fertility news

For most women the number of available eggs as well as the quality of the eggs declines as she gets older. This means that pregnancy rates decrease and miscarriage rates increase as we age. The average age of patient’s seeking treatment in most fertility clinics is 35 years old therefore assessing the pregnancy potential of the ovary is an important aspect of the infertility work-up. This is usually one of the first tests done in the infertility work-up since the results of this screening impacts treatment decisions and most importantly pregnancy rates.

One common assessment of ovarian reserve is the measurement of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level on days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle. This is done by a simple blood test and may also include the measurement of estradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. It is important to remember that the ranges considered “normal” are clinic or lab specific. Another commonly used measure of ovarian reserve is the number of small follicles seen in the ovaries on day 2-4 of the cycle. This assessment called the basal antral follicle count (BAFC) is done by transvaginal ultrasound and is often used to determine the starting dosage of drugs needed for optimal stimulation of the ovaries as well as to reduce the risk of over stimulating the ovaries.

REFERENCE: ASRM Practice Committee Report: Aging and infertility in women. Fertil Steril. 2004; 82 Suppl 1:S102-106