Ovarian reserve testing will require about an hour of your time on the 3rd day of your menstrual cycle. The testing is fairly simple: blood work and an ultrasound, but it is extremely important in determining your current level of ovarian function. The results are instrumental in helping the doctor prescribe the best medication protocol to optimize the number of eggs produced.
The tests we use are:
Antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound. The antral follicles are the 2-10mm fluid sacs within the ovary that represent the next wave of ovulation and can be visualized on a day 3 transvaginal ultrasound. In general, the more antral follicles we visualize, the better prognosis for the patient. We like to see at least 10 follicles between both ovaries.
Day 3 Blood work. Measures levels of Follicle Stimulation Hormome (FSH), Estradiol, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin, and Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH). Higher than normal FSH and lower levels of AMH may indicate a reduced fertility potential.
Both ultrasound and bloodwork are excellent indicators of fertility potential but combined they complement each other in helping us more accurately predict outcomes and protocols for our patients.
For additional questions about this testing, please feel free to contact us by calling us during normal business hours at (972) 981-7800 or by filling out our online contact form.
