Anatomy and Function
The paired ovaries are an organ which lies within the pelvic cavity. They are each two to four centimeters long and their form reminds of unpeeled almonds. In the ovaries, one or two of the 450.000 follicles mature each month and become a fertile egg cell. After its maturation, the oocyte is released in a process called ovulation and travels via fallopian tubes towards the uterus, in order to be fertilized there. Egg cells exist by birth and age in time unlike sperms which constantly regenerate. [1] [2]
[IN VITRO FERTILISATION] [EGG FREEZING]

Additionally, the ovaries also have an endocrine function. They secrete most of the female sex hormones: estrogens, gestagens and androgens. [1] [2]

Diseases
A critical fact is the effect of environmental toxins on fertility. Endocrine disruptors such as environmental hormones [4] seem to be responsible for the decrease of sperm count in the male ejaculate and of female egg cells. These chemicals already have harmful effects on the embryo in the womb. At the moment, fertility seems to decrease from generation to generation. [5] Projects and studies such as the initiative "Households without pollutants" are in progress in order to control this development. [3] [5]