When facing infertility, understanding the health and function of the ovaries is crucial. Ovarian function tests help assess the quantity and potential quality of a woman’s eggs, providing valuable insights into her reproductive capacity and guiding treatment decisions for infertility.
What is Ovarian Function Testing?
Ovarian function tests evaluate the number of eggs available in the ovaries (ovarian reserve) and how well the ovaries respond to hormonal signals. These tests include:
- Hormone Blood Tests:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Measured on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, high FSH levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Reflects the number of small follicles in the ovaries and is a strong predictor of ovarian reserve. AMH can be measured any day of the cycle.
- Estradiol: Sometimes measured with FSH to assess hormonal balance.
- Ultrasound Examination:
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC): Uses transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of small follicles in both ovaries early in the menstrual cycle. A higher count indicates better ovarian reserve.
Why Are These Tests Important?
- Predict Fertility Potential: Ovarian reserve tests estimate how many eggs you have, which declines naturally with age.
- Guide Treatment Options: Helps fertility specialists tailor treatment plans, choosing the best approach for fertility medications or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
- Counseling and Planning: Understanding ovarian function assists in setting realistic expectations about your chances of conception and potential need for advanced treatments.
What Patients Should Know
- Ovarian function tests measure quantity, not quality, of eggs. Egg quality is harder to assess but declines with age.
- Normal results do not guarantee pregnancy, but low ovarian reserve may indicate the need for prompt fertility treatment.
- Tests are usually done early in the menstrual cycle (day 2-5) but AMH can be checked anytime.
- These tests are part of a comprehensive fertility evaluation and should be interpreted by a fertility specialist.
Conclusion
Ovarian function testing is a key step in diagnosing and managing female infertility. It provides valuable information on reproductive potential, helping patients and doctors make informed decisions on fertility treatments and family planning.