Ovulation reserve in conception fail
Ovarian reserve is the term used to describe the number and quality of eggs that a woman has in her ovaries. It is an important factor that affects a woman’s fertility and chances of conceiving, either naturally or with assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Ovarian reserve declines with age, as well as with other factors such as smoking, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or genetic disorders.
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition that occurs when a woman has fewer eggs than expected for her age, or when the eggs have reduced quality or function. DOR can cause infertility or subfertility, as it reduces the chances of ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy. DOR can also affect the response to ovarian stimulation, which is a common procedure used in ART to increase the number of eggs available for fertilization. Women with DOR may require higher doses of medication, produce fewer eggs, and have lower pregnancy rates than women with normal ovarian reserve.
The diagnosis of DOR can be made by various tests that measure the ovarian function and the potential for fertility. Some of the common tests include:
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): A hormone produced by the small follicles in the ovaries, which reflects the size of the ovarian reserve. A low AMH level indicates a low ovarian reserve.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A hormone that stimulates the growth and maturation of the follicles in the ovaries. A high FSH level on day 3 of the menstrual cycle indicates a low ovarian reserve.
Antral follicle count (AFC): The number of small follicles visible in the ovaries by ultrasound. A low AFC indicates a low ovarian reserve.
The treatment of DOR depends on the cause, the age, and the reproductive goals of the woman. Some possible options include:
Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking supplements may help improve the ovarian function and the egg quality.
Ovarian stimulation: Using medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs, which can then be fertilized either naturally or with ART.
Donor eggs: Using eggs from another woman who has a normal ovarian reserve, which can then be fertilized with the partner’s or donor’s sperm and transferred to the woman’s uterus.
Ovarian reserve is a key factor in female fertility that can affect the outcome of conception. It can be assessed by various tests that measure different parameters of the ovarian function. Diminished ovarian reserve can reduce the chances of pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical advice and follow the recommendations to improve the ovarian reserve and the chances of conception.
