Ovarian reserve testing is among some of the most important tests women undergo to test their fertility. This test helps determine the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
In this article, we will look deeply into what the test entails and what treatment options you can undergo if you have a lower ovarian reserve
What is ovarian reserve testing?
The ovarian reserve test helps to know how much number of eggs are left in your ovaries. This test is performed with the help of a blood test and a vaginal ultrasound test to know the presence of hormone levels.
The normal AMH levels of ovarian reserve testing are about 2ng/mL at the age of 30, 1.5 ng/mL at the age of 35, and 1ng/mL at the age of 40.
The test is performed to count the eggs presented, which measures the quantity, not the quality. These eggs are used up over time, and as you get older, the production of eggs decreases. The main goal of ovarian reserve testing is to evaluate the remaining number of eggs and the chances of getting pregnant.
There is no need to prepare for this test. The test is performed during the second day to the fifth day of your menstrual cycle as it is easy to calculate. The number of eggs continued to decrease month after month where it leads to menopause.
Factors affecting Ovarian reserve testing
Some of the factors that might affect the results of the Ovarian reserve testing procedure are listed below.
Female age
This is the most crucial factor, as ovarian reserve testing depends on the age of the woman. As the age increases, the number of eggs present in your ovaries may decrease. This is because the egg quantity naturally declines, and the AMH level also decreases.
Medical Factors
If you have undergone any endometriosis surgery, which includes ovarian surgery, there is a chance of reduced egg quantity. Sometimes, if you are affected by any genetic disorder, it might affect your ovarian functions.
Some treatments, such as radiation treatment, damage the egg cells present in the ovaries, leading to the lower reserve ovary.
Test related factors
Normally, the blood test for ovarian reserve testing is commonly taken at the time of the menstrual cycle. It is performed within 2 days. If there is any delay in the test, the test does not give an accurate result for the calculation.
Choosing an experienced lab technician will provide an accurate result for the test. This is because the skilled technician can accurately count the eggs that are actively presented.
Test performed during ovarian reserve testing
Here are the various tests that have been performed during ovarian reserve testing. They are
FSH
FSH is a hormone that stimulates the development of ovaries. The follicle contains a small fluid containing eggs. If the test is not taken at the correct time, it will give the wrong information.
The pituitary gland in the brain helps to stimulate the follicle hormone. This test is performed to track the number of follicles but does not provide information about egg quality.
Estradiol
These are the hormones produced by the ovaries naturally, which regulate the ovaries for egg production. These estradiol hormones are combined with FSH to produce more number of eggs.
This estradiol test helps to determine the exact amount of hormone present in your blood. Compared to FSH, it plays a less important role in egg production.
AMH
The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by the cells present in the eggs which develop in the follicle. If there is less than 1 nanogram per millimeter then it denotes that the supply of eggs is declining.
This test is not used to predict the ability to get pregnant. As your age increases naturally, the quantity of eggs decreases.
Inhibin B
It is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries. This plays a crucial role in regulating reproduction. It helps in the development of the follicles produced by the ovaries. Low Inhibin B produces a lower result during ovarian reserve testing.
Imagine test
This is the combination of various tests that your doctor might use to determine the eggs present in your ovaries. In this test, the various tests, such as
Medical History – The doctor will review your health history and discuss the medications you took for the ovarian reserve testing.
Physical examination – This can help identify any potential risk associated with Ovarian reserve testing.
Pros and cons of Ovarian reserve testing
Pros of Ovarian reserve testing:
It helps you understand and gives clear information to decide on further treatment options. If the egg count is lower, then the chance of conceiving becomes critical.
Women may undergo various fertility treatments to get pregnant. This test helps doctors to know the health condition and gives information on which medications will work to improve fertility.
The ovarian reserve test helps identify conditions like PCOS and other conditions that affect fertility. It helps treat infertility conditions accordingly.
Taking the ovarian reserve test helps to make the plan for fertility treatment as it is helpful for women who need to get pregnant.
Cons of Ovarian reserve testing
- Ovarian reserve testing helps only with the egg count in your ovary. But it does not give the quality of eggs. Even the person can get pregnant with a lower quantity of eggs.
- Sometimes, the result of the test might make you emotionally weak, and you cannot continue with your daily routine thinking of the result.
- It does not give you the correct information. Some factors, such as age and health, might still be involved in your fertility process.
- The cost of ovarian reserve testing can be a bit expensive and everyone cannot afford the process of testing.
- It is not necessary for every age group. Consult your fertility doctor as per their recommendations you can take the test accordingly.
Conclusion
Ovarian reserve testing is an important test that will help analyze the quality and quantity of the eggs present in the ovaries. Doctors can easily identify if there are any problems in your ovaries with the help of ultrasound.
This will be useful to know the level of your pregnancy rate. You should consult your doctor before you take this procedure.
AMH is the best test that helps the woman to know the level of ovaries which shows the symptoms of getting pregnant. If the eggs presented in ovaries are higher, then the chance of getting pregnant also remains higher.
The best time to check the ovarian reserve testing is between 2 to 5 days of the menstrual cycle. No special preparation is required for ovarian reserve testing.
