When a woman's eggs are essentially gone, her supply of eggs gradually decreases.Estimates of a woman's ovarian reserve can be offered by measuring biochemical levels and performing transvaginal scans.If you have trouble getting pregnant, have other risk factors, or are interested in freezing some of your eggs, you may want to have your ovarian reserve tested.These results can be misleading.Under the guidance of an experienced healthcare professional, ovarian reserve testing should always be done.
Step 1: Ovarian reserve testing can be investigated.
A variety of different tests are used to determine the approximate quantity of your remaining eggs.It is possible to assess your fertility and viability of freezing your eggs.Ovarian reserve tests can check for markers such as FSH, estradiol, antimllerian hormone, and inhibin B, as well as determine antral follicle count and ovarian volume.The tests are part of the initial evaluation for infertility patients.They are done before egg freezing.These tests can range from $150 to $500 depending on the clinic you choose.
Step 2: Check to see if you meet the criteria.
Ovarian reserve testing is usually done on women 35 or older who have been trying for a baby for at least 6 months, or women with other risk factors.These risk factors include a history of cancer or other conditions treated with pelvic irradiation and/or certain types of medications that may impact your fertility.If you have had ovarian surgery for endometriomas, you may be a good candidate.This test is important for people who want to freeze eggs.If you are a trans man hoping to freeze some of your eggs prior to transitioning, or a woman preparing to undergo a medical procedure that may impact your fertility, these tests may be a good option for you.
Step 3: Ovarian reserve testing has limitations.
Many people want to know the size of their ovarian reserve.The results can be ambiguous, imperfect, and difficult to interpret.Home fertility tests are not recommended.Prepare to take the results of an ovarian reserve test and discuss all options with a healthcare provider before jumping to conclusions.
Step 4: You can make an appointment with the fertility clinic.
You can perform an internet search for fertility clinics in your area if you want to have your ovarian reserve tested.You can contact your insurance company for approved options.You can make an appointment with a local clinic to discuss your options.It is possible to try this with several clinics.When you find a fertility clinic and doctor that you trust, make an appointment to move forward with your test.Not all fertility practices are friendly to the gay community.Whenever possible, Trans men and other families should get referrals from their friends.
Step 5: Don't take a Day 3 FSH Test.
The most common way to assess your ovarian reserve is by determining your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone.On the third day of your menstrual cycle, you can take the Day 3 FSH test.Estradiol levels should be at their lowest on the third day that it is done.The appearance of FSH can be altered by high estradiol levels.Estradiol levels should always be tested with FSH.FSH and estradiol levels can be taken at random in women with irregular menstruation.FSH levels can be counted if estradiol levels are low.Normal FSH levels are below 10.The levels between 10 and 15 are thought to be borderline.
Step 6: You can ask your doctor about the test.
The Clomid Challenge Test can be used to assess the health of your ovarian reserve.On the third day of your cycle, your FSH levels will be checked.Your FSH will be tested again on day 10 after you have been given Clomid for five days.The presence of this drug in your system should cause your FSH levels to rise.Your body should be able to bring your FSH levels back to normal by day 10.A low ovarian reserve can be indicated by higher FSH levels on day 10.
Step 7: Take the AMH test.
The antimllerian hormone levels are assessed by the AMH test.AMH can only be produced in small ovarian follicles.Ovarian reserve is thought to reflect levels of this hormone.Any day of a women's cycle can be tested for AMH levels.Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may have higher-than-normal levels of AMH.How well women respond to infertility drugs can be determined by AMH levels.
Step 8: Measure the amount of Inhibin B you have.
Inhibin B is created by your ovaries and produced by small, developing follicles.The quantity and quality of your ovarian reserve can be determined by testing these levels on the third day of the cycle.This test may not be available at all fertility clinics.Women with unexplained fertility issues may be helped by this test.
Step 9: The antral follicle count is important.
Antral follicles contain immature eggs.It is possible to visually assess your antral follicle count with a transvaginal ultrasound.An estimate of the number of remaining eggs in each of your ovaries can be provided by determining this count.The test is more accurate than FSH for older women.Your FSH levels can change from month to month.
Step 10: Ovarian volume can be checked.
Ovarian volume can be measured using a transvaginal test.The number of remaining eggs in your reserve can be indicated by the volume of your ovaries.Your doctor should be able to determine your ovarian volume by measuring your ovaries on 3 planes.The test alone isn't the most accurate indicator of ovarian reserve or fertility.When placed with other results, this information can be useful.
Step 11: Consider a ovarian reserve test.
The most accurate assessment of a woman's ovarian reserve can be provided by a combination of two techniques.Multiple methods are often combined since no single test can boast 100% accuracy.Discuss this with your healthcare provider and choose the best tests for you.The combination of too many tests can lead to confusion.