The ovaries are the main organs of the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis. During an examination of the ovaries using ultrasound, the doctor determines their location, shape and size. Upon completion of the diagnosis, the results obtained are compared with normal values. This way everything is revealed possible deviations leading to ovarian diseases.
Normal indicators for the ovaries
Women aged 16 to 40 years should have almost the same levels of both ovaries. Normal size of ovaries according to ultrasound must have the following dimensions: length - from 30 to 41 mm, width - from 20 to 31 mm, thickness - from 14 to 22 mm. The volume of the ovary should not exceed 12 cubic milliliters.
If during diagnosis a deviation in size is detected towards a decrease, this indicates early ovarian depletion. Enlarged ovaries may indicate the development of a pathology such as inflammation or polycystic disease. During an ultrasound, if the indicators are normal, the ovaries should be located on both sides of the uterus. If their location has strong deviations, this also indicates pathology.
Ovarian research methods
Diagnosis of the ovaries is carried out using several methods: transabdominal and transvaginal. The second method is preferable, since during its implementation it is possible to more accurately determine the size of the left and right ovaries.
What diseases are detected using ovarian ultrasound?
In the process of examining the ovaries with ultrasound, a number of serious illnesses, and not only the ovaries, but also the uterus. Among them are:
Ovarian cyst;
Polycystic ovary syndrome;
Salpingitis;
Ovarian tumor and fallopian tubes.
Let's look at them in more detail. All these diseases are detected when normal size of ovaries according to ultrasound has deviations.
Ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst is a disease during which a cavity with fluid forms in the ovary. It is determined primarily by the size of the ovaries - they increase. The disease is most often asymptomatic, so its detection is possible only with the help of ultrasound.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome develops due to hormonal imbalances. It can be identified by abnormalities in the menstrual cycle and can lead to infertility. Determination is only possible by ultrasound. The ovaries are enlarged in this disease. Cysts appear and the ovarian capsules thicken.
Salpingitis
Salpingitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes that develops as a result of sexually transmitted infections. During this disease, adhesions of the fallopian tubes form, preventing the passage of sperm to the egg, which in turn causes infertility.
Ovarian tumor
Ovarian tumor can be either malignant or benign. Using ultrasound, it is determined by the increased size of the ovaries.
As you can see, all these diseases are very serious and can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, you should not neglect the examination; it is better to immediately consult a doctor and undergo an ultrasound of the ovaries in our medical center!
Content
To diagnose the presence of any disease, the attending physician may prescribe a woman an ultrasound examination of the ovaries. There are rarely cases where this type of ultrasound is performed separately from an examination of the pelvic or uterine organs. In some cases, it is necessary to examine only the ovaries to diagnose their active activity, which will reduce the risk of developing diseases of these genital organs. Visualizing these organs helps the doctor monitor ovarian activity.
What is ovarian ultrasound
This type of examination is necessary because the ovaries perform the function of producing hormones that determine the health of a woman’s reproductive system and her menstrual cycle. The maturation of the egg occurs in this paired organ. The procedure is prescribed if there is concern about the presence of a disease, it is performed within 10 minutes, discomfort does not cause any problems when carried out. It turns out that ultrasound of the ovaries is an accurate and harmless way to detect abnormalities and functional state organs.
Methods of carrying out
Ovarian examinations using a device ultrasound diagnostics is divided into three ways:
- Transabdominal. Such diagnostics are carried out using an external ultrasound sensor through bottom part belly, abdominal wall. Suitable for general examination. This method is suitable for girls who are not sexually active.
- Transvaginal. This type of examination is considered better, more informative and accurate. An internal probe is used that is inserted into the vagina, which helps to see the ovaries as closely as possible. In this case, the examination process takes place without painful sensations. The method is contraindicated if there is uterine bleeding and for patients who are not sexually active.
- Transrectal. Like the previous method, this examination is carried out using an internal sensor, but it is not inserted into the vagina, but through the anus into the rectum. It is rarely used, mainly for a more detailed study of virgin patients, which cannot be achieved by the transabdominal method.
