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Poor Ovarian Reserves

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 21, 2008

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Definition:

Poor ovarian reserves refers to a low number of oocytes, or immature eggs, available in the ovaries. Women are born with a limited number of eggs and, as they age, this egg supply diminishes. A diagnosis of poor ovarian reserves usually implies that the chance of conception is relatively low, and fertility medications that are meant to stimulate the ovaries will be less effective.

A diagnosis of poor ovarian reserves involves looking into a number of factors, but is almost always partially based on the woman’s day 3 FSH levels.

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