The actual reason as to why and how the eggs detereate at such a fast rate is not known however it could be taken into account that there are considerable variations among women as the same age as each women’s body responds differently yet however it could also be due to genetic and other factors .

1. Understanding Ovarian Reserve and Fertility
The number and quality of eggs which remain in the ovary is defined as Ovarian Reserve. These eggs
automatically respond to the women’s fertility potential. Scientists have always been fascinated with the
number of eggs released at any given age. It is understood that women are born with 300,000 to a
million eggs. However these eggs undergo spontaneous degeneration to such an extent that by the age
of 38 there are only 25,000 eggs remaining in the ovaries. Therefore it is believed that women loose
eggs at a faster rate and all eggs are exhausted near the age of menopause.
The actual reason as to why and how the eggs detereate at such a fast rate is not known however it
could be taken into account that there are considerable variations among women as the same age as
each women’s body responds differently yet however it could also be due to genetic and other factors .
Now day’s technology has changed to such an extent that besides age being a major factor it is equally
needed to better predict ovarian reserve, fertility potential and success of treatment for ovulation and
other factors.
Although there are various tests available the most informative ones are:
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): This is a hormone produced by the master gland in the brain thereby
enabling it to control the development of the follicles which is in the unit containing the eggs in the
ovary. The decrement of the follicles inevitably leads to the increment of FSH. Levels on the second or
third day of the cycle can reach up to 12-15 ml or higher reducing the chances of a successful fertility
treatment.
Ultra Sound for follicle count: An ultra sound scan which is done early after menses can help identify
small follicles which are within the ovaries giving an immediate impression of ovarian reserve. Low
Numbers like < 10 prevalent in both ovaries indicate low reserve.
Antimullerian Hormone (AMH): It is a hormone produced by the cells which surround the egg. This test
can be done at any day of the cycle. Levels < ing/ml normally indicate low reserve.
The mere meaning of egg quality is the eggs have finished reduction and the structure of the
chromosomes. Tests for ovarian reserve cannot directly predict the quality of the eggs or the embryos
because age is a better predictor of egg quality. However invasive tests and Preimplantation Genetic
Diagnosis (PGD) have been developed specifically to detect the number and structure if chromosomes in
the eggs (normally 23) or in the embryo cells (normally46). Till today there is no proof that any of these
tests is 100 % accurate not is there any proof that they improve outcomes of fertility treatment.
Life Infertility Clinic, Bangalore – 560 005 Telephone: +91 80 25578067