Ovarian phenotypes impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes

Ovarian phenotypes impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes In this ovarian health focus, Adjunct Assistant Professor Zhongwei Huang, Dr. Paula Benny and Ms. Hui Wen Tam explore how ovarian phenotypes affect ovarian function and lifespan, leading to complications in pregnancy outcomes. Ovarian health has a significant impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes, with the ovary having primary functions of oogenesis and steroidogenesis (estrogen and progesterone production), to ensure a normo-ovulatory phenotype in women. However, ovarian phenotypes derived from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), diminished ovarian reserve, ovarian cysts, and ovarian endometriomas affect ovarian folliculogenesis and the ovarian ultrastructure. Importantly, these direct effects on ovarian function and lifespan will affect chances of spontaneous conception and lead to pregnancy complications.