Is it normal for one ovary to be higher than the other

Comparison of ultrasound markers of ovarian size between the two ovaries in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The p -values were determined using the paired-samples t -test. An increased ovarian size observed using ultrasonography is the cardinal feature underlying the diagnosis of PCO [ 4 , 9 , 10 ]. Accordingly, ultrasound assessment in women with PCOS is highly advantageous for comparing the size of the two ovaries. Additionally, PCO is one of the three diagnostic criteria for PCOS, so an ultrasound assessment of PCO should be performed based on the strict standards set forth by the international consensus [ 4 , 15 ].

In the present study, all ultrasound assessments were performed by the same physician. This standardization in accordance with the published guidelines helped us avoid intraobserver variation in the ultrasound assessment of PCO despite the retrospective design of the study. No clear explanation exists for the relatively high AFC and ovarian volume that we found in the right ovary.

However, two possible explanations can attempt to resolve this finding of inter-ovarian differences in size. First, the configuration of the sigmoid colon may be a factor influencing the incidence of pelvic sidedness [ 16 - 18 ]. The left side of the pelvic cavity may be a less optimal location for ovarian growth than the right side due to decreased space in the left lower pelvic cavity resulting from the S-shaped curve and descent of the left side of the sigmoid colon.

A second possible explanation for this finding is the difference in venous drainage between the two ovaries [ 16 - 18 ].

The right ovarian vein generally drains into the inferior vena cava, while the left ovarian vein drains into the renal vein, and this discrepancy may be an additional factor that contributes to the size difference between the right and left ovaries.

Jokubkiene et al. A handful of studies have addressed the issue of size differences between the left and right ovary [ 5 , 18 - 20 ]. Deb et al. In addition, Jokubkiene et al. In that study, 3D transvaginal grayscale ultrasonography was used to estimate ovarian volume as well as the number and volume of antral follicles. The authors [ 18 ] reported that in the participants who were 20 to 29 years old, the right ovary was larger mean difference, 0. The results of these two studies were consistent with the results of ours.

In contrast, Merz et al. Tugrul et al. Those findings are not in agreement with our results. The variation in normal ovarian size results from the endogenous production of hormones, which varies with each menstrual cycle [ 21 ]. Ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum in the preceding cycle may influence the variation in ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve between the ovaries [ 5 , 22 ]. In the present study, all ultrasound assessments were conducted in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, when the population of follicles in the ovary predominantly consists of antral follicles [ 5 ], to minimize the impact of menstrual cycle variation on ovarian size.

The limitations of the present study predominantly stem from its retrospective design and relatively small sample size. In particular, the relatively small number of study participants prohibited us from conducting a subgroup analysis based on age. This study was a preliminary investigation, and we did not investigate other ultrasound parameters such as ovarian stromal echogenicity and ovarian arterial blood flow indices.

Additionally, our study is based on results from a 2D ultrasound assessment; this may be an additional limitation, because 3D and Doppler ultrasound examinations, although they are not required in the diagnosis of PCO [ 4 ], may be more useful research tools for this purpose than 2D ultrasonography. In our research, PCO was diagnosed by ultrasonography using the Rotterdam criteria [ 9 ]. Further studies based on the revised recommendations are warranted.

In conclusion, ultrasonographic observations indicated that ovarian markers of size, AFC, and ovarian volume were significantly different between the two ovaries of an individual in Korean women with PCOS. However, women with PCOS are an underrepresented group in the general population, and these results of inter-ovarian differences as determined by ultrasonography in women with PCOS may not be representative of the population as a whole.

Further largescale multi-center trials with subjects from the general population are needed to help clarify these preliminary results. Conflict of interest. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Clin Exp Reprod Med. Published online Nov Sungwook Chun. Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer.

