Fertility and Ovarian Reserve: Checking Your Eggs
Ovarian reserve refers to the health, quality, and age of the ovaries and the eggs (oocytes) contained in your ovaries. You can test or measure your ovarian reserve to discover if you may be facing fertility issues or to find out if your ovarian reserve is diminished. FSH Tests can help you determine issues with ovarian reserve. You typically take consecutive FSH tests on CD3 through CD5 or so. An FSH test provides useful information regarding ovarian reserve, egg quality - including an early warning to diminished ovarian reserve or the proximity to menopause.
Elevated levels of FSH during the testing window indicate possible issues with ovarian reserve. If you are experiencing symptoms or issues relating to fertility, and FSH test may be advised, particularly if you are over age 35, have one ovary, exhibit symptoms of menopause or peri-menopause, or have a history of early menopause in your family.
Ovulation Facts Review
What are your Odds of Conceiving?
Your month-by-month odds of conceiving depend on numerous variables. Fertility charting and timing intercourse increase your chances a great deal! Of course, other factors like age and health can contribute as well. As a general rule, you have about a 15-25% chance of conceiving each month. On average, it will take couples 6 or so months to conceive a baby.
After age 30, your odds of conceiving each cycle do decrease however. As a general rule, if after 9 months to a year of trying, if you have not achieved pregnancy, you may wish to consult with your doctor regarding possible fertility issues, treatments, or options. However, don’t jump to conclusions or diagnose yourself with a problem just because TTC is taking a bit longer than you expected. Symptoms like anovulation - or a very irregular cycle (missed period, etc – may also indicate that a talk with your doctor may be in order.
Moreover, do not forget that sperm health and male fertility is also a key variable in subfertility issues.