03_BT_March 2022

Special Feature
By: Dr Ida Lilywaty Md Latar
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G)
Pantai Hospital Cheras (PHC)
Why is ovarian health important?
Can you talk about its function and
how it affects a woman’s overall
health and fertility?
The ovaries are two small rounded female organs in the
pelvis. These are attached on each side of the uterus, near the
opening of the fallopian tubes. The ovaries contain female
gamete cells, called the oocytes or the eggs.
Ovaries are important for a woman’s ovulation. The ovary
releases the egg, which potentially may be fertilised by a
sperm resulting in pregnancy. It also produces the female
hormones: oestrogen and progesterone.
These two hormones are essential in stimulating the
development of secondary sexual characteristics. Besides
facilitating pregnancies, they also assist in birth and lactation
for women. As women age and go through menopause, the
number of oocytes depletes progressively, and subsequently,
ovaries stop producing these hormones and releasing eggs,
physiologically leading to menopause.
What are some common health issues
or diseases associated with ovaries?
Common health problems include ovarian cysts, which can
be benign or malignant and can lead to a medical emergency
such as ovarian torsion, rupture, or bleeding inside the cyst.
Another common health issue that has been increasing in
incidence among women globally due to current lifestyles and
obesity is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Primary ovarian
insufficiency leading to premature menopause is also another
common problem.
On the other hand, patients with PCOS commonly have a
history of irregular or infrequent menses with accompanying
acne and hirsutism (increase in body or facial fair) due to
hormonal imbalances.
As for those with ovarian cancer, it is unfortunate that more
than two-thirds of ovarian cancer are detected at later stages.
Patients would show symptoms like abdominal discomfort
due to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, pressure
symptoms, and other constitutional symptoms like loss of
weight and appetite.
What are some signs that point to
problems with the ovaries?
Signs vary according to the diagnosis. Frequently, ovarian cysts
are found during routine follow up and annual check-ups.
These cases are physiological, needing only regular monitoring.
Larger ovarian cysts can cause discomfort or pain, which
can be severe and acute, especially in ovarian accidents like
torsion, rupture, or haemorrhage. Other types of ovarian
cysts like endometrioma may present with menstrual pain in
various severity.
38 BabyTalk | March 2022