Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
You may never have heard of ovarian remnant syndrome but it tells a story that women should know. I first explored it in a post about enhancing egg quality in which I share 3 tips of feminine wisdom that I see in ovarian remnant syndrome.
Since then, I have been reflecting further on ovarian remnant syndrome and felt it important to call your attention to something even more profound taking place here. Before I dive into the article and audio below, let's start with the basics first:
What Is It?
According to this site, ovarian remnant syndrome is "characterized by the presence of residual ovarian tissue after a woman has had surgery to remove one ovary or both ovaries (oophorectomy)...
Symptoms may include pelvic pain, a pelvic mass, or the absence of menopause after oophorectomy".
"This little piece of ovarian tissue can generate its own blood supply and respond like a normal ovary would to stimulation by FSH and produce hormones and create ovarian cysts".
Ken Sinervo, MD, MSc, FRCSC, ACGE, Center For Endometriosis Care, Georgia, USA
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome -
Surgical Removal Of The Feminine
As I pondered further on this, it came to me that ovarian remnant syndrome is a reminder of what it has been like for the feminine in our patriarchal, male world.
The truth is that she has been totally annihilated and eliminated over the centuries. Removed almost entirely from her empowerment, positions of power and our understanding of the creative process.
But even if that has happened, she is still there. And even if the fertility world grants no space to the creative feminine contribution (outside eggs and womb), she is present nonetheless.
Pathology Or Communication?
In our patriarchal world, so many female health issues - like cysts or endometriosis - are seen as pathologies. Because they prevent a woman from doing her patriarchal duty of producing children and being a "good" girl - with low maintenance.
But for me, the real pathology lies in the fact that the feminine is seen as so much less valuable than the masculine. And in my experience, fertility challenges are efforts from your feminine wisdom - to communicate that something is off.
Things are out of balance on a collective level. But if you are dealing with disease or dysfunction of the female reproductive system, feminine wisdom is letting you know that there is something in your personal life that needs to shift here.
My Personal Experience
During my fertility journey, I was shocked to discover myself feeling more and more that my sense of value was dependent on my ability to have children. But it was there lurking in the background....ready to pounce once I started trying to conceive.
And, as my miscarriages taught me, I had to address this before I could carry my babies to term. Simply put, if I hadn't sorted out that false notion, I could not have been the mother I wanted to be.
Because it is not just about having a baby. My feminine wisdom knew how much I wanted my children to grow up feeling good about themselves the way they are. And that would not be possible if I was modeling that my value as a woman and a partner was somehow conditional on motherhood.
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome -
Feminine Conclusions
What we know about age and fertility after 40, egg reserves running out and running out of time to have a baby comes from an understanding of the feminine that perceives merely a sliver of her capabilities and value.
In other words, what we have learned about our fertility is based on an understanding of the feminine that is like ovarian remnant syndrome. It's a story about the creative feminine which assumes that the way she has shown up in patriarchy is the extent of her ability and power. It's like assuming that ovarian remnant syndrome represents the total potential and expression of female fertility.
But I’m inviting you to see all expressions of the feminine - and how is she showing up in your fertility - as her very best to attempts to communicate and guide you in this patriarchal world that has such little regard for her. And doesn't want to hear
Your Fertile Female Body
So if you are experiencing challenges in your fertility or female health remember the wider context. The feminine has been removed surgically and otherwise from the creative process. What we know about female fertility is still in its infancy.
And contrary to what you have been taught, your female body is your friend. Even if she is showing up in a way that seems to be at odds with your dreams. Because in truth, she is beckoning you to reconnect with your true feminine wisdom so that you can show up as a woman and mother you were born to be.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experience with this. Please share below as your contribution here really matters.
Audio - Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
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