What Is Ovarian Reserve?
Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs a woman’s ovaries contain. This reserve is not infinite and remains relatively stable until around the age of 35, after which it gradually decreases. However, some women experience a faster decline in their ovarian reserve than others. This is why it’s important to assess each woman’s ovarian reserve individually—you might find women over 40 with a normal ovarian reserve, while some younger women may have a low ovarian reserve.
How Is Ovarian Reserve Measured?
The two most reliable ways to assess ovarian reserve are:
Antral Follicle Count (AFC): This involves an ultrasound at the beginning of the menstrual cycle to count the number of antral follicles (small follicles) in the ovaries, typically between 2 and 9 mm in size. Observing 8 or more follicles generally indicates a good ovarian reserve. The more antral follicles present, the better the ovarian reserve is expected to be.
Hormonal Profile: Hormonal tests measure key hormones such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol. These hormones provide indicators of the ovarian reserve.
While these tests are helpful, they should be analyzed together with a woman's medical history. The most reliable way to assess ovarian reserve is to observe how the ovaries respond to hormonal stimulation.
I Have Low Ovarian Reserve; Can I Get Pregnant Naturally? Or with Assisted Reproduction?With a low ovarian reserve, the chances of achieving a natural pregnancy decrease, but it’s not impossible. Every case is unique and should be studied individually. As for assisted reproduction, pregnancy rates do not necessarily drop with low ovarian reserve. Some women with fewer eggs may still produce high-quality eggs that can lead to a successful pregnancy.
Is There a Solution for Low Ovarian Reserve?
Currently, there is no technique to improve a confirmed low ovarian reserve. However, assisted reproduction offers options to help you achieve pregnancy. Some possibilities include:
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Egg donation
At Nicosia Fertility, we have years of experience and a professional team ready to help. We offer diagnostic studies to assess your ovarian reserve, as well as treatment options to achieve one common goal: helping you build your family. We are here to support you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
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