Struggling with Infertility? Discover the Truth About Decreased Ovarian Reserve

Dr. Marika Raff • September 25, 2024

Infertility can stem from various factors, one of which is decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). If you’ve been diagnosed with DOR, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what this means for your fertility and the available treatment options. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we are committed to providing you with the information and support you need. In this blog, we’ll explore what decreased ovarian reserve is, its implications for fertility, and how it can be treated.

What is Decreased Ovarian Reserve?

Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity of a woman’s remaining eggs in her ovaries. As women age, their ovarian reserve naturally declines, but for some, this decline occurs more rapidly than expected, leading to decreased ovarian reserve. This condition can affect women of any age, though it is more common as women approach their late 30s and early 40s.

Causes of Decreased Ovarian Reserve

Several factors can contribute to decreased ovarian reserve, including:

  • Age: The most significant factor, as egg quantity and quality decline with age.
  • Genetics: A family history of early menopause or DOR can increase risk.
  • Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries involving the ovaries can reduce ovarian reserve.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including the ovaries.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact ovarian reserve.

Diagnosing Decreased Ovarian Reserve

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific tests, including:

  • Blood Tests: Measuring levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Estradiol can provide insights into ovarian reserve.
  • Ultrasound: An antral follicle count (AFC) via transvaginal ultrasound evaluates the number of small follicles in the ovaries, indicating ovarian reserve.

Implications for Fertility

Decreased ovarian reserve means there are fewer eggs available, and those that remain may have diminished quality. This can make it more challenging to conceive naturally. Additionally, DOR may result in a shorter reproductive window and lower success rates with fertility treatments.

Treatment Options for Decreased Ovarian Reserve

While decreased ovarian reserve can be a challenging diagnosis, several treatment options can help manage the condition and improve the chances of conception:

  • Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can positively impact ovarian health.
  • Ovarian Stimulation: Medications like Clomiphene Citrate or injectable gonadotropins can stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a cycle, increasing the chances of successful conception.
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF can be an effective option for women with DOR. The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus.
  • Egg Donation: For some women, using donor eggs may be the best option. Donor eggs typically come from younger, healthy women, which can significantly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
  • Fertility Preservation: For women who are not yet ready to conceive but are concerned about their ovarian reserve, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) can be a viable option. This involves retrieving and freezing eggs for future use.

Emotional Support and Counseling

Facing a diagnosis of decreased ovarian reserve can be emotionally taxing. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we understand the importance of emotional support throughout your fertility journey. Counseling and support groups can provide valuable emotional support, helping you navigate the challenges and decisions involved.

A diagnosis of decreased ovarian reserve can feel daunting, but it is not insurmountable. Understanding your condition and exploring the available treatment options can empower you to take proactive steps towards achieving your dream of parenthood. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we are here to guide you every step of the way with personalized care and advanced fertility treatments.

If you have been diagnosed with decreased ovarian reserve or are struggling with infertility, we encourage you to contact Caperton Fertility Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas. Our dedicated team of specialists is here to provide you with the support and treatment options you need to achieve your reproductive goals.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

A person is looking through a microscope at a petri dish.

Preparing for Your Embryo Transfer: What to Expect

By Dr. Marika Raff • June 12, 2025
Embarking on the embryo transfer phase of your IVF journey is a big step, and understandably, patients often ask what they can expect during this important stage. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we take great care in preparing your body to create the most welcoming environment possible for a developing embryo. Here’s an overview of how we prepare you for a frozen embryo transfer, including the medications we use and why they matter. 1. Estrogen Patches to Build the Uterine Lining The first step in the preparation process involves thickening the endometrial lining of your uterus so it can support an embryo. We use estrogen patches for this purpose. These patches deliver a consistent dose of estrogen through your skin, and you’ll typically wear several patches on your abdomen at a time, changed every other day as instructed. Estrogen helps your uterine lining grow to the ideal thickness for implantation. We monitor this closely with ultrasound to ensure optimal conditions. 2. Adding Intramuscular Progesterone Once your lining has reached the right thickness, we introduce intramuscular progesterone injections. Progesterone transforms the uterine lining into a receptive state, mimicking what happens naturally after ovulation. These injections are given daily and are an essential part of making the uterus ready to accept an embryo. While the thought of intramuscular shots can be intimidating, our team will guide you through every step and offer tips to make the process more comfortable. 3. Timing the Transfer The timing of your embryo transfer is carefully coordinated based on your hormone levels and the day your embryo was frozen. For example, if you're transferring a blastocyst (an embryo that developed for five days), we schedule your transfer five days after starting progesterone. Precision is key, and we tailor the timing to closely replicate the conditions of a natural cycle. 4. Day of the Transfer The transfer itself is a quick, gentle procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. We use ultrasound guidance to place the embryo in the uterus, and many patients describe it as similar to a Pap smear. Afterward, you’ll rest briefly before going home. Supporting You Through Every Phase Every part of the embryo transfer preparation is designed with care and intention. We want to give you the best possible chance for success, and we’re here to support you emotionally and physically throughout the process. If you have any questions about preparing for your embryo transfer or the medications involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re with you every step of the way.
Learn how long the IVF egg retrieval process takes, step-by-step, from ovarian stimulation to recove

How Long Does the IVF Egg Retrieval Process Take?

By Dr. Lee Caperton • May 5, 2025
Learn how long the IVF egg retrieval process takes, step-by-step, from ovarian stimulation to recovery. Expert insight from Caperton Fertility Institute in Albuquerque and El Paso.
Discover what it means to become an egg donor at Caperton Fertility Institute. Learn about the proce

What It Means to Be an IVF Egg Donor: A Message from Dr. Kelly Caperton

By Dr. Marika Raff • May 5, 2025
Discover what it means to become an egg donor at Caperton Fertility Institute. Learn about the process, qualifications, benefits, and life-changing impact of IVF egg donation.
More Posts