Female Ovarian Reserve Testing

Infertility Treatments - Female

Infertility is an issue that affects many couples. A woman may be diagnosed as infertile if she is not able to conceive a child for over a year despite having well-timed, unprotected sexual intercourse. The good news is that infertility can be treated. The first step towards fertility treatment is to understand the factors causing infertility. A number of fertility tests may be used to confirm an infertility diagnosis in women.

When you see us for the first time, you will be registered with Nova IVF Fertility. We will note your history in detail including menstrual history, coital history, medical & surgical history. We will review your previous reports and past treatments and therefore recommend that you carry your previous treatment details with you when you visit us.

When testing for infertility, the doctors will first conduct a physical examination of the patient and ask questions to understand her medical history and lifestyle. In addition, one or more of the below tests may be advised:

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What is Ovarian Reserve Testing?

Ovarian reserve testing allows doctors to help women predict their fertility potential. These tests provide useful information about the amount of time left to conceive, and the number of eggs that have reached an advanced stage of development. Some simple blood tests, namely - AMH, E2, FSH - can be used to check the hormone levels and evaluate the quality and quantity of eggs.

Ovarian Reserve Tests

Here is a list of ovarian reserve tests that doctors normally suggest:

AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone)

The anti mullerian hormone is produced by the cells in the follicles (sacs that contain the eggs) in the woman's ovary. If the AMH levels are high, it is an indicator of a large number of follicles which means more eggs. As a woman ages, the number of eggs decreases and the AMH levels fall too. This blood test can be done any time and gives a realistic projection on the number of eggs.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

FSH, produced by the pituitary gland (in the brain), is responsible for maturing the eggs in the ovary. This blood test is drawn on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. Contradictory to AMH levels, high levels of FSH means poor ovarian reserves, and low levels of FSH indicates a good ovarian reserve.

Estradiol

Estradiol is tested along with FSH. It is an important form of oestrogen which is responsible for developing healthy eggs in a woman's ovaries. If the E2 test shows high levels of estradiol, it may indicate a problem with the egg quantity or quality.

AFC (Antral Follicle Count)

AFC is probably the best indicator of ovarian reserves since it measures the quantity and quality of eggs. Antral follicles are found in the ovaries and they contain immature eggs that have the potential to develop into mature eggs. A vaginal ultrasound is an accurate way to count the number of antral follicles. High AFC indicates a solid ovarian reserve, while low AFC indicates a weak fertility potential.

Ovarian reserve testing

Ovarian reserve testing is not the ultimate and absolute infertility indicator, but a noticeable change in hormone levels does help doctors in creating a treatment plan.

BBT Charting

Doctors usually recommended recording your Basal Body Temperature when one is trying to conceive. A rise in BBT indicates ovulation and can be used to determine the best time to have sexual intercourse. This charting can be done at home.

Postcoital Test

A couple may be told to have unprotected sexual intercourse and visit the doctor a few hours later. The doctor will then take a sample of the cervical mucus for testing so as to understand how the sperm cells interact with the cervical mucus. This test is also used to check sperm motility.

Transvaginal (pelvic) Ultrasound Exam

Unlike a normal, external ultrasound, this involves inserting a special device into the vagina. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the uterus and other reproductive organs on a screen. The doctor can then identify any structural abnormalities, fibroids etc. that may be interfering with pregnancy. This is not painful and is usually conducted 2 weeks before the patient's menstrual period.

Hysterosalpinogram

This is also known as a tubogram or HSG. It is used to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes and defects in the uterus. An HSG is usually performed between the 6th and 13th day of a menstrual cycle. The test involves injecting a liquid dye into the uterus through the vagina. A series of X-ray images are then used to check the progress of the dye through the fallopian tubes. In the case of an obstruction or blockage, the dye will not be able to pass through.

Hysteroscopy

This is usually advised only if an obstruction is seen in the Hysterosalpinogram along with laparoscope. A Hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible telescope like device through the vagina into the uterus. This device allows the doctors to see the insides of the uterus and check for structural problems. It is not important for all of the above tests to be conducted. In some cases, even after testing, there may be no identifiable cause of infertility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I opt for IVF?

IVF was originally developed for women with blocked tubes or missing fallopian tubes and it is still the procedure of choice for these situations. It is also used when other conditions are present, including endometriosis, male factor infertility and unexplained infertility in which no medical cause for infertility can be found. Our experts will review your history and help to guide you to the treatment and diagnostic procedures that are most appropriate for you.

What are the causes of male infertility?

1/3rd of the infertility issues are contributed by the male partner. Male factors also influence increased rate of miscarriages. Most common causes of male infertility are as follows.

Abnormal sperm count or low sperm motility
Chronic ailments such as cancer
Environmental factors: Exposure to radioactive chemicals
Lifestyle factors: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol
Age

What causes of female infertility?

Infertility is gender neutral. It affects the male and the female population. 1/3rd of the infertility issues are contributed by the female partner. In the world 50-80 million suffer from infertility. Most common causes of female infertility are as follows.

Age
Endometriosis
Hormonal issues leading to ovulation problems
Tubal blockage
Fibroids
Lifestyle factors: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, unhealthy diet
Unexplained infertility

What effect does age have on a woman's infertility?

Women are born with approximately 2 million eggs in their ovaries. Before a girl reaches puberty, about 11,000 eggs die every month. Thus, in her teenage years, a woman has only about 300,000 to 400,000 eggs available. From this point onwards, about 1000 eggs are utilised every month. This has nothing to do with any form of birth control, pregnancy, hormone production, health, lifestyle or nutritional supplements. Eventually, a woman reaches menopause when she has no viable eggs left.

Does PCOS affect a woman's fertility?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) refers to a condition caused by hormonal imbalances. Women suffering from PCOS produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones. This affects ovulation and can result in irregular periods. In some cases, women suffering from PCOS may have irregular periods. This, in turn, can make it harder for these women to conceive. In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility.

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