Ovarian reserve tests are very common for couples who are planning to conceive and go forth with childbirth. When a couple chooses IVF to get pregnant and have a child, ovarian reserve testing is often done. The procedure is used to determine the ovarian follicle count and fertility level of the woman. Ovarian Reserve Testing is recommended for females over the age of 35 who have a declining ovarian reserve and fertility potential. Couples who are starting families in their 30s usually go for the ORT.
About the Test
There are many ways to start ovarian reserve testing, and the most common way is to test the blood hormone levels of the woman. The ovulation cycle and the follicles are controlled by the body's hormone cycles. By determining the female hormone levels, a gynaecologist can determine the ovarian reserve health of the woman. The doctor may perform follicle-stimulating hormone and oestrogen levels tests to determine the woman's follicular potential. The doctor might also check for the anti-Müllerian hormone levels of the female. Another way of testing for ovarian reserve is by ultrasound or taking an antral follicle count.
Risk factors associated with the test
There are very few risk factors associated with the ORT procedure. The procedure does not harm the individual in any way. It is a routine test that women have to take before they go through the IVF process. Usually, women in their twenties are not recommended for the ORT under normal conditions. However, ovarian reserve tests can leave a woman mentally exhausted and depressed as they show her childbearing capacity. The woman has to be properly counselled after the test results come through.
Preparing for the Test
The doctor will tell you the types of tests he wants to do for the ovarian reserve testing process. The doctor might recommend more than one type of test to determine the ovarian reserve. As a patient, you should prepare for a simple blood test and also a possible ultrasound for an antral follicle count. You would need to closely track your menstrual cycle and then go for the blood tests. You also have to mentally prepare for the ultrasound test. The tests do not cause any pain to the patient, so she should not panic or worry before or during the test. You might also need to take a clomiphene citrate dose, and the ovarian follicles might be monitored after the dosage. You should be prepared for all the possible tests that the doctor recommends.
What to expect from the test
Multiple tests should be expected during the ovarian reserve because there are several ways to confirm the reserve's health. You can expect the doctor to ask you to take a clomiphene citrate drug. However, you should not worry about the side effects. A good gynaecologist will simplify the test process and not cause you any discomfort during the procedure.
When to go to the doctor?
You should go to a doctor to get your ovarian reserve tested if you are in your early 30s and have declining reproductive health. If you plan to start the IVF process, you should first go to your gynaecologist for ovarian reserve testing. If you are young and in your twenties but think that you are sub-fertile or worried about your ovarian health, it is best to go to a good fertility doctor near your locality. For ovarian testing and other consultations related to fertility and family planning, you can visit your nearby Apollo Fertility Clinic. You should visit your nearest Apollo fertility clinic in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, or request an appointment at Apollo Fertility Varanasi or call 1860-500-4424 today to schedule one.
Possible Results of the Test
The possible results of Ovarian Reserve Testing show that the woman either has a healthy ovary or has declining follicle health. Women with normal follicle levels are healthy, but it can also happen that the woman is unable to conceive despite good ovarian health. Usually, women who are nearing the age of 35 or more have abnormal ovarian follicle levels, and that can be a sign of subfertility or infertility.
Conclusion
Ovarian reserve testing is very important for a female before starting her pregnancy journey. However, an ORT is not the only indicator of subfertility or infertility because other factors like uterine health, hormone levels, and genetic factors also play a huge role in healthy full-term pregnancies.
AMH is released by developing ovarian follicles. So, the level of AMH in the ovary can tell doctors how many eggs the female has.
If you are above 35 years of age and have not been able to conceive in the last 6 months despite trying, or if you are below 35 years of age and have not been able to conceive in the last 12 months, you should get the ORT.
No, ORT results do not definitely tell you about your fertility levels.
If you have normal ovarian reserve levels, you can go for IVF or pregnancy without many changes. If you have abnormal ovarian reserve levels, you will have to go for more fertility tests and treatments before you become pregnant.
