Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries that can potentially be fertilized. In other words, it’s an indicator of a woman’s fertility potential. Like money in the bank, a woman is born with a certain number of eggs in reserve, which diminishes over time.
Why Is Ovarian Reserve Important?
- Fertility: Women with high ovarian reserve have a higher chance of becoming pregnant.
- IVF treatment: The success rate of IVF treatment varies depending on the woman’s egg reserve. A low reserve means that the treatment process may be more difficult.
- Aging: As we age, egg reserves naturally decrease and egg quality declines, an indication that we are moving towards menopause.
How to Measure Ovarian Reserve?
Various methods are used to measure ovarian reserve:
- Antral follicle count: An ultrasound performed on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle counts the number of small follicles in the ovaries. This number gives an idea of the egg reserve.
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test: This test, performed via a blood test, indirectly measures the number of follicles in the ovary and provides an estimate of egg reserve.
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) test: This test, performed via a blood test, shows how the ovaries respond to hormones and provides information about egg reserve.
Factors Affecting Ovarian Reserve
- Age: Egg reserve naturally decreases with age.
- Genetic factors: Genetic factors, such as a family history of early menopause, can affect egg reserve.
- Environmental factors: Factors such as smoking, alcohol use, excess weight, and chemotherapy may negatively affect egg reserve.
What Does Low Ovarian Reserve Mean?
Low ovarian reserve means that a woman is less likely to conceive. However, this does not mean that she cannot have children. Today, women with low ovarian reserve can also become mothers thanks to assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization.
In summary, ovarian reserve is an important indicator in assessing a woman’s fertility potential. If you have concerns about fertility, you can consult a gynecologist for detailed information about your ovarian reserve.
Remember: This information is for general information purposes only. For any health problem, please consult your doctor.