What Is Ovarian Reserve And How Is It Tested?

Ovarian reserve is the count of a woman’s remaining eggs – all women are born with the eggs necessary in their lifetime. This figure determines both the quality and quantity of the eggs, giving specialists a clear picture of her fertility potential. It becomes even more crucial if she’s considering IVF or any assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.

Why Is It Important?

The ovarian reserve count shows how many viable eggs are still available for fertilization. This is because out of the 1-2 million eggs a woman is born with, only a fraction remain at the 30-year mark. The diminishing numbers and egg quality is why it becomes harder for a woman to conceive naturally past this age.

How to Test for Ovarian Reserve?

There are several test methods and diagnostic tools that fertility clinics employ to test for your ovarian reserve with accuracy and precision :

Ultrasound Exam

·?Antral Follicle Count (AFC): A transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of viable follicles in the ovaries. This procedure gives a clear account of the available eggs and potentially developing ones.

Hormonal Tests:

· Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): AMH, the primary marker of ovarian reserve, is a follicle production regulating hormone, essentially determining how many follicles develop into viable eggs at one time. Declining AMH levels may indicate reduced fertility.

· Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH works to stimulate follicle growth and support development into eggs by increasing estrogen production. Usually, a high level of FSH between Days 2 – 4 in your menstrual cycle can be a sign of diminishing ovarian reserve.

· Estradiol: This hormone supports FSH in a way where it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, bone health, and other bodily functions in a woman.

When To Test Your Ovarian Reserve?

While you can test your ovarian reserve anytime at your nearest fertility treatment facility, specialists would recommend a test if you’re :

• Over 35 and planning pregnancy
• Actively trying to conceive but unsuccessful for > 6 months
• Suffering from conditions like endometriosis or have history of ovarian surgery

Ovarian reserve testing provides women with key insights into their reproductive health and fertility, empowering them to make more informed decisions. As always, early diagnosis is helpful in developing a thoughtful, directed treatment plan to meet your fertility needs.

This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.