Indications
In order for the attending doctor to prescribe an ultrasound diagnosis of the ovaries, there must be signs indicating the need for an examination:
- irregular menstrual cycle, characteristic feature which is a delay in menstruation;
- the possibility of inflammation processes occurring in the appendages;
- complaints of pain in the lower abdomen;
- painful periods;
- non-menstrual bleeding;
- diagnosis of the appearance of tumors;
- excessive or, conversely, insufficient bleeding during menstruation;
- long absence of planned pregnancy.
Preparation for ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries
For a successful and efficient ultrasound examination need to do it on certain days menstrual cycle. So, to check the ovaries for the presence of neoplasms, the occurrence of pathologies, ultrasound is performed 5-7 days after the end of menstruation. If there is a need to check certain functions of the genital organs, then the day corresponding to one or another phase of the cycle will be determined by the doctor. Diagnosis is often prescribed in each of the four available phases, including to identify the causes of infertility and hormonal imbalance.
In addition to the fact that the diagnosis is carried out on a certain day of the cycle, preparation for an ultrasound scan of the ovaries involves following a diet. Its main principle is to avoid products that promote gas formation. So, 4 days before the ultrasound examination, the patient needs to give up legumes, sweets, carbonated drinks and black bread. To achieve a greater effect, it is recommended to take a course of Espumisan or Motilium the day before the ultrasound. The night before or the morning of the procedure, you can give yourself an enema to cleanse your intestines.
For transabdominal examination
Transabdominal ultrasound of the ovaries in women is performed with a full bladder. Therefore, 1 hour before the procedure you need to drink a liter of still water. It can be replaced with tea. This is necessary for the ultrasound to reach the ovaries. Urination is prohibited until the end of the study, otherwise it will distort the reliability of the results.
For transvaginal
This type of research special training does not provide. Enough advice regarding nutrition, taking carminative medications, and maintaining personal hygiene before the procedure. In addition, you should ask your doctor in advance whether the clinic has sensor-mounted condoms that protect the patient from infection in the vagina. If the doctor does not have them, then the woman should purchase them at the pharmacy.
For transrectal
The transrectal ultrasound diagnostic procedure is performed on an empty rectum. The day before the procedure you need to do an enema. To avoid the formation of gases in the intestines, it is important not to consume foods that form them. Recommendations for preparing for transrectal ultrasound are: general, suitable for all three types of ovarian diagnostics.
Ovarian examination in women
Depending on the type of ultrasound used, the process of the procedure differs, only the time is the same - no more than 10-15 minutes:
- For the transabdominal method. In this case, the woman lies on the couch on her back. In this case, you should lift the clothes so that the stomach and groin area are left without them. The doctor moves the sensor over the stomach, having previously squeezed a little special gel. It is intended for better contact of the device with the skin. The movement of the sensor across the abdomen is accompanied by slight pressure.
- For the transvaginal method. A narrow sensor is inserted into the vagina. The woman takes a position on the couch: on her back, bending her knees and spreading them slightly. At this time, the doctor, having put a condom on the device and lubricated it with gel, inserts the sensor into the vagina. To avoid discomfort, at this moment you need to relax.
- For the transrectal method. The sensor is inserted through the anus into the rectum. The patient lies on the couch on his side, legs bent and pulled towards the stomach. The sensor, with a condom on and lubricated with gel, is carefully inserted into the anus. The device is small and narrow, so pain its introduction does not cause.
Interpretation of ovarian ultrasound
Diagnostics of the paired genital organs in question shows the contours, size and shape of the ovaries. In addition, through the screen of the device, the attending physician can see the structure of the follicles. Since the condition of the ovaries is unchanged throughout the menstrual cycle, and the characteristics of the follicles (their number and size) depend on the phases of menstruation, the doctor often prescribes a study at each stage. This is how the doctor checks for the presence of pathologies (cysts, tumors, inflammations) and general state organs.
Normal indicators
On the ultrasound machine screen, the doctor should see paired small oval organs located slightly behind and on the sides of the uterus. This arrangement is normal. The contours of the ovaries are lumpy, which is explained by the presence of follicles, uneven and clear. A slight difference in the size of the ovaries is acceptable (often the right organ is larger than the left). If the difference exceeds 5 millimeters, then there is a high probability of pathology.
