The ovaries are part of a woman’s reproductive system and contain the eggs in tiny fluid-filled sacs known as ovarian follicles. The eggs remain in these ovaries from the time the woman is born until they are mature enough to pass down the fallopian tube during ovulation. In this blog, we will learn about the role of ovarian follicles in fertility.
What is an Ovarian Follicle?
Ovarian follicles are little fluid sacs that enclose a woman’s immature eggs in the ovaries. Once she begins menstruation, these eggs begin to flow down the fallopian tube one at a time with each menstrual cycle. When she enters the stage of puberty, she will have roughly 300,000 to 400,000 follicles.
The follicles influence the menstrual cycle. Each menstrual cycle, one egg grows and matures, and the follicle ruptures during ovulation, releasing the mature egg.
To know how many follicles are left, a woman can get an ultrasound done of her pelvic area. Doctors employ this information to determine a woman’s fertility or the number of follicles and eggs she has left.
Ovarian Follicle Development Stages
The following are the ovarian follicle development stages:
Stage 1: Primary Follicle
This is the initial stage in which the ovarian follicle matures and prepares for release during ovulation. At this point, germinal cells begin to form layers around the ovarian follicle, which are known as primary follicles.
Stage 2: Secondary Follicle
During this stage, the primary follicle matures further. Granular cells create additional layers surrounding the initial follicle, which are now known as secondary follicles.
Stage 3: Tertiary Follicle
During this stage, two further layers of theca, interna and externa, develop around the secondary follicle. It will also have an antrum, which is a space filled with fluid. This tertiary follicle is considerably bigger.
Stage 4: Graafian Follicle
This is the final stage in which the oocyte is fully developed and prepared for release during ovulation. This is also the period at which the corpus luteum develops, which supports and promotes embryo implantation when it is fertilized by sperm.
Ovarian Follicles & Fertility
The female egg, a tiny but vital component, serves as the foundation for fertility. Every month, the eggs undergo significant modifications within the ovarian follicles, resulting in ovulation, which is frequently referred to as the start of the menstrual cycle.
Aside from stimulating follicular formation, the ovary performs a range of other activities to support reproduction. The ovaries perform a varied function in reproductive processes, ranging from hormone production to follicle recruitment and ovulation. When the ovaries eventually allow the maturity of the eggs and ovulation, they have fulfilled their role in conception.
When a woman reaches the age of 35 or is having problems conceiving, doctors will recommend a fertility test. The fertility test will determine her ovarian reserve by counting the number of remaining follicles. Throughout a woman’s life, many follicles dissolve or are reabsorbed by the body, but only one follicle produces a mature egg. The follicles decrease in this manner.
Importance of the Ovary
An ovary is a living, multipurpose twin that serves as a support foundation for the female reproductive body. Furthermore, the ovaries not only contain ovarian follicles but are also capable of producing estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain pregnancy. The ovaries then take up the primary duty of ovulation, which is the process by which mature eggs are delivered into the fallopian tubes, where they are ready for fertilization.
How many eggs are released during ovulation?
The quantity of eggs released after a single ovulation, also known as ovarian reserve, serves as a foundation for determining one’s chances of having a child. Although the number of eggs in older females declines with age, the rate of loss varies per female and depends on both genetic and environmental variables. Assessing ovarian reserve is extremely useful, especially when determining prognosis and selecting a method or technology in assisted reproductive treatments. Perceiving depth to the volume of an egg specifies the area required for fertility management and guides family planning decisions.
Ovarian Follicles and Menopause
Menopause occurs when females stop having periods and are no longer able to conceive naturally. Women who have undergone menopause may feel vaginal dryness. Hormonal levels may also be low, prompting the body to create less estrogen and progesterone.
As people enter menopause, the number of ovarian follicles decreases, and the rate of follicle loss increases throughout the last ten years of the menstrual cycle.
Conditions that can affect your ovarian follicles
A few of the following conditions can negatively impact the ovarian follicles:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS affects a large number of reproductive-aged women. PCOS can cause the secretion of androgens (male sex hormones that also exist in females), acne, and excessive body hair development. This syndrome results in an overabundance of immature ovarian follicles in the ovaries. PCOS inhibits follicle growth, preventing them from releasing eggs.
Functional cysts: Functional cysts can form if the follicle fails to deliver an egg or fluid. These aren’t cancerous, but they can cause pelvic pain. Endometriosis and PCOS are two conditions that can cause the production of ovarian cysts.
Primary ovarian insufficiency: Primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature ovarian failure, occurs when the ovaries cease functioning before the age of 40. This syndrome leads to irregular periods and decreased fertility. Some people may have it during their adolescence. Premature ovarian failure can occur in people with a low number of follicles or who have genetic abnormalities.
Ruptured ovarian cyst: Most ovarian cysts are safe and prevalent among people of reproductive age, but people who have a burst cyst may experience vaginal spotting, stomach bloating, and acute back pain.
Identifying diseases that impact ovarian follicles
To detect ovarian follicle-related diseases, medical professionals may perform the following tests:
Pelvic ultrasound: This scan allows doctors to determine the size of the ovaries and the number of follicles in a person.
Blood testing: These tests can help assess hormone levels and determine whether a person has diabetes or excessive cholesterol.
Hormone level tests: They can assist in identifying the underlying cause of increased hormone production.
Laparoscopy: It is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia. A physician puts a specialized instrument into the abdomen to inspect the cysts and ovaries.
Treating diseases affecting ovarian follicles
Doctors may propose the following treatment choices, based on the condition an individual develops:
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may help persons with primary ovarian insufficiency. This is because they may be at high risk of acquiring osteoporosis.
- Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles, treat PCOS, and lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
- If you have PCOS, the CDC Trusted Source suggests you get tested for type 2 diabetes. A doctor may recommend that you exercise regularly and attempt to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Follicles are vital for female fertility because the hormones they emit promote egg development, menstrual cycles, and early pregnancy in the uterus if the egg is fertilized. Problems with your menstrual cycle, eggs, follicles, or ovarian cysts can all affect pregnancy.
If you’re having difficulty conceiving and want to know what is triggering your infertility, talk to a fertility specialist for diagnosis and treatments.
FAQ’s
Why are ovarian follicles important?
Follicles on your ovaries perform an important function in reproductive health. They help by:
– Protecting your immature eggs.
– Nourishing the eggs until they are ready for ovulation.
– Secreting hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
– Provide information regarding your fertility status while considering treatment for infertility.
What is the difference between an ovarian follicle and a cyst?
While regular follicle development is an important aspect of female fertility, ovarian cysts are not. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that do not serve a functional role but are often harmless.
Do the follicles on your ovary affect your fertility?
Yes. The most prevalent cause of female infertility is the inability to ovulate, which occurs in the majority of infertility cases. Many fertility examinations include blood tests to measure hormone levels related to ovarian follicles.
What is the ideal size of the follicle for fertilization?
When your follicles reach approximately 18-20mm in diameter, they are considered ready for egg collection. You will receive a hormone trigger injection to induce your follicles to release the mature eggs that have been prepared in them.