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Oligospermia:

This refers to an abnormally low number of sperm in the male ejaculate.

Oocyte - Ovum:

This reproductive cell is the egg produced in the ovaries each month. The plural of ovum is ova.

Oocyte or Egg Retrieval:

This is a surgical procedure, usually under general anesthesia, to collect eggs contained with the ovarian follicles. A needle is inserted into each follicle to release the egg within. The eggs are then placed into a culture medium-filled dish. (A medium is a chemical substance or solution used to enhance and support the growth of eggs.)

Ovaries:

These are the sexual glands of the female which produce the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. They are where the ova are developed. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the pelvis, and they are connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes.

Ovulation:

This is the discharge of a ripened egg, from its follicle in the ovary, usually at about the midpoint of the menstrual cycle in most women.

Ovulation Predictor Kit:

An over-the-counter pharmacy kit that tests the LH level in the urine to help detect the surge, or the commencement of ovulation.

Copyright 1996. The American Surrogacy Center, Inc.(TASC), Marietta, GA

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