The following ovarian parameters are normal, which are indicated in the transcript:
- length – from 20 to 37 mm;
- width – from 18 to 30 mm;
- volume – from 4 to 10 cubic meters. cm.
The follicles that make up the ovaries change throughout the menstrual cycle. So, the norm is considered to be such sizes and the number of these structural components, How:
- 5-10 pieces, each 2-6 mm in size, on days 5-7 of menstruation;
- 5-9 follicles, not exceeding 10 mm, and the release of a dominant one measuring about 15 mm on days 8-10 of the cycle;
- an increase in the dominant follicle to 20 mm and ovulation on days 11-14;
- the appearance of a corpus luteum with a size of 15-20 mm instead of the previous follicle on days 15-18 of the menstrual cycle;
- the growth of the resulting body is no more than 27 mm on days 19-23;
- reduction of the corpus luteum to 10-15 mm on days 24-27 of menstruation.
After the onset of menopause, women experience a decrease in the size of the ovaries, which is normal. This is explained by the fact that the functional activity of the organs in question decreases. So the optimal characteristics for women in the post-climactic period will be:
- length – about 20-25 mm;
- width – from 12 to 15 mm;
- volume – 1.5-4 cubic meters. cm.
Pathologies
An examination using an ultrasound machine allows the attending physician to detect pathologies in the condition of the ovaries and prescribe based on the results effective treatment. The following types of deviations can be detected by a specialist:
- physiological cyst (follicular, luteal, which occurs on the corpus luteum);
- polycystic disease (an increase in the size of the paired genital organs and the presence of a large number of cysts on them);
- pathological cyst;
- inflammation of the ovaries;
- tumors, both benign and malignant;
- ovarian cancer.
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The ovaries play very important role in the reproductive system of a female representative. Without their normal work, a lady will not be able to have children. During menopause, the ovaries stop working and decrease in size.
However, they are subject to various dangerous diseases, including the formation of cancerous tumors. In this publication we will look at how the size of the ovaries should normally change during menopause, what possible pathologies of this organ are possible, as well as methods for diagnosing its condition.
The ovaries are oval-shaped organs of the female reproductive system. They are located on either side of the uterus. In the tissues of the ovaries there are special vesicles - follicles, intended for the development of eggs. They are clearly visible on ultrasound, and also produce female sex hormones: progesterone and estrogens.
From the first day of the menstrual cycle, the process of growth and maturation of follicles begins under the influence. One follicle grows faster than the others. The egg matures in it, and it is called dominant. The growth of other follicles is slowed down. During ovulation, the follicle ruptures and the egg is released. The ruptured follicle transforms into corpus luteum which produces progesterone.
Under the influence of sex hormones, the reproductive function of a woman is ensured, and this is only possible with normal functioning of the ovaries. When the egg is fertilized, pregnancy occurs. If the egg is not fertilized, the menstrual cycle will end with menstruation.
In the eggs of girls during intrauterine development a certain number of follicles are laid. Over the entire reproductive period, hundreds of eggs mature, most of which remain unfertilized. When the supply of follicles in the ovaries is depleted, it occurs. Normally, menopause occurs at the age of 50.
In these dimensions, menopause can be compared to pathologies.
How organ size changes during menopause
In women of reproductive age, the normal size of the ovaries has the following parameters:
- organ length – 20-35 mm;
- its width is 15-20 mm;
- thickness – 20-25 mm.
Both organs differ in size. This difference is considered normal. In a forty-year-old woman, the normal weight of one organ is 9.5 g.
During premenopause
The menopausal period has three stages, during which the ovaries change their size. The first stage is called perimenopause. It starts with the first symptoms of menopause - increased sweating, horse racing blood pressure, excessive irritability and others. Provokes them hormonal imbalance, which occurs due to the fact that the ovaries begin to produce fewer sex hormones.
How female genital organs change with age.
