By means of the sodium-potassium pump, living human cells pump three sodium ions out of the cell in exchange for two potassium ions pumped in; comparing ion concentrations across the cell membrane, inside to outside, potassium measures about 40:1, and sodium, about 1:10.
However, in some cases, the enlarged ovary may twist or become dysfunctional. Ovarian cancer and benign tumors may also lead to an enlarged ovary. Common causes of an enlarged ovary include: Corpus luteum cyst (cyst present in the second half of the menstrual cycle) Dermoid cyst (benign tumor also known as a teratoma) Follicle cyst (cyst that forms during the menstrual cycle) Endometrioma (endometriosis affecting the ovary)
Functional ovarian cysts, which form due to changes in the way your ovaries make or release eggs, are very common, noncancerous, and generally harmless. They can grow larger during pregnancy, and the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your ovaries can cause persistent pain. If the cyst ruptures, the pain may suddenly get worse. Be sure to tell your ob-gyn if you have a history of ovarian cysts, or if you think you've developed them during your pregnancy.