The health and quantity of your eggs significantly impact your chances of conception. Assessing your ovarian reserve helps you make informed decisions about family planning and potential fertility treatments. Here are the different ovarian reserve tests and what to expect during the ovarian reserve testing process at fertility clinics:
About Ovarian Reserve Testing
A woman is born with all her eggs, and during puberty, she may start ovulating. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovaries and into the fallopian tube, where it awaits fertilization.
If fertilization occurs, the woman may become pregnant. If not fertilized, your uterus sheds the egg and the endometrium out of the body during menstruation.
Your ovarian reserve can reduce by one egg with each menstrual cycle. As you grow older, your supply and egg quality may decline, which may impact fertility. Ovarian reserve testing shows the number of eggs in your ovaries, helping you determine your chances of having a baby.
Fertility doctors may also use this test to predict the likelihood of conception through assisted methods like in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Ovarian Reserve Tests Used By Fertility Clinics
Doctors have various ways of determining your ovarian reserves. Below are some ovarian reserve tests offered by fertility clinics:
Anti-mullerian Hormone Testing
Fertility doctors may test your ovarian reserves by measuring your blood’s anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. The follicles in your egg sacs containing immature eggs produce AMH.
Your AMH levels correspond to the number of eggs in your ovaries. Higher AMH levels mean you have a higher ovarian reserve, while lower levels indicate a low ovarian reserve.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Testing
Your pituitary glands produce the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate the growth of eggs in your ovaries. Fertility doctors may use the FSH test to check your ovarian reserves. The best time for this test can be in the early days of your menstrual cycle. Elevated FSH levels may indicate lower ovarian reserves and vice versa.
Antral Follicle Count
The antral follicle count test can give a count of developing follicles in your ovaries in the early days of your menstrual cycle. A high follicle count may indicate a high ovarian reserve, while fewer follicles correlate with fewer eggs. Fertility doctors can use a transvaginal ultrasound to determine your antral follicle count.
Doctors often combine the three tests above for more accurate results. Your fertility doctor may use other ovarian imaging techniques to determine your ovaries’ size and health, providing additional information about your fertility.
A diminished ovarian reserve does not mean you will be unable to conceive. If you have a low ovarian reserve, you may want to try having a baby sooner rather than later. You can freeze your eggs if you are not ready to have a baby but want to keep your options open.
What To Expect During Ovarian Reserve Testing
If you want to delay pregnancy beyond your mid-30s, ovarian reserve testing is a good idea. Fertility doctors may also recommend ovarian reserve testing for women undergoing cancer treatment and anyone experiencing fertility challenges. Schedule an ovarian reserve test at your local fertility clinic if you have a family history of early menopause.
During your initial consultation with your fertility doctor, they discuss your medical history, previous pregnancies, and any other factors that may affect your ovarian reserves. Following the consultation, your doctor may schedule ovarian reserve tests during the early days of your menstrual cycle.
After doing all the tests, your doctor may analyze the results to determine your ovarian reserve. They then explain your test results to you in detail and respond to any questions or concerns you may have. Your doctor may also discuss the potential implications of your results on your family planning journey.
If your test results indicate low ovarian reserves, your doctor may discuss fertility preservation options or fertility treatments to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Your fertility doctor may also offer personalized counseling, depending on your results.
Try Ovarian Testing Today
Testing your ovarian reserve is key for any woman who wants to delay pregnancy or has experienced fertility challenges. Understanding your fertility chances helps you plan for the future and get treatment where necessary. Many fertility clinics offer the above ovarian reserve tests, helping you understand your reproductive health better. Seek help from a reputable fertility clinic today.
