Ovarian Reserve refers to the count and quality of eggs in a female. DOR is a condition in which a female suffers from decreased egg count in the ovaries compared to other people of the same age. This is also known as low egg count or low ovarian reserve which results in reduced reproductive potential.A female is born with an average count of 1 to 2 million eggswhich keeps reducing with age and by the onset of puberty the average count is 300,000 to 400,000. Egg count and quality majorly starts to diminish after the age of 35 affecting the fertility and ability to get pregnant. Ovarian reserve also depends on the biological clock which may vary in different females.Some females have DOR during the menopausal age, and some may start losing the count in their 20s. About 10% to 30% of females who seek help for infertility suffer from DOR.
Causes of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
• Age: Age is a predominant factor influencing ovarian reserve. As women age, the number and quality of eggs naturally decline, reducing the chances of successful conception.
• Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition can also play a role in diminished ovarian reserve. Some women may have genetic variations that affect the quantity and quality of their eggs.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as toxins, pollutants, and chemicals, can potentially impact ovarian function and reserve.
• Medical treatments: Previous medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can adversely affect ovarian function and deplete the ovarian reserve.
• Surgical interventions: Ovarian surgeries, especially those involving the removal of ovarian tissue, can diminish ovarian reserve.
Symptoms of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Diminished ovarian reserve often doesn’t manifest with overt symptoms. However, certain indicators might suggest the presence of this condition:
• Irregular menstrual cycles: Women with DOR may experience irregular periods, which can be an indication of compromised ovarian function.
• Fertility challenges: Difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriages could point to diminished ovarian reserve.
• Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels: High levels of FSH, a hormone involved in egg maturation, can indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
• Decreased response to ovarian stimulation: Women with DOR might respond less favorably to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Treatment Options for Diminished Ovarian Reserve
While diminished ovarian reserve presents fertility challenges, several treatment options are available to help women conceive:
• Ovulation induction: Fertility medications can stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs, increasing the chances of successful conception.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus.
• Egg donation: Women with DOR may consider using donated eggs from a younger, healthier donor to increase their chances of successful pregnancy.
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): PGT can be performed alongside IVF to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation.
• Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding harmful environmental factors, can support ovarian health.
Diminished ovarian reserve can present significant challenges for women aspiring to start a family. However, advances in reproductive medicine offer hope and various avenues for achieving successful conception. By understanding the causes, recognising potential symptoms, and exploring appropriate treatment options, women can navigate the path of fertility with informed decisions and increased optimism. It’s important to approach this journey with resilience, patience, and the support of healthcare professionals to increase the chances of fulfilling the dream of parenthood.
