I HAVE A LOW STOCK OF HOURS. WHAT SHOULD I DO;

28 June 20243′ read4 sections

CONTENTS

What Is Low Ovarian Reserve?
Diagnosing Low Ovarian Reserve
What Can You Do?
Conclusion

A diagnosis of low ovarian reserve can be worrying for many women who want to have a child. However, it is important to know that there are many options and strategies that can help you reach your goal. In this article we look at what low ovarian reserve means, which treatments are available and what steps you can take to increase your chances of success.

What Is Low Ovarian Reserve?

Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of the eggs in a woman's ovaries. Low ovarian reserve means that the number of available eggs is lower than expected for the woman's age. This may be due to various factors, such as age, genetic predisposition, previous fertility treatments or medical conditions such as endometriosis.

Diagnosing Low Ovarian Reserve

Blood Tests

- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): a blood test that measures the level of AMH, which is produced by the follicles in the ovaries. Low AMH levels are associated with low ovarian reserve.

- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): measuring FSH on the third day of the cycle can provide information about ovarian function. High FSH levels indicate low ovarian reserve.

Ultrasound Scan

An ultrasound scan that counts the number of follicles in the ovaries at the start of the cycle. A low follicle count is associated with low ovarian reserve.

What Can You Do?

Consult a Reproductive Medicine Specialist

The first and most important step is to consult a Reproductive Medicine Specialist. Your doctor will assess your test results and discuss the available options with you.

Fertility Treatments

- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): one of the most common treatments for women with low ovarian reserve. Stimulating the ovaries with hormones can increase the number of eggs produced during the cycle.

- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): a technique often used together with IVF, in which a sperm is injected directly into the egg.

Consider Egg Freezing

If you are not ready to have a child straight away, egg freezing may be an option for preserving your fertility.

Consider Egg Donation

Egg donation is another option for women with very low ovarian reserve. It can increase the chances of success, although it requires medical and ethical counselling.

A Healthy Lifestyle

- Diet: a healthy diet can help improve ovarian function.

- Exercise: regular exercise helps maintain overall health and well-being.

- Avoiding toxins: avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and other toxins that can adversely affect fertility.

Dietary Supplements

Some dietary supplements may improve egg quality. Ask your doctor which are suitable for you.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of low ovarian reserve does not mean the end of hope of having a child. With the right medical advice and appropriate treatment, many women have succeeded in becoming mothers. If you have been diagnosed with low ovarian reserve, contact a reproductive medicine specialist to discuss your options and find the best plan of action for you.

For more information and personalised advice, book an appointment at our practice. We are here to support you at every step of the process and to help you achieve your dream of becoming parents.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyreproductive medicine centrefertility treatmentsegg freezingoocyte cryopreservationlow ovarian reserve

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

What Is Low Ovarian Reserve?

Diagnosing Low Ovarian Reserve

What Can You Do?

Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?