The menstrual cycle is disrupted. It becomes shorter or longer, and the amount also changes critical days and profuse menstrual flow. Delays are more common in women. First for a few days, and then weeks and months. The amount of menstrual flow decreases and lasts fewer days.
The first changes in the ovaries occur in premenopause against the background. The number of remaining follicles decreases with each menstruation. The cortex, which previously contained follicles, is replaced by connective tissue.
The ovaries begin to decrease in size to the following parameters:
- length does not exceed 25 mm;
- width no more than 15 mm;
- thickness within 9-12 mm.
The ovaries are constantly decreasing in size. After a few months, both organs become the same size.
During menopause and postmenopause
During menopause, the last independent menstruation occurs. They can only be established retrospectively. Therefore, the diagnosis of menopause is made 12 months after menstruation, if there has been no menstrual flow. Throughout this year, the ovaries continue to decrease in size.
The following sizes of ovaries at menopause are considered the accepted norm:
- length is in the range of 20-25 mm;
- width – 12-15 mm;
- thickness – 9-12 mm.
The volume of the organ decreases to a value of 1.5-4 cm 3. In some women, the follicles in the ovaries during menopause still remain in small quantities, but they can no longer develop. Accordingly, ovulation does not occur. If a lady takes a urine test, it will reveal what is produced by the adrenal cortex.
Final stage menopause. In postmenopause, menstrual function is completely absent. Many people are interested in what happens to the ovaries, which are female body completely completed.
They continue to decrease in size. So, 5 years after the start of this stage, the volume of the ovaries will be approximately 2.5 cm3, and after 10 years - 1.5 cm3. The weight of the organ in a 60-year-old lady normally does not exceed 4 g.
Pathologies during menopause
After menopause, the risk of developing ovarian pathologies increases. Therefore, women should undergo a routine examination by a gynecologist every year, which includes an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
Normally, the ovaries should shrink. When an enlargement of organs is detected during ultrasound diagnostics, it is necessary to undergo a more thorough examination in order to diagnose the emerging pathology.
It could be:
- Cyst.
In menopausal women, only 30% have both organs affected. In the vast majority of cases, only one ovary occurs pathological changes– is formed follicular cyst. These are round anechoic formations with a thin-walled capsule. They occur due to hormonal disorders and can resolve on their own over 2-3 menstrual cycles. When this does not happen, treatment is carried out. If an endometrioid cyst develops, it has a harder capsule and is capable of degenerating into a malignant neoplasm. Therefore, it is removed through surgery. - Polycystic disease.
With this disease, several cysts can form in the ovary at the same time. Such formation during menopause occurs more often than single cysts. This is due to the fact that the level of female sex hormones has decreased significantly, and the amount male hormones, on the contrary, increased. Leads to this result long-term use oral contraceptives, which were not prescribed by a gynecologist and were not suitable for a specific body. Polycystic disease may be side effect taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
Hormonal medications treat menopausal symptoms, but they contribute to the development of neoplasms. Therefore, you should absolutely not take such medications on your own.
Expert opinion
Alexandra Yurievna
Doctor general practice, associate professor, teacher of obstetrics, work experience 11 years.
Malignant neoplasms
According to, medical statistics Ovarian cancer ranks second among cancer diseases leading to fatal outcome women after menopause.
Structure of the female ovary.
Therefore, all ladies should know the symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Pain appears in the pelvic area, which causes discomfort to the woman.
- There is bloating or bloating in the abdomen, as if you overeat.
- Persistent indigestion, which should be a reason to visit a doctor and undergo a medical examination.
- The frequency of urination increases. Moreover, every time there may be a urge to immediately urinate.
- Appetite worsens.
- A woman’s weight changes very quickly, either increasing or decreasing.
- The waist size increases.
- Sexual intercourse causes pain.
- The lower back or lower abdomen may hurt.
With the development of ovarian cancer, these signs may be constantly present, and they will also get worse. The most basic symptom of development cancerous tumor is the presence of blood in urine, feces and sputum. Moreover, this symptom manifests itself both with a small size of the malignant neoplasm and with a large tumor.
What you need to know about ovarian cancer
The main causes of ovarian cancer include lack of childbirth and abortions. Hormonal medications taken may provoke the development of malignant neoplasms.
