Fertility checks/ovarian reserve testing

Ovarian reserve is a term used to describe the number of eggs still remaining in the ovaries. This varies among women and although women are born with similar numbers of eggs, the rate at which the numbers of eggs declines varies between women. Advancing age will automatically reduce ovarian reserve, but there are other factors which can cause the reserve to be lower than expected such as:

• Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Family history of premature menopause
• Smoking
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• History of pelvic surgery
• History of autoimmune disease

Who should have Ovarian Reserve testing?

The most appropriate candidates for Ovarian Reserve Testing are women who are under the age of 38 years and are considering delaying pregnancy for personal, work or social reasons. If a woman is identified as having reduced ovarian reserve then she may be able to bring forward her plans for trying to conceive and thus boost her chances of becoming pregnant. Women older than 40 years are not ideal candidates for ovarian reserve testing as they will already have diminished ovarian reserve. Furthermore, irrespective of the results, it would be unwise to recommend to a woman of 40 years and older to delay pregnancy.

At the Womens Health Clinic we offer the following tests for ovarian reserve

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

The cost of this consultation with blood tests included is €200

The testing is done on Day 3 of the woman’s menstrual cycle. FSH and AMH levels are thought to be a direct reflection of the size of a woman’s remaining egg supply. The oral contraceptive pill must be stopped at least 1 month prior to testing for ovarian reserve.

It is important to remember that you will receive a result from this test – and it may not be good news. You will be counselled about this at the time of consultation, and you may need support in interpreting the results and planning the way forward.