Archives for May 2020

Q: What are ovaries?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ovaries are a female’s primary reproductive organ. They are glands that release eggs for fertilization, protect these eggs while they wait to be implanted, and secrete sex hormones. Women are born with two ovaries, but they do not become functional until puberty. Then, they grow to approximately the size of a large grape and settle into their permanent home inside of the uterus against the pelvic wall. The ovaries are then held tightly in place by special ligaments, which are attached to the uterus.

Q: What did ovaries do?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In addition to secreting sex hormones, the ovaries release eggs during a female’s menstrual cycle. During this process, which is known as ovulation, a woman can become pregnant.

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Keeping your hands free of germs and bacteria is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of contracting the coronavirus. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many reasons to keep up with this crucial hygiene practice long after the pandemic has ended.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that one way people get sick is because germs, such as the norovirus and Salmonella, are transferred from the hands to the face. If you use the restroom, for example, and do not wash your hands after, tiny particles of feces can easily enter into your bloodstream through your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also experience germ transfer after touching a contaminated object.

It is not just for your own safety that handwashing is important. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that germs can spread not only from your hands to your face but also from you to other people. This is partly why social distancing protocols have been stressed so heavily since March.

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