Ovarian reserve

Ovarian reserve

Ovarian reserve is the number of eggs present in the ovary, which reflects the woman's reproductive capacity.

Is ovarian reserve renewable?

No, a female is born with a certain number of eggs, and when she reaches puberty (menstruation), a number of these eggs are consumed every month until the reserve is completely finished around the age of 50, so the woman enters menopause and loses her reproductive capacity completely

Is there a way to increase the ovarian reserve?

No, there is no medical treatment to increase the number of eggs in the ovary

Does the rate of ovarian reserve decline vary from one woman to another?

Yes, and therefore reaching menopause varies between women

What are the factors that control the rate of ovarian reserve decline?
** Genetic factors
** Smoking
** Ovarian surgeries that reduce ovarian reserve
** Some treatments such as radiation/chemotherapy for cancer patients
** Some chromosomal disorders such as Turner syndrome

Do vitamins help increase ovarian reserve?

No, but they improve the quality of existing eggs

Can stem cell technology be used to increase ovarian reserve?
It is still under study and has not been officially applied to humans

What tests are performed to assess ovarian reserve?
** Ovarian reserve blood test AMH
** Evaluation of the number of eggs visible on ultrasound
** Evaluation of ovarian size on ultrasound
** FSH hormone test on the second or third day of the cycle

Can birth control pills be used to stabilize the ovarian reserve and slow its decline?

No, although birth control pills prevent ovulation, they do not maintain the ovarian reserve as a certain number of eggs are lost from the ovary each month whether ovulation occurs or not.

What is the solution for a woman who wants to have children and lost her ovarian reserve at an early age?
Egg donation, but this is prohibited in many countries for religious or legal reasons

What are the consequences of losing the ovarian reserve for a woman?
Loss of the female hormone (estrogen) which leads to symptoms of menopause, in addition to the loss of reproductive ability

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist