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Ovarian Resistance Syndrome - A condition in which ovarian follicles do not mature in response to FSH (follcile stimulating hormone). The condition is caused by the absence of FSH receptors or by a postreceptor defect.
Ovariectomy - The surgical removal of one or both ovaries. Ovulation and the menstrual cycle will continue if one ovary remains.
Ovariolysis - The cutting away of adhesions that prevent the normal motility of the ovary. The procedure is used in the treatment of certain cases of female infertility.
Ovary - The reproductive function of the ovaries is to release eggs during the menstrual cycle to be fertilized by sperm. The hormonal function of the ovaries is to produce estrogen and progesterone. A woman's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus.
Over-The-Counter - Medications that are available to consumers without a prescription from a doctor or other health care professional. Medications are classified as over-the-counter based on how safe they are for the ordinary consumer, the degree to which their benefits outweigh risks, and the difficulty of using them properly. Some over-the-counter drugs are not safe for pregnant women and you should consult a physician before taking any medication.
Oviducts - Responsbile for transporting the egg from the ovary to the uterus. There are two oviducts, one on each side of the body. One connects to the right ovary, the other to the left ovary. Fertilization normally occurs within the oviducts. Blocked, damaged or scarred oviducts are a common cause of infertility in women.
Ovulation - The release of a mature egg from an ovary and into the fallopian tube during the monthly menstrual cycle. A woman is most fertile around the time of ovulation, which typically occurs approximately fourteen or fifteen days from the first day of the woman's last menstrual cycle. Women that are trying to conceive may find that charting basal body temperature or using an ovulation predictor test is helpful.
Ovulation Induction - A form of infertility treatment in which medications are used to stimulate ovulation in a woman that is not ovulating on her own.
Ovulation Method - A method of natural family planning in which days of possible fertility and peak fertility are recognized by the characteristics of cervical mucus. The couple will either refrain from sexual intercourse during this time to prevent pregnancy or have more frequent sexual intercourse to achieve pregnancy.
Ovulational Age - The age of an embryo or fetus calculated from the date of ovulation and timed in weeks + days.
Ovulatory Failure - Absence of ovulation as a result of a medical condition, drug or menopause. Anovulation is a prime factor in infertility because without if there is no egg to fertilize, conception can not occur.
Ovum - A female reproductive cell that is produced by the ovaries and released during ovulation. The ovum is about the size of a grain of sand and is the largest cell in the human body. During conception, the ovum will become fertilized by sperm cells. The ovum is responsible for supplying the maternal genetic material to the zygote at the point of fertilization. A woman is born with only a certain amount of ovums, one is released each month during the menstrual cycle.
Oximeter - A monitoring device that measures the amount of oxygen within the blood without having to withdraw blood for testing in the lab. The oximeter looks similar to a band-aid and is wrapped around the finger or toe. In infants, the hand or foot can also be wrapped.
Oxygen Hood - A clear plastic box that is placed over an infants head to deliver oxygen to a baby through a connected tube. Oxygen hoods are commonly found in neonatal intensive care units for infants that experience respiratory complications.
Oxygen Therapy - A medical procedure in which additional oxygen is provided to ensure that adequate levels of oxgen are present in the blood. Babies with heart or lung abnormalities may require oxygen therapy after birh.
Oxytocin - A naturally secreted hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during labor and releases milk during breastfeeding. Pitocin is the synthetic form of this hormone.
Oxytocin Challenge Test - A non-invasive test that is provided to determine how well the baby will handle the stress of contractions that accompany labor. During the test, the heart rate of the fetus will be measured and monitored to determie if the baby can get adequate amounts of oxygen from the placenta during contractions. Contractions are stimulated with oxytocin and are measured until there have been three contractions within a ten minute time period. If the baby's heart beat remains consistent throughout the contractions, the baby is likely healthy and able to handle the contractions throughout labor. If the baby's heart beat decreases with the majority of the contractions, it may signal fetal distress. Depending on the severity, labor may be induced or an emergency cesarean may be necessary.
Oyster Ovary - A diseased, usually enlarged ovary containing multiple cysts filled with thin serous fluid and covered with a thick, pearly white capsule. The condition is associated with female infertility.