All women need to know what to do if they find themselves specified symptoms and suspicion of development cancer. You should immediately undergo examination by a gynecologist and oncologist. So, the lady will save her health and life.
Cancer has 4 stages, which differ in the distribution of the disease in the female body:
- Stage I – the tumor has formed on only one ovary.
- Stage II – the neoplasm develops on one or two organs, but it has simultaneously spread to the pelvic area.
- Stage III – one or two ovaries are affected by the tumor, and metastases are located outside the pelvis and can penetrate into the retroperitoneum The lymph nodes.
- Stage IV – malignant tumor is present on one or both ovaries, and metastases already have a separate character of distribution and manifestation.
On early stages the disease is easier and faster to cure. The main treatment for cancer is surgical intervention. Chemotherapy is used in combination with it. Radiation therapy with the development of a cancerous tumor on the ovary it is ineffective.
What diagnostics are needed after menopause?
In order not to miss what is happening in the organs of the reproductive system pathological processes A woman should undergo a routine medical examination by a gynecologist at least once a year. Doctors advise doing it more often – once every six months. The doctor will conduct gynecological examination and will refer the lady for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
This study allows you to assess the condition of the ovaries and uterus. The specialist will determine the size and structure of the organs, and also assess compliance with normal parameters for a particular age. If a neoplasm appears on the organs, then with the help this study you can accurately determine its location and size.
You should know that in some cases even completely healthy woman It is almost impossible to determine the condition of the ovaries after the onset of menopause using ultrasound. Due to the lack of follicles, they are not visible even with a full bladder. The lady will be offered to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound procedure, which is a more accurate study.
A woman can always find time to visit a gynecologist if she wishes. Regular ultrasound during menopause will detect the occurrence of pathology at the earliest stages, despite the natural reduction of organs. When the ovary is abnormally enlarged, the woman will be referred for consultation to an oncologist.
If the tumor is detected at the initial stage of development, it will be easier to treat it. Most oncologists are of the opinion that once a woman is diagnosed with menopause, any cyst or tumor on the ovary should be removed. The size of the tumor is not significant. This position is associated with high risk rebirth benign neoplasm into malignant against the background of long-term low level estrogens.
Bottom line
Ladies who have experienced menopause should understand that stopping menstrual function, does not lead to the absence of problems in the reproductive system, but rather, on the contrary, requires increased attention to it. The work of the ovaries ceases with the onset of menopause, but they are susceptible to the development of pathologies and cancerous tumors.
Carrying out regular medical examinations will help to detect a tumor that has just appeared and prevent it from growing until last stage diseases where treatment does not always work positive result. We wish you good health!
What do you know about changes in the ovaries during menopause?
The content of the article:
An ultrasound examination of the ovaries is usually performed in conjunction with an examination of the uterus.
Ultrasound of the ovaries is indicated if there is a suspicion of any gynecological disease. The procedure is painless, lasts on average 10-15 minutes, the result is given to the patient immediately after the examination. Why is an ultrasound of the ovaries done, what are the normal sizes for women according to ultrasound, what are the indications for performing the study - we will talk about this in more detail in the article.
So, indications for undergoing the examination:
Irregularity of the menstrual cycle.
Infertility.
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.
Delayed menstruation for no apparent reason.
Preventive examination.
Research for assisted reproductive technologies.
Dynamic observation of women with chronic pathology genital organs.
Pain syndrome.
With an ovarian ultrasound, the doctor can obtain information that is sufficient to make a diagnosis. If necessary, it is justified to undergo additional instrumental and laboratory diagnostics. First of all, this is magnetic resonance imaging, blood testing for tumor markers and hormonal status.
There are no contraindications to undergoing a gynecological examination with ultrasound. In the ultrasound examination protocol, the diagnostician assesses the shape of the organ, tissue density, and the presence or absence of pathological neoplasms.
What types of ultrasound of the appendages exist?
The ovarian ultrasound procedure in women is performed transabdominally, transvaginally and transrectally
Ultrasound of the ovaries can be performed in the following ways:
Transabdominal.
