How low ovarian reserve can affect the chances of pregnancy

by Niharika Jain Infertility treatment - IVF Center

Low Ovarian Reserve - treatmement, IVF, IUI

Low ovarian reserve is a condition where the ovaries losses its reproductive potential that leads to compromising fertility. It may occur due to any injury or disease but the main reason behind is aging. It is because a female takes birth with all the eggs will ever have. In most of the ladies, the eggs are generally balanced and normal. But in some cases, the eggs may be unbalanced and abnormal due to genetics. It seems that the quality eggs ovulate first. The older a female is, she will leave with a few quality eggs. The relationship between age and fertility is true in the fertile population. When the females are over the age of 35 their fertility tends to decreases. As a result, females with 35 are less fertile than the younger ones. Therefore, when females of this age don’t leave with quality eggs they are recommended to go for IVF with donor eggs. Unfortunately, in some cases, young females also respond poorly to attempt at stimulation of ovaries. They are termed as poor responder as they born with unbalanced eggs in terms of quality and quantity. In such cases, you may need low ovarian reserve treatment.

Factors affecting ovarian reserve

When the age of a female increase, natural fertility in women beings to diminish. It is a common and universal phenomenon that is experienced by women after the age of 30 to 35. In a few cases, women retain normal fertility during the mid 40. 1% of the population faces ovarian failure prior to the age of 40. This condition is known as premature menopause or ovarian failure. Low ovarian reserve in women may cause issues in getting pregnant naturally. The patient should be screened with a blood test for delicate X syndrome, an inherited state which results in early ovarian reserve.

What are the symptoms and how to diagnose it?

Unluckily, there is no sign of low ovarian reserve that can be experienced y females. Over time, a woman may find shortening of periods. When the menopause is about to happen females may notice symptoms like hot flashes, missed periods, issues in sleeping etc. If we talk about the diagnosis, there are multiple ways to figure out the ovaries’ function. During the 2nd or 3rd day of period’s blood test is conducted so that FSH and estradiol hormones are measured. Apart from this, Anti –Mullerian Hormone (AMH) another blood test is done which is related to fertility potential. With the consideration of this test, one may trace a number of eggs in the female’s body. This is mainly useful when it is done combined with FSH and transvaginal ultrasound assessment of visible antral follicles.

When the test is conducted?

Normally, the ovarian reserve test is attained when a female is not able to conceive naturally. If a couple has tried and remained unsuccessful more than a year then both the partners need to undergo fertility tests. Infertility may occur due to either or both the partners. It cannot be assumed that only females are responsible for not having a child. Therefore, both partners require body checkup and tests. In order to find out female infertility then ovarian reserve test is conducted. Basically, it is not mandatory but your doctor will decide which test you require as per your case. Mostly, this test is conducted prior to going IVF treatment. This is done so that fertility experts will be able o figure out a number of eggs in female’s ovaries and her ability to fertilize. If women have an appropriate number of eggs then it will be extracted for the IVF process. In case of low ovarian reserve, the doctor may recommend you to go with donor eggs.

Low ovarian reserve and IVF are interlinked with each other. In this condition, the chances of natural pregnancy are very low. If we talk about the treatment then there is no treatment which can slow down the ovarian aging. Once it is detected without wasting time the doctor may suggest you cryo-preservation. Apart from this, in such a case, the doctor also suggests going for IVF with donor eggs because the chances of success will increase with it. Even after menopause, a female will be able to successfully deliver a baby with donor eggs.