Ovarian Reserve: What It Means for Fertility and How to Test It
When we talk about ovarian reserve, the number of eggs a woman has left in her ovaries at any given time. Also known as egg count, it’s not just about age—it’s about biology, timing, and the real chances of getting pregnant. Think of it like a battery: you’re born with a full charge, and over time, it slowly drains. But unlike a phone, you can’t recharge it. Your ovarian reserve drops naturally as you get older, but it can also decline faster due to genetics, surgery, chemotherapy, or autoimmune conditions.
Doctors use a few key tools to measure it: the AMH test, a blood test that measures anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker produced by developing eggs, and an antral follicle count, an ultrasound that shows the number of small follicles visible in the ovaries. These aren’t perfect predictors of pregnancy success, but they give you a snapshot of your reproductive timeline. A low ovarian reserve doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant—it just means your window might be shorter, and time becomes more critical.
Many women don’t think about ovarian reserve until they’re trying to conceive, but knowing your numbers earlier can help you make smarter choices—whether that’s freezing eggs, adjusting family planning, or exploring other paths. It’s not a scare tactic; it’s a tool. And if you’ve been told your reserve is low, don’t panic. Some women with low numbers still get pregnant naturally. Others use IVF successfully. What matters most is understanding where you stand so you can act with clarity, not confusion.
Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on fertility tests, how medications affect egg quality, what to ask your doctor, and how lifestyle choices might influence your ovarian reserve. No fluff. No hype. Just clear info to help you take control.
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