The problem with ovarian functions tests

The chances of getting pregnant after IVF depend to a large extent on the quality of the woman's eggs, and this is why older women have lower pregnancy rates.

 This is why testing for ovarian reserve is so important, and we measure the AMH level as well as the antral follicle count , so we have some sense of how well the patient is going to respond to superovulation, and what her chances of getting good quality embryos is going to be.

The trouble is that these numbers only provide an estimate of static ovarian reserve – they are not dynamic functional tests. What we really want to know is how the patient will respond to the superovulation and we can only find this after actually doing the IVF cycle.

This is why an IVF cycle is not just a treatment procedure – it also provides invaluable diagnostic, as well as prognostic information.

Based on how you respond to the cycle, we are better positioned to know what to do differently in the next cycle. For example, do we change the protocol ? or do we consider using donor eggs? The only way to answer this key question is by actually doing the IVF cycle – there are no shortcuts !

Need help in getting pregnant ? Please send me your medical details by filling in the form at www.drmalpani.com/free-second-opinion so that I can guide you !