KissMeGoodnight eLearning Series:
Your Sexual Health

Your Ovaries:
What Every Pre-Pubescent Girl Should Know

What are ovaries? Ovaries are part of the woman’s reproductive organs. They are located in the pelvic region. Their shape is small and oblong. The ovaries lie below the fallopian tubes on either side of the uterus. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries. The size of the ovaries is about the same as an almond. They also have a pearl-like color to them. The ovaries are responsible for two primary sexual reproduction functions: to produce eggs and hormones. During a woman’s menstrual cycle the ovaries release one egg, this then travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. An egg is released each month from the opposite ovary as the previous month. So one month an egg is released from the right side. The next month the egg is released from the left side.

The hormones that are in the female are called estrogen and progesterone. These hormones aid in controlling the menstrual cycle and other physical developments of a girls body as she moves into becoming a young woman. Approximately every month, around two-weeks before her next period is due, her body releases an egg for fertilization. This usually begins around the age of 14 or 15 years old. When the egg is released a sac forms around it separating it from the rest of the ovary. When the young woman’s body begins to ovulate, the egg is released and carried through the fallopian tubes and bursts from its sac – this is very normal – once this is done the fluid surrounding the egg and the egg itself are released into the pelvic region. If fertilization of the egg does not occur within a 72-hour window, it will then be washed from the body along with the lining of the uterus as the women’s period begins.

If you are sexually active and have unprotected sex this is the time when you could get pregnant. If you are not sexually active or if you are, having sex and using birth control you will move into your period, as your uterus does not have an egg to carry it will begin the discharge process. Once you have been, having your period for a while you will notice that you fall into a cycle. Most women have their period every 28 to 34 days

The hormones that the ovaries produce include estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. These hormones are released throughout the woman’s life cycle. The amounts of these hormones fluctuate throughout her life until she reaches menopause, which at that time they begin to decrease. The ovaries do begin to change in size when a woman reaches her thirties. She loses mass very rapidly after the age of 45. As a woman ages only the outermost covering of the ovaries regress and begin to shrink. During the mid-life portion of the woman, the innermost parts of the ovary become active for the first time in our lives.

When a woman reaches menopause the ovaries can continue to produce hormones. A woman needs these hormones because the aid in the prevention of osteoporosis and help in maintaining our energy and sex drive. If for some reason she experiences problems with her uterus or other reproductive organs she can have surgery and the hormones that she would have produced naturally she will take in the form of a supplement.

Several diseases can occur within the ovaries. Such as:

• Acute and/or chronic inflammation
• Tumors
• Cancer
• Fibroids
• Cysts

A woman may get an ultrasound for a number of reasons, when she does the ovaries are scanned as well and cysts will show up. Small cysts are normal, as this is a natural production throughout a woman’s life. As you go through puberty and move into a young woman, it will be important to have regular exams usually monthly. These are preventive exams and the doctor will check for any possible problems that may develop.

There are many exciting changes happening to your body now. This is a time to enjoy the changes knowing you are becoming a young woman. As you are developing into a beautiful young woman, remember there are responsibilities that go along with getting older. Continue to educate yourself regarding your body. Do not let anyone talk you into or force sex upon you. If you have, any questions go to your parents or another trusted sibling or adult. Most of all, remember you are entering a wonderful time of your life.

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by KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

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