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Ovaries and uterus

Women are usually born with two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Ovaries are small oval-shaped organs that store eggs. They also make female hormones that control your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

The uterus (womb) is a muscular organ that sits in the belly (abdomen). The lower part of the uterus (cervix) connects to the vagina. The uterus is part of the female reproductive system. It’s where periods come from and where babies grow.

Learn more about conditions and medical procedures related to your ovaries and uterus, including adenomyosis, fibroids, hysterectomy, cysts, polyps and certain cancers. We explain the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments.

Adenomyosis is a condition where cells similar to those that line the uterus are also in the muscle wall of your uterus. Studies suggest that about one in five women have adenomyosis. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments. Read more

Fibroids are noncancerous growths found in the muscle wall of the uterus. Many women have fibroids. There are different treatments, depending on the type, size, number and location of your fibroids. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options. Read more

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus. There are many reasons for having a hysterectomy. For example, certain health conditions and diseases, persistent pelvic pain and cancer. If you have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to carry a pregnancy in the future. Learn more about how a hysterectomy is performed, and the risks and benefits of this procedure. Read more

Cervical polyps, uterine polyps and ovarian cysts are quite common. While they are not usually cancerous, they can be. Polyps and cysts can cause pain and abnormal bleeding. They can also make it hard to get pregnant. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options. Read more

Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is abnormally thick. Learn more about this condition, including symptoms, causes, risks, diagnosis and treatments. Read more

There are different types of pelvic organ prolapse, including uterine prolapse and bladder and bowel prolapse (‘vaginal prolapse’). Read more

People with female reproductive organs and genitals can get gynaecological cancers. Learn more about cervical cancer, cancer of the uterus, fallopian tube cancer and ovarian cancer – including symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options. Read more

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This con­tent has been reviewed by a group of med­ical sub­ject mat­ter experts, in accor­dance with Jean Hailes pol­i­cy.

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