When planning for a family, one of the most important factors affecting a woman’s fertility is her ovarian reserve. While many people associate fertility only with age, ovarian reserve provides a more accurate picture of a woman’s remaining egg supply and reproductive potential.
Understanding your ovarian reserve can help you make informed decisions, whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning for the future.
What Is Ovarian Reserve?
A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. This collection of eggs is known as the ovarian reserve.
- At birth: Approximately 1–2 million eggs
- At puberty: Around 300,000–500,000 eggs remain
- Throughout life: The number and quality of eggs continue to decline naturally
Unlike other cells in the body, eggs cannot be regenerated. As women age, both the quantity and quality of eggs decrease, making conception more challenging.
Why Is Ovarian Reserve Important?
Ovarian reserve gives fertility specialists valuable information about:
- Your remaining egg supply
- How your ovaries may respond to fertility treatments
- Your chances of conceiving naturally
- Whether fertility preservation, such as egg freezing, should be considered
It’s important to note that ovarian reserve does not guarantee pregnancy. It is one piece of the fertility puzzle, alongside factors such as sperm quality, uterine health, and overall reproductive health.
Signs That You May Want to Check Your Ovarian Reserve
You may benefit from an ovarian reserve assessment if you:
- Are over 30 and planning to delay pregnancy
- Have been trying to conceive without success
- Have irregular menstrual cycles
- Have a family history of early menopause
- Have undergone ovarian surgery
- Have endometriosis
- Have received chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Are considering egg freezing
Even women with regular menstrual cycles may have a reduced ovarian reserve without obvious symptoms.
How Is Ovarian Reserve Tested?
A fertility specialist typically uses a combination of tests to assess ovarian reserve.
1. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Blood Test
AMH is produced by small follicles in the ovaries and is one of the most reliable indicators of ovarian reserve.
Higher AMH levels generally suggest a larger remaining egg supply, while lower levels may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve.
One advantage of the AMH test is that it can be performed on almost any day of the menstrual cycle.
2. Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
Using a transvaginal ultrasound, your doctor counts the small follicles visible in both ovaries.
A higher follicle count usually indicates a better ovarian reserve.
3. Other Hormone Tests
Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may also recommend hormone tests such as:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Estradiol (E2)
These tests provide additional information about ovarian function and fertility.
Can Ovarian Reserve Be Improved?
Unfortunately, ovarian reserve cannot be increased once eggs are lost. No medication, supplement, or diet has been scientifically proven to restore the number of eggs.
However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall reproductive health by:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
- Managing chronic medical conditions
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting adequate sleep
The key is early assessment and timely planning.
What If My Ovarian Reserve Is Low?
A low ovarian reserve does not mean pregnancy is impossible.
Many women with a reduced ovarian reserve still conceive naturally or with fertility treatments such as:
- Ovulation induction
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
The most appropriate treatment depends on your age, overall health, fertility history, and your partner’s fertility status.
Early consultation allows more treatment options and often leads to better outcomes.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
Consider seeking a fertility assessment if:
- You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
- You are 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months.
- You have known reproductive conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- You simply want to understand your fertility before planning a pregnancy.
Knowing your ovarian reserve early can provide reassurance, help you plan ahead, and guide the best next steps for your reproductive journey.
Take the First Step Towards Understanding Your Fertility
Every woman’s fertility journey is unique. An early fertility assessment can provide valuable insights into your ovarian reserve and help you make confident decisions about your future.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation with the Sri Kota Fertility Unit, we’re here to help.
📱 WhatsApp us: 019-269 8808
☎️ Call us: 03-3375 7773
Our experienced fertility team is committed to providing compassionate, personalised care to support you at every stage of your journey toward parenthood.