Ovarian Reserve Testing

Overview

Evaluating a patient's ovarian response before the beginning of the first IVF cycle is crucial in medical practice to offer major diagnostic as well as prognostic value. Some women may suffer from Poor Ovarian Response (POR), which is related to poor reproductive outcomes. This can lead to pregnancy loss or miscarriage. However, one can avoid this by conducting ovarian reserve testing at the best fertility centre in Karapakkam.

About the test

Most fertility experts may suggest ovarian reserve testing if a patient faces issues in conceiving. Different tests are used, such as estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These tests can offer valuable data that can help couples to decide when to begin trying to conceive. The test is commonly suggested to women above 35. It measures certain hormones and examines the number of follicles in the patient's ovaries.

Risk factors

Ovarian reserve testing doesn't develop any physical risk, but it has some limitations. These tests measure the amount but can't inform about the quality of the remaining eggs. Another limitation to consider here, especially while measuring FSH levels, is that the results will vary from one cycle to another. Along with FSH levels, it is also important to measure estradiol. The tests don't inform when the woman can get pregnant. The patients should speak to the doctor about their family planning and fertility to know which tests will offer valuable information.

Preparing for the test

No special preparation is required to conduct ovarian reserve testing. The antral follicle, estradiol and FSH testing can be done two to six days from the patient's menstrual cycle. However, AMH can be tested on the day of the menstrual cycle. One can talk to a fertility expert to know more about any specific preparation.

What to expect from the test?

Results of ovarian testing are generally available within two weeks. Besides, this testing doesn't develop any after-effects and is safe to conduct.

Possible results

If the test results inform abnormality, then it suggests the patient's fertility potential has declined. However, the results are not 100% accurate. While the results can inform the patients how soon they may start trying to conceive, the results can't confirm how many fertile years a couple is left with. Some women with normal ovarian reserve testing results may also face difficulty conceiving. The patients should consult the doctor to understand what the results say.

When to see a doctor?

The patients are advised to consult a doctor before conducting ovarian reserve testing to know which method will be perfect for them. Besides, the doctor will suggest the next steps after receiving the results. For more information about the test and how it can help in pregnancy, one can request an appointment at Apollo Fertility, Karapakkam, Tamil Nadu. Or they can also call 1860 500 4424 to book an appointment now.

Conclusion

Ovarian reserve testing can offer the couples and their medical team useful information regarding the couple's fertility. Generally, this test is recommended for patients over 35 years old, women with PCOS and couples preparing to undergo egg freezing or IVF procedure. However, the test offers general information instead of a definite answer about a patient's fertility. Individuals should speak to a fertility expert in Karapakkam to know which test will be best for them.

1. Does the ovarian reserve test forecast reproductive potential among females with unproven fertility?

In general, ovarian reserve decreases with age, which also affects the fertility rate. This makes people assume that ovarian reserve can predict reproductive potential in women. However, this is not a fact, and ovarian reserve is a poor predictor of reproductive potential.

2. How do patients know if they have a good ovarian reserve?

The best way to do that is by measuring hormone blood levels. The doctor will check the estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone at the start of the menstrual cycle. Consult the doctor for more information.

3. Do ovarian reserve tests predict yield after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation?

Different studies have informed that both AFC and AMH tests can help predict an oocyte yield along with an excessive and poor response to gonadotropin stimulation in an IVF procedure.

4. Which hormone can lead to a good ovarian reserve?

As per fertility experts, the anti-mullerian hormone is a vital protein hormone and a biomarker of ovarian reserve. AMH is generally expressed in developing granulosa cells of pre-antral and antral follicles.

5. Is it possible to protect someone's ovarian reserve?

Yes, it is possible. If the fertility specialist says the patient is at risk for low ovarian reserve, then the patient can freeze the eggs before egg counts go down. The doctor will use hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.

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