The key to understanding female fertility and its assessment

Ovarian reserve is a fundamental concept in the field of female fertility, as it refers to the quantity and quality of eggs a woman has available in her ovaries. As we age, this reserve naturally decreases, which can affect the ability to conceive. Knowing the status of ovarian reserve is crucial for women who want to plan their pregnancy or who are experiencing difficulties getting pregnant.

In this article, we'll explain in detail what ovarian reserve is, how it's measured, and the main factors that influence its decline. We'll also explore the options available for assessing fertility through fertility studies in Barcelona.

What is ovarian reserve?

Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of eggs a woman has in her ovaries at a given time in her life. From birth, women have a fixed number of ovarian follicles, which decreases over time until menopause, when this reserve is completely depleted.

Unlike men, who continually produce sperm, women are born with approximately one million oocytes. This number progressively decreases: by puberty, there are around 300,000 left, and by age 35, the number drops dramatically. Egg quality also declines over time, which can affect fertility and increase the risk of genetic abnormalities.

How is ovarian reserve measured?

To assess ovarian reserve, there are various tests and methods that help determine the quantity and quality of available eggs. The main methods include:

1. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) analysis

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is one of the most commonly used tests to measure ovarian reserve. This hormone is produced by growing follicles in the ovaries, and its concentration in the blood reflects the number of available eggs. The higher the AMH level, the better the ovarian reserve.

  • A high AMH level indicates good ovarian reserve.
  • A low AMH level may be a sign of a reduction in the number of available eggs.

2. Antral follicle count (AFC)

Antral follicle count (AFC) is performed using a transvaginal ultrasound. During the examination, the specialist counts the number of small follicles (2 to 10 mm) present in both ovaries. The higher the count, the better the ovarian reserve.

3. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels

FSH is another key hormone in the regulation of the ovarian cycle. It is measured in the first days of the menstrual cycle, and its levels can indicate the status of ovarian reserve. A high FSH level can be a sign of reduced ovarian reserve.

Factors influencing ovarian reserve

Ovarian reserve is determined by several factors, including:

  • Age: It is the main factor that influences the decrease in ovarian reserve.
  • Genetics: Some women have a lower ovarian reserve due to hereditary factors.
  • Lifestyle: Factors such as smoking, stress, and poor diet can affect the quality and quantity of eggs.
  • Diseases and medical treatments: Diseases such as endometriosis or treatments such as chemotherapy can drastically reduce ovarian reserve.

Fertility studies: tests and diagnostics to assess ovarian reserve

For women who wish to know their ovarian reserve and evaluate their fertility, there are several clinics specializing in fertility studies. These centers, present in multiple cities, offer personalized tests and diagnoses that allow women to understand their reproductive health and plan their future motherhood with greater confidence.

The fertility studies in Barcelona In other locations, they include hormonal tests, ultrasounds, and specialized evaluations to determine each woman's reproductive capacity. With this information, specialists can recommend strategies to preserve fertility, such as egg vitrification or assisted reproduction treatments.

Options for women with low ovarian reserve

If a woman has low ovarian reserve, there are several options to improve her chances of conceiving:

  • Fertility preservation: Egg freezing is a recommended option for women who wish to postpone motherhood.
  • Fertility treatments: Specialists may recommend controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to optimize the chances of pregnancy.
  • Egg donation: For women with very low ovarian reserve, egg donation may be an alternative to achieving pregnancy.

Knowing your ovarian reserve is essential for women planning their childbearing. There are various tests that can assess the quantity and quality of available eggs, helping you make informed decisions about your reproductive future.

Currently, the fertility studies in Barcelona They offer advanced technologies to evaluate ovarian reserve and provide personalized solutions for each woman. If you have questions about your fertility or want to know the status of your ovarian reserve, visit a specialized center. fertility studies in Barcelona It can be the first step towards a planned and safe motherhood.