In this case, the sensor is located on the body in the projection of the ovaries. Inspection is made through the anterior abdominal wall. The method is suitable for screening (mass) preventive studies for the primary identification of pathology. Just 10-15 years ago, transabdominal ultrasound was the main diagnostic method pathological conditions appendages, but now there is a more reliable method for making a diagnosis - transvaginal ultrasound of the appendages.
Transvaginal ultrasound appendage involves inserting a sensor directly into the vagina.
The uterus and ovarian follicular apparatus are assessed. With this access, visualization internal organs much better.
Transrectal ultrasound.
An alternative method of ultrasound diagnostics, used as additional method in diagnostics gynecological diseases in girls with preserved hymen. The sensor is smaller and is inserted into the rectum.
Ultrasound examination, no matter how wonderful it is and quick method examination, cannot answer with 100% accuracy whether the detected neoplasm is benign or malignant.
Of course, if the sonogram shows advanced ovarian cancer, with invasion into neighboring organs, where regional lymph nodes hang in clusters, the diagnosis is beyond doubt. But even in this case, only after a histological examination has been performed, the final diagnosis will be established.
Preparing for an ultrasound of the ovaries
Preparation activities will depend on the chosen ultrasound diagnostic method. Before transabdominal ultrasound of the ovaries, it is necessary to give up food that provokes flatulence (bloating) of the intestines for 3 days.
It is forbidden:
Milk,
greenery,
peas,
carbonated drinks,
barley,
cabbage,
black bread,
yeast-containing products.
It is better if you eat light food for 3-4 days before diagnosis.
Immediately before the procedure itself, it is necessary to do a cleansing enema.
Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus with appendages is performed on a filled bladder, therefore, about an hour before the procedure, you need to drink about a liter clean water no gases. If you are planning an ultrasound examination through the rectum, it is worth doing a cleansing enema in advance. Dietary recommendations are similar.
When is the best time to do an ovarian ultrasound?
The period varies and depends on the goals set by the gynecologist: the most valuable diagnostic sonograms are obtained on days 5-7 of the menstrual cycle.
If a woman is planning to undergo assisted reproductive technologies, then the process of ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum is monitored at 8-10, 12-14, 22-24 days.
In general, if necessary, ultrasound monitors the maturation of follicles throughout the entire cycle.
The sonogram shows how many follicles have matured, whether there are dominant follicle(especially important for IVF!), other features.
The size of the ovaries is normal according to ultrasound
In young girls and women of reproductive age, the ovaries are the same size:
Width 25 mm,
Length 30 mm,
Thickness 15 mm.
In the process of life, towards the beginning of natural decline functional ability ovaries, size may vary: largest size recorded in women aged 40 years. Very often, an ultrasound scan of a woman’s ovaries reveals cystic formations- cavities filled with liquid contents. Their presence does not indicate gross pathology; most likely, upon repeated examination, the cyst will disappear on its own. If this does not happen, then it is necessary to undergo treatment, initially conservative.
There are cases when the ovary cannot be seen during an ultrasound examination. In such cases, it is carried out differential diagnosis between congenital anomaly, adhesive process due to tumor or inflammation; or increased accumulation of gases in the intestines led to difficult visualization.
In the absence of pathology, the contours of the ovary are lumpy, due to the location of the follicles.
Normally, their number is 9-10; if there are 2 times less, this allows one to suspect changes in the female reproductive sphere. The diameter of the follicle is from 3 to 5 mm, later the dominant follicle increases to 24 mm, it contains a full-fledged, mature egg. Ovulation is the process of maturation and release of an egg from the follicle.
Conclusions that are available after performing an ultrasound of the ovaries:
A variant of normal ovulation.
Follicular atresia.
There is no ovulation process, the immature follicle is reduced in size. There is no release of the egg.
The process of folliculogenesis is absent.
Throughout the entire menstrual cycle there are no changes, follicle formation is absent.
Follicular cyst.
The follicle has arisen, its size corresponds to the norm, but it does not leave the ovary, but continues its development, transforming into a cyst.
