Choosing to start a whānau can be an exciting time, but the process isn’t always as straightforward as you might hope. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant and aren’t having any luck, you might be wondering why. One potential contributing factor that many people aren’t aware of is low ovarian reserve—a condition that can affect your fertility even in your late 20s and early 30s.
So, what is low ovarian reserve, who does it impact, and what can you do about it? The Repromed specialists at our Auckland fertility clinic have the answers.
What is low ovarian reserve?
Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs you have left in your ovaries. You’re born with all of the eggs you’ll ever have, and this number naturally declines over time. Low ovarian reserve means that your egg count is lower than expected for your age, which can make getting pregnant more challenging.
What are the symptoms of low ovarian reserve?
One of the tricky things about low ovarian reserve is that it often doesn’t come with obvious symptoms. Many people only find out they have low ovarian reserve when they have trouble trying to conceive. However, there are some signs that may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, including irregular or shorter menstrual cycles, lighter periods, or early menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
It’s worth having a conversation with your own mother about this as if there were difficulties conceiving, there’s a chance you might experience this as well—and it could be due to a poor ovarian reserve.
Who is impacted by low ovarian reserve?
Low ovarian reserve can affect people of any age, but it’s typically more common in your late 30s or early 40s. However, recent global research has shown that around 10-15% of women under 35 may experience low ovarian reserve. In Aotearoa, it’s estimated that approximately one in ten women in their early 30s might be dealing with this issue without even knowing it. Factors such as genetics, medical conditions, surgery, or lifestyle choices can also play a role in lowering ovarian reserve, sometimes earlier than expected.
Can you get pregnant with low ovarian reserve?
If you have a low ovarian reserve, this doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant, you may just need some extra help to conceive—this is because a reduced egg count means a lower likelihood of one being released each month that’s healthy and viable for fertilisation. Keep in mind that fertility treatments, like IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), might also be a bit more complex as they rely on ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs.
How long does it take to get pregnant with low ovarian research?
The time it takes to get pregnant with a lowered ovarian reserve can vary. For some, conception may still happen naturally within months, while for others, it can take much longer and require fertility treatment. Generally, if you’ve been trying to conceive for 6-12 months without success, it’s worth seeking advice from your GP or a fertility specialist. If you’re over the age of 35, it’s now recommended you seek help after trying to conceive for 6 months instead of the previous guidance of waiting 12 months.
How successful is IVF with low ovarian reserve?
IVF can still be a viable option if you have diminished ovarian reserve, but pregnancy success rates can be lower compared to those with higher ovarian reserve. The outcome often depends on the number of eggs retrieved and the overall egg quality. At Repromed, we offer personalised fertility treatment programmes that aim to maximise the chances of success for those with lower egg numbers, using a tailored approach to suit your unique fertility needs.
What can you do, if you think you have a low ovarian reserve?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while without success and you’re worried about your ovarian reserve, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later. The good news is that there’s a simple blood test that will help you assess your egg supply known as the AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test.
This test measures the amount of AMH (a hormone secreted by cells in developing egg follicles) in your blood to check how many eggs you may have left in your ovaries, and can be used to check for early menopause (before age 45). In 75% of cases AMH testing can also help predict how well you might respond to any fertility treatments.
You could also consider taking a FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) blood test to check for levels of the FSH hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
To find out more about your ovarian reserve, here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to your GP: Your GP can give you some initial guidance and discuss ovarian reserve testing options with you, including the AMH test, to give you a clearer picture of your fertility health.
- Consider self-referring to a fertility clinic: If you’re ready to take the next step, you can self-refer to a fertility clinic like Repromed, where you’ll receive expert advice that’s tailored to your unique situation and fertility goals.
Take charge of your fertility
If you’re concerned about your ovarian reserve or have been trying to conceive for more than a year, seek support from one of our fertility specialists. Don’t wait until it’s too late to understand your fertility and look at the options for starting your whānau.
Book a consultation today at Repromed and start your journey towards growing your family.
Our compassionate team is here to help you navigate your fertility journey with confidence and care. You’re not alone in this—let’s take the next step together.
For an inside look into the low ovarian reserve process at Repromed, take a look at our client journey story.
