Diminished Ovarian Reserve
The ovarian reserve refers to the capacity of ovaries to produce eggs that are capable of becoming fertilized, resulting in a pregnancy. The ovarian reserve naturally begins to decrease after the age of 35. Even when the ovarian reserve is diminished, ovaries will continue to produce eggs until menopause, which typically occurs at the age of 50-51. However, not all eggs are of the same quality. Those produced in a woman’s 20s, and 30s have a higher chance of resulting in a pregnancy than those produced in her late 30s or early 40s. If you are interested in extending your fertility, you may be considering egg freezing.
In some cases, the ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen before the age of 40. This is referred to as premature ovarian failure.
What are the symptoms of diminished ovarian reserve?
- Hot flashes
- Irregular or skipped periods
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sexual drive
What are the causes of diminished ovarian reserve?
- Genetic Predispositions and Autoimmune Diseases: Some women’s ovarian reserve begins to diminish at a young age naturally. In other cases, the body may produce antibodies against its own ovarian tissue, harming the egg-containing follicles and damaging the egg.
- Toxins: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may negatively affect ovarian tissues by harming the genetic materials in cells.
- Life Style: Cigarette smoking and other unhealthy habits may have a large negative impact on ovarian reserve.
How can Fakih IVF Fertility Center help me I have a diminished ovarian reserve?
Women with diminished ovarian reserve may benefit from some supplements to help produce a healthy egg. Fakih IVF Fertility Center also offers Natural Cycle IVF for women who do not respond well to fertility medication or who have poor ovarian reserve. Such women do not produce more than one natural egg per month, regardless of stimulation medication. During a Natural Cycle, the single natural egg created by the body is retrieved, injected with sperm and, if fertilized, the embryo is transferred to the uterus. Book an appointment today to discuss the best treatment options for you.
