When a girl child is born, she is born with all the eggs that will ovulate throughout her till menopause. At puberty, these eggs are between 3,00,00 0 to 4,00,000. As the age advances, the number of eggs decreases.
If you are above 35 years of age and are struggling to conceive, the lesser number of eggs or Diminished Ovarian Reserve could be the cause. Ovarian Reserve Testing could help diagnose this issue.
In simpler terms, Ovarian Reserve Testing is a test performed to determine the number of eggs in a woman's ovaries. By analyzing the results of these tests, your doctor can tell you the approximate number of eggs in the ovary.
What are the different tests involved in Ovarian Reserve Testing?
1. Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) Test
Ovarian follicles, which transform into eggs, release Antimullerian Hormone. By determining the amount of this hormone in the blood, a doctor can conclude an approximate number of eggs in the ovary. It's one of the most advanced and reliable tests.
2. Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
In this test, a doctor will insert a small ultrasound probe into your uterus. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor will count the number of Ovarian Follicles larger than 10 mm. The higher number of large follicles indicates the ovarian reserve is large and the probability of a woman becoming a mother is higher.
3. Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test
The pituitary gland produces the FCH hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs. A doctor can determine the Ovarian Reserve by measuring the amount of FCH present in the blood. The problem with this test is FSH levels fluctuate constantly. So multiple tests throughout a couple of weeks are needed.
4. Estradiol Test
Estradiol is another important hormone that can indicate the number of eggs. But the levels of this hormone fluctuate like FSH and hence multiple tests are required.
If the Estradiol levels are elevated, the patient might have diminished ovarian reserve.
Risk factors associated with a test
Ovarian Reserve testing is generally considered very safe and risk-free. Yet, while performing Antral Follicle Count, the doctor inserts a small probe into the uterus. So it's important to discuss the complications that may arise from this procedure.
In some rare cases, the risk factors related to Antral Follicle Count include:
- Possibility of infection
- Injury to the Uterus
- Mild Cramps
These complications are extremely rare, though. Especially when you get these tests done at advanced labs like the one at Apollo Fertility Guwahati, you do not have to worry about complications.
Preparing for the test
The preparation before Ovarian Reserve Testing depends on the type of test your doctor has recommended. So, strictly follow your doctor's instructions before the test to ensure accurate results.
What to expect from the test?
During the AHM and FSH tests, the doctor draws blood from your body with a syringe. During Antral Follicle Count, a transvaginal ultrasound will be conducted using a small probe inserted into the vagina.
Possible results of the test
The results of these tests can offer insight into your fertility to the doctors. The normal test results indicate you are healthy and will respond well to conceiving a baby (Naturally or via IVF).
If the results are abnormal, it might indicate that your fertility has dropped. But this doesn't mean you cannot conceive a child. Infertility in women is a complex issue and no single test can determine the cause.
If your results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend some other tests too. Your doctor can formulate a personalized treatment plan based on all these tests to help you conceive.
At Apollo Fertility, JP Nagar, our doctors are always here to assist you with your infertility issues. Book your Consultation now.
No, it's impossible to count exact numbers, but the test can approximate them.
Apart from Antral Follicle Count, other tests are non-invasive and absolutely pain-free.
No, it's not necessary. Ovarian Reserve Testing can help determine the number and quality of the eggs, but that data is insufficient to reach any conclusion.
Generally, women above 35 who are struggling to conceive or who are planning for an IVF may be recommended to have Ovarian Reserve Testing by their doctor.
Yes, it can give useful information about the quality of eggs too.
