- Absence of eggs in the ovaries or absence of ovaries (Rare)
- Genetic defects (chromosomal defects or gene defects) in the egg’s DNA
- Surgical removal of the ovaries in the past
- Premature menopause & ovarian failure
- Ovarian damage from toxic agents such as chemotherapy
- Inability to mature or release eggs (anovulation) – (Common)
- Hormonal disorders of the glands that regulate the ovarian function, such as the pituitary gland (eg hyperprolactinemia), the thyroid or adrenal glands
- Polycystic ovarian morphology without necessarily talking about the complete clinical picture of the syndrome
- Body Weight. Excessive weight fluctuations may lead to anovulation.
- Autoimmune conditions can also affect the ovary
- Inability of the egg to reach the fallopian tube may be result of :
- Adhesions that cover the ovary and do not allow it to communicate with the corresponding fallopian tube
- Scar tissue that keeps the ovary away from the fallopian tube
Both of these conditions are a result of either germs or pelvic inflammations, previous surgeries or to endometriosis
4) Poor egg quality is mainly related to advanced reproductive age but it is a phenomenon that sometimes is observed even in women of younger age without explanation. In the latter cases, a chromosomal factor may coexist, such as a chromosomal deletion, translocation or inversion, or abnormal glucose metabolism or even more often endometriosis
According to my experience in such cases, if the relevant factors that are blamed for the poor quality of the eggs are faced correctly, a percentage of 60-70% may achieve a positive result, but the rest of the patients will only benefit from egg donation.
