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Understanding Ovarian Reserve Testing: When Should You Start Planning?

October 14, 2024
Ovarian Reserve Testing

When it comes to planning a family, your fertility health is key. One of the most important things to consider is your ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve testing helps to check the number and not the quality of your eggs. Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of a woman’s remaining eggs, which naturally decline with age. By assessing ovarian reserve, you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health and timing for pregnancy. 

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about ovarian reserve testing, its importance, and when to start planning. We will also talk about why you should go to the best IVF Specialist in Delhi.

Why is Ovarian Reserve Important?

Women are born with a fixed number of eggs; thereafter, these eggs die due to degeneration in the ovaries. As we age, the number of eggs decreases, and the quality of those eggs also deteriorates. Thus, knowing your ovarian reserve is important if you are planning to delay pregnancy or are facing difficulty getting pregnant. 

Ovarian reserve is important for the following reasons:

  • Predicts fertility
  • Decide when to start a family
  • Plans for assisted reproductive techniques like IVF

Ovarian reserve declines at different rates in every woman. While it starts to decline in the mid-30s for an average woman, it can start earlier for some.

Key Tests for Ovarian Reserve

Understanding your ovarian reserve involves a few tests. These tests are simple, non-invasive, and can give you a clear picture of your fertility health.

  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test

The AMH test measures the levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone in your blood. This hormone is produced by cells in your ovarian follicles, which house the eggs. The higher the AMH level, the greater the number of remaining eggs.

  • Normal AMH Level: 1.5 to 4.0 ng/mL
  • Low AMH Level: Below 1.0 ng/mL (indicating diminished ovarian reserve)
AMH Level (ng/mL) Interpretation
Above 4.0 High (May indicate PCOS)
1.5 – 4.0 Normal
1.0 – 1.5 Low-Normal
Below 1.0 Low (Diminished ovarian reserve)
  • Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

The Antral Follicle Count test is performed via an ultrasound scan. This test counts the small follicles in your ovaries that contain immature eggs. A higher AFC number means more eggs are available.

Age Range (Years) Average AFC Count
20 – 30 16 – 30 follicles
31 – 35 12 – 20 follicles
36 – 40 8 – 15 follicles
41 and above 4 – 10 follicles
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test

FSH is a hormone that promotes the development of eggs within the ovaries. The FSH test is typically performed during the second or third day of your period. A high level of FSH can indicate that you may have a decreased ovarian reserve.

  • Normal FSH Level: Below 10 mIU/mL
  • Elevated FSH Level: Above 10 mIU/mL (indicating reduced fertility)
FSH Level (mIU/mL) Interpretation
Below 10 Normal Ovarian Reserve
10 – 15 Reduced Ovarian Reserve
Above 15 Poor Ovarian Reserve

What is the Right Time to Start Ovarian Reserve Testing?

If the test results show a low ovarian reserve, it doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible; it simply means you may need to plan sooner rather than later. Several fertility preservation and treatment options are available, including IVF and egg freezing. Now that you understand what ovarian reserve is and the tests involved, the next question is: When should you start? Here are some factors to consider before beginning the testing:

  • Age

Age is the biggest factor in determining ovarian reserve. Fertility declines with age, and the quality of eggs decreases, making it harder to conceive. If you’re in your early 30s and want to delay having a family, get tested for ovarian reserve.

  • Family History and Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions like endometriosis or a family history of early menopause can impact your ovarian reserve. If any of these apply to you, it is advised to get tested earlier.

  • Unable to Conceive

If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than 6-12 months without success, ovarian reserve testing can help identify the underlying issue. Many women visit the best IVF specialist in Delhi after this timeframe to explore fertility treatment options.

Why Choose Nandi IVF?

If you’re concerned about your fertility or ovarian reserve, consult with our experienced IVF specialists at Nandi IVF Centre in Delhi. Our team will guide you through all testing results and provide personalized advice on your health, lifestyle, and future family planning. At our top IVF centre in Delhi, we ensure complete care for all our patients, and no fertility problem goes unsolved.

Testing your ovarian reserve is crucial for understanding your fertility. It helps you make informed decisions about whether to start planning for pregnancy sooner or consider postponing.

Take the first step towards a successful and healthy pregnancy by consulting with the best IVF specialists in Delhi at Nandi IVF Centre.

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