Q.
I’m thinking about starting an IVF cycle. Is there any other way to gauge how well my ovaries might perform aside from blood tests? I’m 38 years old.
A.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a foolproof test that can directly assess your ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of eggs your ovaries may have ready for fertilization. One commonly used method is counting your antral follicles. These are small, resting sacs that house immature eggs waiting to mature. Our ovaries continuously produce these follicles, which develop from tiny, microscopic eggs into antral follicles visible via ultrasound. As women age, the number of visible antral follicles tends to decrease. The count of these follicles is a strong indicator of egg quantity, although it doesn’t necessarily reflect embryo quality. This assessment usually occurs early in your menstrual cycle. Ideally, we like to see about 6-8 follicles per ovary, but it’s worth noting that women have successfully conceived even with lower counts.
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In summary, while there is no definitive test for ovarian reserve, monitoring antral follicles via ultrasound can provide valuable insights into your fertility potential. Always consult with your fertility specialist for personalized advice based on your unique situation.