During your menstrual cycle, your ovary naturally swells up as an egg matures and prepares for release. Fluid-filled sacs called cysts that form in the ovaries are another possible reason for these organs to swell up. Later in life, enlarged ovaries could be a sign of ovarian cancer. This is serious. Keep reading to learn what symptoms to watch for, what treatment options are available, and when to see your doctor.

Ovulation is the part of your menstrual cycle when your ovary releases an egg. It happens at about the midpoint day 14 of your cycle.

Right before you ovulate, follicles in your ovaries swell up as the eggs grow and get ready to be released. In this case, ovarian enlargement is a normal part of your menstrual cycle. The swelling will go down once an egg is released. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovaries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they affect up to 18 percent of women.

There are three different types of ovarian cysts:. Fluid can build up inside the sac and form a type of cyst called corpus luteum. A dermoid cyst contains tissues that are normally found in other parts of your body. This includes your hair follicles, oil glands, or sweat glands. These tissues release their normal substances inside your ovary, which can make it swell up.

Dermoid cysts form as an embryo is developing. Skin, sweat glands, and other tissue become trapped inside the skin as it grows. Doctors often discover them while doing an imaging scan or surgery for another reason. Instead, it grows and turns into a cyst. They go away on their own. If cysts are large enough to cause symptoms like pain and bloating, or if they burst, you may need surgery to have them removed. Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills to prevent future ovarian cysts.

Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary and part of the fallopian tube twists around. It often happens because of a cyst or other growth on the ovary. Ovarian torsion is most likely to affect a woman during her reproductive years. Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency. The twisting can cut off blood flow to the ovary, causing the tissue to die and the ovary to become infected.

An endometrioma is an ovarian cyst that forms from endometrial tissue. This is the same tissue that lines the uterus. It affects women with endometriosis. Let me know how it goes will keep fingers crossed x. Did you have a cyst? And why did they do surgery? I thought biopsy results usually take a few days x. I explained but also said I'd had previous hysterectomy and prolapse surgeries and wasn't sure if the pain was connected to which she said that her report would be going immediately to go and to expect a referral to gynaecologist as may be a cyst.

The next day I had a call to see gynae on the Tuesday which felt like forever when there he held the mass in his hands which shocked me as I hadn't really noticed it but did have all the bloating, back pain etc. I was told I would be discussed at MDT and would need surgery I asked him did he think cancer he said we will talk more next week.

I hope your results are normal hun. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? My biggest fear is infertility as I'm 36 and not married yet. I'm 43 and had my hysterectomy at 39 I already have children and was sterilised before I had to make decisions so I totally understand how worried you are. I joined a group on Facebook for ovarian cysts and have seen many that have managed to go on to have successful pregnancies.

Even those with the dreaded C diagnosis. Me too, im 35, no children. I was hoping to try this year but something isn't right at all. Constantly bloated like I need to push my tummy out, left ovary pain and terrible lower back ache. Hi I was just reading and your symptoms sound so similar to mine. Did you have any tests and results yet? I've always had little niggles in my right side which I put down to either my endometriosis or pcos however since around 6 weeks ago I get this awful pain in my right side and it hurts all in my hip and lower back it's so bad that even when I sit on the toilet it feels like I have a really bad dragging feeling all in the right side of my abdomen.

I spoke to my gynaecologist who has sent for an ultrasound scan to rule out an ovarian cyst. I'm worried as if anything happens to that ovary and I have to have it took out I'll then go into menopause at 38 years old that's not something I want.

I knew straight away things had started to change again after my op and luckily gynae checked for me as they had to leave a tiny part of ovary that was stuck to bowel. They found another massive mass so I underwent major surgery with gynae and bowel surgeon in November and luckily they save my bowel which they didn't think they could.

Again I was lucky and it was benign I'm now on luperoelin injections to make sure the hormones don't allow any remaining cells to grow. Oh my goodness I am so glad your okay now and they have given you medication to prevent anything else happening. I had an internal vaginal scan last year which the results were an enlarged left or right ovary.

I can't remember which.