The mature ovary is a light-gray structure most commonly described as the size and shape of a large almond shell. With age, the ovaries become smaller and firmer, and after menopause they become difficult for gynecologists to feel. The ovaries have a dual responsibility—to produce ova and to secrete hormones.
The ovary is the repository of oocytes, also known as ova, or eggs, in the female. A women is born with approximately 250,000 ova in each ovary, each sitting in its own primary follicle (Rome, 1998). Approximately 300 to 500 of these will develop into mature eggs during a woman’s reproductive years (Macklon & Fauser, 2000). The primary follicle contains an immature ovum surrounded by a thin layer of follicular cells. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released in sequence by the pituitary gland during each menstrual cycle, causing about 20 primary follicles at a time to begin maturing. Usually only one follicle finishes maturing each month, which is then termed a secondary follicle, containing a secondary oocyte. At ovulation, the secondary follicle bursts, and the ovum begins its journey down the Fallopian tube. The surface of a mature ovary is thus usually pitted and dimpled at sites of previous ovulations.
Ovulation can occur each month from either the right or left ovary. No one knows why one or the other ovary releases an ovum any given month; sometimes they take turns, and sometimes they do not. It seems to be mostly a matter of chance. If one ovary.
is removed, however, the other ovary will often ovulate every month (Nilsson, 1990). R6Vi6WQll6Stion
The ovaries are also the female’s most important producer of female sex hormones, such identify and discuss the functions of the
as estrogen, which we will discuss later in this chapter. internal female sexual organs.
Question: My girlfriend told me that my penis is too large for her vagina and that it causes her pain during intercourse. How far can the vagina expand?
Although it is true that the vagina expands and lengthens during sexual arousal, not every vagina expands to the same degree. If a man’s penis is very large, it can bump against the woman’s cervix during thrusting, which can cause discomfort. In such cases it is particularly important to make sure the woman is fully aroused before attempting penetration and to try a variety of positions to find which is most comfortable for her. The female superior position or the rear entry positions (see Chapter 10) may help her control the depth of penetration. Either partner’s hand around the base of the penis (depending on the position) may also prevent full penetration, as will some devices such as "cock rings," which are sold through adult catalogues or in adult stores. If the woman’s pain continues, she should consult with her gynecologist to rule out a physiological problem and to get more advice and information.
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SneakPeek "Women who had low self-esteem, low body image, feelings of low control, low optimism, and a lack of support at home were even more likely to benefit from an education intervention.”—Breast Cancer: Education and Support Groups Sexuality* «Now |
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