Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 28 July 2023
Everybody knows that the ovaries are an important factor for female reproductive health. But have you ever wondered if its measurements also play a role? Well, it does. Through the size of the ovary, a professional healthcare provider can have approximate insights into an individual’s ovarian reserve. Along with it, they can also have insights into the possibility of tumours, cysts, PCOS, and other medical conditions in the ovary.
This blog helps you understand how does ovary size matter for pregnancy, factors that influence its size and pregnancy, and experts’ advice to improve ovarian health. So, let’s keep scrolling.
The normal size of an ovary may widely differ based on numerous factors. The factors may include hormone levels, age, and the physique of an individual. Say, for example, the normal ovary size in cm for a woman during her reproductive age would be anywhere between 2.5 – 5 cm in length, 1.5 – 3 cm in width, and 0.6 – 1.5 cm in thickness.
When it comes to the volume, the normal ovary size would be around 4 to 10 cm³. The major deviation from these measurements can be a potential indicator of ovarian conditions. The conditions may include PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), ovarian insufficiency, and ovarian cysts.
Furthermore, it is significant to understand that there would always be mild variations between the left and right ovary, even in a normal healthy woman. This is a natural occurrence and does not require any medical attention. While the significant deviation from the above-mentioned measurements may require medical help. Your healthcare provider would be able to differentiate between these two changes. They may also provide appropriate medical attention, if needed.
The following are some of the factors that usually influence ovarian size and pregnancy.
Age can be a significant influencing factor for changing ovary size and its impact on pregnancy. Ovaries are generally smaller in size in a young girl before she attains puberty. While it can reach its utmost size in her reproductive age. Then again, it begins to shrink as her menopause approaches, and even after menopause. From this, you can understand that before puberty and approaching menopause, the egg count is reduced. When the egg count is reduced, the ovarian size is largely influenced.
Hormonal imbalances can be the vital influencing factor for both ovarian size and pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances can lead to certain medical conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The condition is characterised by the excess levels of androgens (male hormones) and irregular periods. Both of which can make it difficult for the woman to conceive. Whereas, the condition is also categorised with numerous cysts, which causes the ovaries to become enlarged.
Ovarian cysts and tumours like hyperreactio luteinalis and corpus luteum cyst can be the influencing factor for ovarian size and pregnancy.
Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare ovarian condition where multiple cysts are formed within a thin wall inside the ovary. These cysts are filled either with blood or clear fluid. Due to the condition, the ovaries can appear enlarged because of the increased levels of pregnancy hormones while pregnant.
Corpus luteum cyst is a non-cancerous ovarian condition that develops from the corpus luteum soon after ovulation. Again, these cysts can grow and make the ovaries appear enlarged because of the increased levels of pregnancy hormones while pregnant.
Certain ovarian conditions can potentially disrupt the ability to become pregnant and cause changes in ovary size. Conditions like endometriosis, ovarian torsion, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can enlarge ovaries and disrupt the ovulation process. While certain cancer treatments and conditions, like premature ovarian failure, can cause the ovaries to shrink. Both of which can make the woman find it difficult to conceive and affect the ovarian size.
Several medical treatments can primarily influence the ovarian size and pregnancy. Treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilisation) are generally performed using numerous hormone medications to stimulate the development of follicles. This can make the ovaries appear temporarily enlarged. Whereas, cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can permanently damage the ovaries and their functions. This can cause the ovaries to shrink from their normal size, developing premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency. All of which can make it difficult to become pregnant.
Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals can significantly help improve ovarian size and fertility health. It is possible as this dietary approach can help reduce inflammation, produce balanced hormones, and optimise reproductive functions.
Exercising regularly can largely help with improving ovarian health and fertility. This is possible as moderate exercise can enhance blood circulation to the ovaries, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormone production. All of which can help develop healthy follicles. This can ultimately lead to improved fertility outcomes.
Managing stress can help improve both ovarian health and fertility. Chronic stress can disrupt the production of hormones, which are required for proper ovulation. This can potentially lead to irregular periods and hinder the quality of follicles. On the other hand, prolonged stress can contribute to the production of harmful ROS (reactive oxygen species). This can worsen oxidative stress, leading to impaired ovarian function and egg quality.
Hence, managing stress through calming techniques like meditation and yoga is significant in improving ovarian health and fertility.
Both smoking and alcohol consumption can predominantly disrupt hormonal balance and lead to potential issues with implantation and fertilisation. Avoiding smoking and drinking can help improve both ovarian health and fertility.
Certain vitamins and supplements can promote ovarian health and improve fertility. Supplements like CoQ10, myo-inositol, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can help enhance egg quality, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormone production. However, it is essential to have a consultation with the healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements.
Many fertility experts suggest that women have their pelvic floor examined regularly, at least once a year. This can help monitor ovarian health and diagnose the issues early on.
Even though ovary size is a potential indicator of women’s reproductive health, they are not the only determinant of infertility. The size of an ovary can be different from individual to individual based on their hormone levels, age, and physique. Factors like a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups can largely help improve their ovarian health and fertility.
If you are struggling to become pregnant due to the ovarian size, visiting an expert in fertility at A4 Fertility Centre is highly suggested.
1: Does the shrinkage of ovaries decrease the chances of being fertile?
The answer to the question is yes. Women with shrunken ovaries can significantly decrease their chances of being fertile. Shrunken ovaries are a sign of a reduced number of follicles (ovarian reserve). Ultimately, a lower ovarian reserve can impact a woman's ability to become pregnant. The smaller ovaries can be associated with approaching menopause, autoimmune diseases, or certain genetic disorders.
2: Does a large ovary mean a higher chance of fertility?
The answer to the question is no. Women with larger ovaries can be an indicator of having more potential eggs (larger ovarian reserve). While it can also be a sign of prevailing ovarian conditions like PCOS, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. All of these can potentially interfere with the natural ovulation process and fertility.
3: How is ovary size measured?
Ovary size can generally be measured using an ultrasound imaging technique. Even though physical examinations can provide a vague understanding of the abnormalities, ultrasounds can exhibit the most accurate measurements of the ovaries in length, thickness, width, and volume.
4: Can a small ovarian size exhibit any symptoms?
The answer to the question is yes. Smaller than normal ovary size in women can certainly exhibit symptoms that are associated with this abnormality. The symptoms may include infertility, menstrual irregularities, and improper ovulation.
5: Abnormalities in one of the ovaries: Is it possible?
The answer to the question is yes. It is quite possible to have abnormalities in one of the ovaries. Conditions like fallopian tube agenesis, unilateral polycystic ovary (PCO), and ovarian torsion are some examples of conditions affecting one ovary.
