 indicates that the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

If you are diagnosed with ovarian cysts after having your tests, you may be advised for watchful waiting, for medicines such as hormonal contraceptives, or for surgery.

Conclusion

The ovaries are an integral part of the female reproductive system and play an important biological role in defining womanhood for a woman. They should be subjected to periodic checkups to maintain the health of the ovaries. Ovarian issues are a serious issue for women because they bring about a change in their lifestyle and also have a deep impact on their lives. These issues sometimes prove to be fatal. Hence, if you are diagnosed with any ovarian issue, don’t delay, and consult a doctor at the earliest.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Koramangala. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. Is an ovarian cyst harmful?

Most of the cysts are not harmful and go away without treatment within a few months.

2. What is primary ovarian insufficiency?

Primary ovarian insufficiency occurs when the ovaries cease to function before the age of 40. In this situation, the ovaries do not produce eggs or release oestrogen regularly.

3. What are the tests for PCOS?

The tests for PCOS include a pelvic exam, a blood test, and an ultrasound.

4. When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have missed your period for three months or more and consult a doctor about the change in the menstrual cycle.