Infertility: Aging Egg SupplyTopic OverviewFrom birth, females have a fixed-though plentiful-supply of eggs (ovarian reserve). As a woman ages past her mid-30s, her eggs gradually degrade, making it less likely that she will naturally conceive, or that an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure will result in pregnancy and a healthy baby. Among American women in their 20s to mid-30s, over 35 out of 100 give birth for each ART cycle using their own eggs. As women age, the live ART birth rate gradually drops: footnote 1
While there is no definitive test of ovarian reserve, the most common test looks at the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level. This test can evaluate how well her ovaries are working. A high FSH level is a sign that the body is trying to stimulate the ovaries to make more egg follicles , but the ovaries are not responding and conception is unlikely. A woman's FSH level can be tested using a blood sample:
Other tests used to help determine ovarian reserve include antral follicle count (AFC) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). An AFC uses pelvic ultrasound to count the number of follicles in both ovaries during a certain phase of the menstrual cycle. AMH levels are tested using a blood sample. AMH levels go down as a woman's egg supply decreases. Health ToolsHealth Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofJanuary 11, 2018
Current as of: January 11, 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (2010). 2010 Assisted Reproductive Technology National Summary Report. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/art/ART2010/PDFs/ART_2010_National_Summary_Report.pdf.
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