Low ovarian reserve is one of the most common reasons for consultation in fertility clinics in Salamanca, especially among women who wish to become pregnant after the age of 35. In many cases, the diagnosis is made when pregnancy does not occur after several months of trying, although it can also be detected preventively during gynecological check-ups or fertility consultations.
Knowing the status of ovarian reserve makes it possible to make more informed reproductive decisions and to anticipate potential difficulties.
What is ovarian reserve?
Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity and quality of eggs available in the ovaries at a given point in time. The ovaries do not produce new eggs throughout life, so this reserve progressively decreases with age.
Although this decline is a natural process, in some women it occurs earlier or more rapidly, which can affect the chances of pregnancy. For this reason, age is not the only determining factor, and it is essential to assess ovarian reserve on an individual basis.
How is low ovarian reserve diagnosed?
The diagnosis of low ovarian reserve is made in assisted reproduction clinics, such as IGIN Salamanca, through simple and minimally invasive tests. The most common ones are:
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test, which allows estimating the number of follicles available in the ovaries.
- Transvaginal ultrasound with antral follicle count, which directly assesses ovarian activity.
The combination of these tests provides a fairly accurate view of reproductive potential and helps guide the most appropriate treatment in each case.
Reproductive options in fertility clinics in Salamanca
When low ovarian reserve is diagnosed, there are different reproductive treatment options that are evaluated on a personalized basis. The most common options include:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) with own eggs, indicated in cases of mild to moderate low ovarian reserve.
- Egg donation, an alternative with high success rates when ovarian reserve is very low or egg quality is compromised.
- Fertility preservation, especially relevant if low ovarian reserve is detected early and the woman wishes to delay motherhood.
The choice of treatment depends on factors such as age, test results, reproductive history, and personal expectations.
The importance of early diagnosis
Detecting low ovarian reserve early is crucial to expanding the available reproductive options. At IGIN Salamanca, it is possible to undergo a fertility assessment at no cost and with no obligation, which provides insight into the reproductive health status of the woman or couple.