Ovarian Reserve and its significance in fertility

Fertility is a deeply personal and often complex journey, and understanding the factors that influence it can empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. One of the most critical aspects of female fertility is ovarian reserve—a term that refers to the number and quality of eggs a woman has remaining in her ovaries.

What is ovarian reserve?

Every woman is born with a finite number of eggs stored in her ovaries. This egg supply, known as the ovarian reserve, peaks before birth at around 6-7 million oocytes but declines significantly by the time she is born to approximately 1-2 million. By puberty, only about 400,000 eggs remain; throughout her reproductive years, only around 400 eggs will mature and be ovulated. The rest undergo a natural process called atresia, where they are lost over time.

Ovarian reserve is not just about quantity—it also reflects the quality of eggs available for fertilization. Both factors play a crucial role in determining a woman’s fertility potential. Women with a diminished ovarian reserve may face challenges conceiving naturally but advances in fertility treatments like IVF provide alternative options.

How age affects ovarian reserve

Age is the single most significant factor influencing ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve steadily declines from birth, but this process accelerates after age 30. By the mid-30s, eggs’ quantity and quality diminish rapidly, reducing fertility. By the time most women reach their mid-40s, their ovarian reserve is significantly depleted, coinciding with the onset of perimenopause.

This age-related decline affects the number of eggs and their genetic integrity. Older eggs are more likely to contain chromosomal abnormalities, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy. For women who wish to delay motherhood due to personal or professional reasons, understanding this natural timeline is essential for planning.

Assessing ovarian reserve

Fortunately, there are ways to estimate ovarian reserve and gain insights into fertility health:

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: Measures hormone levels that correlate with egg quantity.
• Antral Follicle Count (AFC): An ultrasound counts small follicles in the ovaries.
• FSH and Estradiol Tests: Evaluate ovarian function during specific menstrual cycle phases.

These tests are valuable tools for women considering family planning or fertility treatments. They help specialists create personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s reproductive timeline.

Why ovarian reserve matters for fertility

The ovarian reserve plays a pivotal role in determining a woman’s ability to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Women with healthy reserves have greater flexibility in timing pregnancies, while those with diminished reserves may need to act sooner or explore options such as egg freezing or donor eggs.

For women undergoing IVF, ovarian reserve directly impacts treatment outcomes. A higher reserve typically means more eggs can be retrieved during stimulation cycles, increasing the chances of producing viable embryos for transfer.

Take control of your fertility journey with Newlife IVF Greece

At Newlife IVF Greece, we understand that every fertility journey is unique. Our clinic offers cutting-edge fertility investigations and treatments tailored to your needs. Whether you’re exploring egg freezing, IVF with donor eggs, or other options, our experienced international team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Located in Thessaloniki—a city rich in culture and beauty—we combine world-class medical care with personalized support to ensure your experience is as stress-free as possible. With high success rates and no waiting lists for donors, Newlife IVF Greece stands out as one of Europe’s leading clinics.

Take charge of your reproductive future today! Contact us for a consultation, and let us help you turn hope into reality.