Struggling with Infertility? Discover the Truth About Decreased Ovarian Reserve
Dr. Marika Raff • September 25, 2024
Infertility can stem from various factors, one of which is decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). If you’ve been diagnosed with DOR, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what this means for your fertility and the available treatment options. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we are committed to providing you with the information and support you need. In this blog, we’ll explore what decreased ovarian reserve is, its implications for fertility, and how it can be treated.
What is Decreased Ovarian Reserve?
Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity of a woman’s remaining eggs in her ovaries. As women age, their ovarian reserve naturally declines, but for some, this decline occurs more rapidly than expected, leading to decreased ovarian reserve. This condition can affect women of any age, though it is more common as women approach their late 30s and early 40s.
Causes of Decreased Ovarian Reserve
Several factors can contribute to decreased ovarian reserve, including:
- Age: The most significant factor, as egg quantity and quality decline with age.
- Genetics: A family history of early menopause or DOR can increase risk.
- Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries involving the ovaries can reduce ovarian reserve.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including the ovaries.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact ovarian reserve.
Diagnosing Decreased Ovarian Reserve
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific tests, including:
- Blood Tests: Measuring levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Estradiol can provide insights into ovarian reserve.
- Ultrasound: An antral follicle count (AFC) via transvaginal ultrasound evaluates the number of small follicles in the ovaries, indicating ovarian reserve.
Implications for Fertility
Decreased ovarian reserve means there are fewer eggs available, and those that remain may have diminished quality. This can make it more challenging to conceive naturally. Additionally, DOR may result in a shorter reproductive window and lower success rates with fertility treatments.
Treatment Options for Decreased Ovarian Reserve
While decreased ovarian reserve can be a challenging diagnosis, several treatment options can help manage the condition and improve the chances of conception:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can positively impact ovarian health.
- Ovarian Stimulation: Medications like Clomiphene Citrate or injectable gonadotropins can stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a cycle, increasing the chances of successful conception.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF can be an effective option for women with DOR. The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus.
- Egg Donation: For some women, using donor eggs may be the best option. Donor eggs typically come from younger, healthy women, which can significantly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Fertility Preservation: For women who are not yet ready to conceive but are concerned about their ovarian reserve, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) can be a viable option. This involves retrieving and freezing eggs for future use.
Emotional Support and Counseling
Facing a diagnosis of decreased ovarian reserve can be emotionally taxing. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we understand the importance of emotional support throughout your fertility journey. Counseling and support groups can provide valuable emotional support, helping you navigate the challenges and decisions involved.
A diagnosis of decreased ovarian reserve can feel daunting, but it is not insurmountable. Understanding your condition and exploring the available treatment options can empower you to take proactive steps towards achieving your dream of parenthood. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we are here to guide you every step of the way with personalized care and advanced fertility treatments.
If you have been diagnosed with decreased ovarian reserve or are struggling with infertility, we encourage you to contact Caperton Fertility Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas. Our dedicated team of specialists is here to provide you with the support and treatment options you need to achieve your reproductive goals.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
Uterine fibroids are a common diagnosis among women of reproductive age. While many fibroids are harmless and cause no symptoms, others can interfere with fertility and pregnancy. At Caperton Fertility Institute , we help patients understand how fibroids may affect reproductive health and provide personalized treatment options to optimize fertility outcomes. What Are Uterine Fibroids? Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas , are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can vary greatly in size, number, and location. Depending on where they form, fibroids are classified into several types: Submucosal Fibroids: Grow into the uterine cavity Intramural Fibroids: Develop within the uterine wall Subserosal Fibroids: Form on the outer surface of the uterus Pedunculated Fibroids: Attached by a stalk extending from the uterus How Fibroids Can Affect Fertility Not all fibroids impact fertility. However, certain types and locations are more likely to interfere with conception, implantation, or pregnancy progression. Submucosal Fibroids: These are most likely to affect fertility because they distort the uterine cavity, which can prevent implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. Intramural Fibroids: When large, these fibroids can change the shape of the uterus and affect blood flow, potentially reducing the chances of successful embryo implantation. Tubal Blockage: Fibroids located near the fallopian tubes can obstruct sperm or egg movement, preventing fertilization. Cervical Fibroids: Although rare, fibroids near the cervix can hinder sperm entry into the uterus. Common Symptoms of Fibroids Fibroid symptoms vary widely — some people experience significant discomfort, while others have no symptoms at all. Common signs include: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding Pelvic pain or pressure Pain during intercourse Frequent urination or constipation Recurrent pregnancy loss or difficulty conceiving For many patients, fibroids are first discovered during a fertility evaluation or routine pelvic exam . Diagnosis and Treatment Options At Caperton Fertility Institute , we use advanced diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound and MRI to assess fibroid size, number, and location. Once diagnosed, treatment is tailored to your fertility goals and overall health. Treatment options include: Medical Management: Hormonal therapies to reduce symptoms and fibroid growth. Surgical Options: Myomectomy to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Minimally Invasive Procedures: Hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgery for faster recovery and minimal scarring. Our approach is designed to preserve fertility whenever possible while alleviating symptoms and improving uterine health. Hope After a Fibroid Diagnosis A fibroid diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t conceive. Many patients with fibroids go on to achieve healthy pregnancies — especially with proper evaluation and treatment. At Caperton Fertility Institute , our experienced fertility specialists in Albuquerque, NM , and El Paso, TX , provide compassionate, individualized care for every patient. We’ll guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and the next steps toward achieving your dream of parenthood. ✨ If you suspect fibroids may be affecting your fertility, schedule a consultation today. Let’s take the next step together toward your fertility goals.
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1. What is egg donation? Egg donation is the process by which a healthy woman donates her eggs to help another individual or couple conceive a child. These eggs may be fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and implanted into a recipient’s uterus or frozen for future use. 2. Who can become an egg donor? At Caperton Fertility Institute, we welcome egg donors who meet the following criteria: Ages 19–30 Physically and emotionally healthy Non-smoker, non-drug user Regular menstrual cycles No history of genetic or reproductive disorders Willing to undergo medical and psychological screening Able to commit to the time and responsibilities of the donation process 3. Why do people need egg donors? Egg donors help individuals and couples who are unable to conceive using their own eggs due to: Advanced maternal age Genetic conditions Medical treatments like chemotherapy LGBTQ+ family-building Unexplained infertility 4. Is egg donation safe? Yes. Egg donation is a common and generally safe medical process. It involves hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and a minor outpatient procedure to retrieve the eggs. Risks are low but can include mild discomfort, bloating, or temporary side effects from medication. Serious complications are rare. 5. Will donating affect my fertility? No, egg donation does not impact your long-term fertility. Women are born with thousands of eggs, and donation uses only a small number that would naturally be lost in a normal cycle. 6. Is egg donation painful? Most donors report mild discomfort similar to menstrual cramps. The egg retrieval procedure is done under light sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the process. Recovery typically takes 1–2 days. 7. Will I be compensated? Yes. Caperton Fertility Institute offers generous, ethically guided compensation for your time, effort, and commitment. The amount is discussed during your initial consultation and complies with all legal and medical guidelines. 8. How long is the egg donation process? The process generally takes 6–10 weeks from initial screening to egg retrieval. It includes: Application and screening Medical and psychological evaluations Legal review Hormonal stimulation (approx. 10–14 days) Egg retrieval procedure 9. Can I still work or go to school during the donation process? Yes. Most of the process can be scheduled around your routine. However, you'll need to attend several clinic appointments and take medications on a strict schedule. During the last week, you'll need to reduce physical activity. 10. Will my identity be kept confidential? Absolutely. Donor confidentiality is strictly maintained. You can choose to remain anonymous, open, or semi-open, depending on your preferences and the recipient’s needs. 11. How do I get started? To begin the egg donor application process: Visit our Portal Fill out a questionnaire Our donor coordinator will contact you for next steps 12. Can I donate more than once? Yes, eligible donors can donate up to six times, as recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Each cycle is spaced out for your health and safety.