Pathological oogenesis (this is the name of the process) is the cause of female infertility.
As we noted above, an ovarian cyst may disappear on its own after several menstruation. This statement is true for both follicular and luteal cysts (corpus luteum).
If a follicular cyst ruptures, it is an emergency and requires immediate hospitalization followed by emergency surgery.
Dermoid cyst- a neoplasm of a round shape, with thickened walls, filled with dermoid contents: cells that should become skin and its appendages (hair, nail plates).
Photo of an ovarian cyst in a woman on ultrasound
Endometrioid cyst - develops against the background of endometriosis, a disease in which hormone-dependent growth of endometrial foci occurs.
In this case, the glandular tissue from the uterus is “thrown” into the ovary, the cyst in 80% of cases is localized on one side. An endometrioid cyst looks like a round formation, with uneven wall thickness. There may be inclusions with a diameter of up to 2-3 mm inside.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
At polycystic ovary syndrome there is a significant increase in size. In this case, multiple cysts with a diameter of up to 9 mm are clearly visible.
To normalize the condition, it is prescribed hormone therapy, Maybe surgical treatment. The most severe pathology, both in terms of treatment and prognosis, is ovarian cancer. On an echogram it is practically indistinguishable from a cyst. A cyst with malignancy (malignant), in most cases, is multi-chambered, with heterogeneous contents.
Signs of ovarian cancer in women on ultrasound
Let's summarize:
Ultrasound of the ovaries (appendages) and uterus is in a good way diagnose a variety of pathologies of the female reproductive system. Timely diagnosis diseases helps prevent the spread of pathology, which is important when malignant neoplasms ovary. Moreover, ultrasound diagnostics resolves issues regarding the preservation of reproductive function.
The normal size of the ovaries according to ultrasound in women is important indicator which characterizes her reproductive system. Using ultrasound, you can determine the size and shape of the ovaries and their location.
The data obtained as a result of the study must be compared with normal values. Regular examinations will help to identify in time possible deviations that provoke diseases of the female reproductive system.
Usually, during an ultrasound, the doctor diagnoses not only the ovaries, but also other reproductive organs. This method is called gynecological ultrasound examination. There are 3 ways to examine the ovaries using ultrasound:
- Transabdominal.
- Transvaginal.
- Transrectal.
Transabdominal diagnosis
Transabdominal diagnosis involves the use of a wide sensor. The doctor runs this device along the front wall of the woman’s abdomen, looking at the condition of the internal organs. Until recently, this was the only way to examine the organs of the female reproductive system using ultrasound. Today it has been established that the transabdominal method allows us to identify only gross pathology.
Transvaginal diagnosis
Transvaginal ultrasound is performed using a special thin sensor that is inserted into the vagina.
Transrectal examination
Transrectal examination is usually prescribed for virgins. If the abdominal sensor does not detect any pathology, then a special device must be inserted into the rectum.
To undergo an ultrasound and get reliable results, you need to prepare for the diagnosis in advance. If the doctor uses a transabdominal sensor, then 3 days before it is necessary to exclude foods that can cause fermentation from the diet. These include cabbage, black bread, carbonated drinks, and legumes. It is also advisable to drink sorbent or Espumisan, and an hour before the ultrasound you need to drink up to 1 liter ordinary water, since diagnosis is carried out with a full bladder.
For a vaginal examination, the bladder must be empty, but 1-2 days before the examination you also need to take a sorbent. The same conditions must be observed before undergoing transrectal diagnostics. In addition, the rectum must be empty. If it is difficult to do this yourself, you can use glycerin suppositories, do enemas or microenemas, drink a laxative.
The attending physician should prescribe an ovarian ultrasound procedure for women. It all depends on the goals of the diagnosis. During a routine examination, it is advisable to conduct the study on days 5-7 of the cycle. The procedure can be done during menstruation or immediately after it. If the doctor needs to evaluate the functioning of the organ, then it is advisable to do an ultrasound several times during the cycle. For example, on the 10th, 16th and 24th day of the cycle.
