Ovarian reserve refers to the ovaries’ ability to produce plenty of healthy eggs, and it has a direct effect on how a woman’s body responds to infertility treatments. If you have been trying to conceive for some time, and you are concerned about your ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health, contact Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI.

The compassionate team at this fertility clinic can determine if you are a good candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the meantime, read on to learn more about ovarian reserve and its effects on fertility:

What Determines Your Ovarian Reserve?

There are two main components that affect a woman’s ovarian reserve, and ultimately, determine her ability to conceive through IVF and carry a pregnancy to term. The first determining factor is the number of follicles within the ovaries that are available for treatment, and the second is the health of those follicles.

What Is Ovarian Reserve Testing?

If you want to undergo IVF at a fertility clinic, you must first undergo ovarian reserve testing. This procedure will allow a physician to determine your reproductive potential based on the number of remaining eggs. The testing involves measuring hormone levels or performing a transvaginal ultrasound.

What Is Decreased Ovarian Reserve?

If testing reveals that the woman’s egg supply is lower than it should be, it is called decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Although the eggs that are present might be perfectly healthy, there are fewer of them, which may make it challenging for the woman to conceive using her own eggs. For that reason, doctors often recommend that women with DOR use donor eggs.

What Factors Affect the Health of My Eggs?

A woman’s age plays a significant role in the health of her eggs. Other factors that can affect the eggs include genetics, hormone levels, medical history, and general health.

If you have been trying to get pregnant, and you’re concerned about your ovarian reserve, turn to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI. Visit their website to learn more about the treatments this fertility clinic provides and call (808) 946-2226 to make an appointment today.