No ovaries?

capple23 · 08-05-2006, 01:41 AM

Hi all,

I had my first vaginal ultrasound today, and my endo was unable to find my ovaries. He had me change positions and poked around for quite awhile, but just couldn't find anything. He said my uterus was perfectly normal and sometimes the intestines obstructs the view, but he is usually able to find one. He didn't seem to have an explanation for it and said that we would try again at my next visit in 10 days. I haven't been able to find any information on the net about this, so I thought I'd see if anyone here had ever heard of this or had this problem.

Thanks in advance!!

happytoknow · 08-05-2006, 02:24 AM

I also tried to do a search online to find some info for you. I did find a couple of sites that said something about women who had pelvic ultrasounds and the doctor was unable to see the ovary because it is small and was blocked by the colon. Unfortunatly, the links were bad and I was unable to actually locate the website this information was on. I did, however, find an answer from a doctor about a similar situation and this is what they said...

Sometimes even an ultrasound can’t see the ovary because it is so small and it is very similar on density to the tissues around it (like your intestines or uterus) so it doesn’t stand out as separate. The ovaries are hiding from the “eye” of the ultrasound. That is a good thing.

And I also found this....

Ovaries don't just get up and disappear. While it is possible that you were born with only one ovary, this is probably extremely rare (to be honest, I've never heard of this condition). More likely than not, the ultrasound technician just couldn't see the ovary that day for whatever reason. Not uncommonly, one or both ovaries may be hidden from view depending on bowel contents, position of the uterus, etc. You may want to ask about having a repeat scan if this is of concern, and this certainly should be discussed with your gynecologist. But unless you had previous surgery that may have involved removing the ovary, it is extremely unlikely that it simply isn't there.
Thank you for your e-mail!

David Toub, M.D.

I know it can be terrible when you feel like you don't know what's going on with your body and the doctor just kinda leaves you hanging until next time. I hope this eases your mind some. Let us know how your next appointment goes.

capple23 · 08-05-2006, 03:43 AM

Thanks so much for the information! It makes me feel much better!

The dr. didn't seem to concerned and said he is certain they are in there somewhere, but was still a little puzzled.

Thanks again!!

happytoknow · 08-05-2006, 04:23 AM

You are quite welcome. Glad I could help.

cjboo1 · 08-05-2006, 05:45 AM

The last ultrasound i had they couldnt find my right ovary, and the tech had me push in and down on my stomach (right side) and POOF my ovary showed up. Then went to the GYN's office and he was like well i cant find it hmmmmm (UHHHDUUUUHHHH) So i told him that the last one i had they had problems finding it to. He was like "oh well i guess it isnt there." I went uh yeah it is see" i pushed down and in like the tech said and the Dr. Goes "ohhh i found it".
What a jerk!

Any way you are not alone with the hiding of the ovaries. (it may be playing tag with your other one, sometimes they float and visit one another).

ravenmisfit · 08-05-2006, 07:51 AM

I've had the same trouble w/ ultrasounds. My left ovary is much higher than what is normal so they had trouble finding it at first.

StarsHallowGirl · 08-05-2006, 06:24 PM

I just had an ultrasound and my ovaries like to hide. She couldn't find my right one until me left one behaved and took pictures. I guess the right got jealous cause it popped up.

Shawn Marie · 08-05-2006, 07:01 PM

The ultrasound tech couldn't find my left ovary, but I didn't feel like she tried very hard. Because the right ovary appeared completely normal, my doc insisted on getting a look at the left, so he sent me for a pelvic MRI. Voila -- one lumpy left ovary. With all the lumps and bumps, I don't blame her one little bit for hiding, either. I'm sure she was just terribly embarrased to be seen!

waiting.for.baby · 08-05-2006, 08:50 PM

The last transvaginal ultrasound I had, my gyno couldn't find my left ovary. (Well, I have had about 5 or 6 ultrasounds overall, and it was only this one time it was hiding.) He usually has trouble finding my left one, it takes a few minutes. I'm guessing that is what is happening to you, but with both. I'm sure if the doc waited a while longer, he may have found one or both. It's no cause for worry - Your colon has a way of doing hiding them if it is full. Sometimes your uterus will do that as well. I suggest next time, make sure you go to the bathroom beforehand and try to get it "all out"...lol...It may make it easier to see...Good Luck! : )

mommy1 · 08-05-2006, 08:50 PM

Hi! I'm so glad I found this thread! My RE always has trouble finding my right ovary and he has to push on my tummy to get it to appear on u/s. My left one he never has trouble with. When I lost some weight (15 pounds) he didn't have as much trouble and then I gained some back again (8 pounds) and unfortunately he couldn't find it again.... I thought it was my weight.... maybe not?! Guess it's more common than I thought.

waiting.for.baby · 08-05-2006, 09:08 PM

Oh yeah, forgot to say that the you should (or the doc should) push on the lower abdomen because it can make it come into view. I see others said that as well. This is how my left ovary was seen, during the vaginal ultrasound, he pressed and moved around my lower tummy and finally, it came into view. My colon was indeed blocking it.