Pelvic ultrasound in women: when and on what day of the cycle is it recommended to do it
Normal ovarian size
To begin with, it is important to note that in a healthy woman of reproductive age, the ovaries can change in size. This is influenced by the level of hormones and the general condition of the body. Also, their size depends on the woman’s age, the number of pregnancies (both interrupted and those that ended in childbirth). As a rule, the right and left ovaries are not the same; the difference in size is usually no more than a few mm. If the ovaries are disproportionate, this may indicate inflammation or the presence of a tumor.
The main indicator that doctors focus on is not the length or width of the ovary, but its volume. By comparing this indicator with the norm, the specialist will be able to determine the presence of cysts, tumors or other pathologies.
Normal ovarian size for a healthy woman:
- Volume 4-10 cubic meters cm.
- Length 20-37 mm.
- Width 18-33 mm.
- Thickness 16-22 mm.
It is not worth making a diagnosis based only on ultrasound of the ovaries, since the indicators have a fairly large scatter. For staging accurate diagnosis many factors must be taken into account.
Reasons for deviations from the norm
When the ovaries begin to work during puberty, they may undergo a number of changes. During pregnancy, they increase in size as blood flow to the genitals increases. This is necessary for the fetus to be nourished. useful substances. If the uterus with the fetus, which is continuously growing, gradually increases, then it is capable of displacing the pelvic organs upward. At the same time, the size of the ovaries increases by a couple of cm.
It is also important to note that during pregnancy, the ovaries do not produce eggs and are not able to produce estrogen. But instead, the paired organs produce progesterone. This hormone is necessary for pregnancy and childbirth. After the birth of a child, the ovaries gradually decrease in size. As a rule, within 2 months the synthesis of estrogen is completely resumed and the woman’s body normalizes reproductive function. But if a woman is breastfeeding, then the restoration of the size of the paired organs slows down and their normal functioning begins only after breastfeeding is completed.
The ovaries are located at the so-called ribs of the uterus. The distance from them to the uterus can be different, while gynecological ultrasound does not indicate such indicators. The normal functioning of paired organs excludes the presence of any neoplasms filled with fluid. The presence of other tumor-like growths is also considered a deviation from the norm.
What should be the diet before an abdominal ultrasound?
There are times when the doctor cannot detect the ovary using ultrasound. This is possible in the following cases:
- congenital absence of an ovary;
- removal of an organ during surgery;
- premature exhaustion;
- bloating;
- adhesive disease of the pelvis.
In the last 2 cases, you need to re-diagnosis, having previously prepared for it. It is recommended to take Espumisan or sorbent.
Effect of age
A woman’s reproductive function declines with age, and this process is also reflected in the size of the ovaries. With age, they decrease, and when postmenopause occurs, the ovaries become the same size. In this period normal indicators are considered:
- Volume 1.5-4 cubic meters. cm.
- Length 20-25 mm.
- Width 12-15 mm.
- Thickness 9-12 mm.
When post-menopause occurs, the ovaries still continue to produce single follicles throughout the early years. Because of this, millimeter fluctuations in the size of paired organs are possible.
Cystic formations of the ovaries
Cystic formations frighten women most of all. If a doctor sees an ovarian cyst using an ultrasound, then you should not panic ahead of time. There are tumors that form due to changes in hormone levels. They usually disappear on their own. Such neoplasms are called physiological. These include:
- corpus luteum cyst;
- follicular cyst.
If the doctor discovered a corpus luteum on the ovary during an ultrasound, then this is a luteal cyst. It appears where the mature egg has emerged from the follicle. The diameter of such a neoplasm is more than 30 mm. Many women worry about how this disease goes away. If pregnancy does not occur, then after several cycles the cyst disappears. During pregnancy, it can remain until the placenta completely takes over the production of progesterone. This period can last about 4 months.
A follicular cyst forms at the site of follicle maturation. It usually grows from the first day of menstruation until ovulation. The diameter of such a neoplasm can reach 5 cm. Often the follicular cyst ruptures. This process is accompanied sharp pain in a stomach. In this case, there is no need to delay emergency hospitalization. But most often this tumor goes away on its own.
The remaining cysts are classified as pathological neoplasms.
