Low ovarian reserve must not be neglected and proper treatment must be sought from an IVF specialist. There popular IVF centers that can be approached for expert advice.
IVF Protocol – When You Have Low Ovarian Reserve
In vitro fertilization (IVF) happens to be a common assisted reproductive technology that is made use of to achieve a healthy pregnancy. In vitro fertilization is also a stepwise procedure which does involves the fertilization of an egg in the laboratory condition which is part and parcel of IVF Protocol.
The available egg in one’s ovaries at a time is generally considered as an ovarian reserve. When there is a decline in the number of eggs produced, it is indeed considered as a low reserve. Low ovarian reserve generally does affect the chances of one’s pregnancy.
The common cause of low ovarian reserve is rather an age. The egg production does decline with age. In such cases, the ovary may be in a healthy condition and does function properly even when the reserve is low. Generally, a woman does starts with 25,000 to 50,000 eggs at puberty and as she grows older she has 1000 eggs at menopause.
Causes of Low Ovarian Reserve
Poor quantity of Eggs
The egg quantity may rather decrease due to chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome and genetic anomalies such as fragile X syndrome. This disease condition can cause a gradual decrease in egg production leading to a condition called low ovarian reserve.
Ovarian Tissue Damage
Ovarian tissue damage can also cause a low ovarian reserve. The disease conditions that can lead to ovarian damage do include:
· Rough torsions
· Endometriosis
· Triggered ovarian cyst
· Malignant tumor
· Benign tumor
· Radiotherapy
· Surgical removal of ovaries
· Chemotherapy
· Radiotherapy
· Pelvic adhesions
· Immunologic problems
· A high Body mass index (BMI) can also destroy your ovarian tissues and may lead to complications.
IVF Protocol
IVF protocol does differ in case of low ovarian reserve condition. In case one is suffering from a low ovarian reserve, it is better to consult a gynecologist who will prefer either a certain IVF protocol for in vitro fertilization treatment.
Short GnRHa Flare
Gonadotrophin does release the hormone. The doctor will initiate this therapy at the onset of menstruation. This therapy will mainly help in stimulating the release of the follicular stimulating hormone that augments the ovarian follicular growth.
Combined Clomiphene or Gonadotrophin Stimulation
This therapy is most commonly made use of for IVF treatment. But it is strongly advised not to make use of this therapy because this therapy can indeed harm the egg or the embryo and may lead to complications.
Mid –Follicular GnRH-Antagonist Protocol
The GnRH antagonist is administered after several days of giving GnRHa-agonist. As soon as the follicles reach a maximum size of 12mm, GnRH antagonists are added. This therapy does stop the pituitary gland from secreting the luteinizing hormone. This is also part of the IVF protocol.
Long GnRha Pituitary down-regulation Protocol
This therapy is usually is used by the fertility centers to take care of low ovarian reserve cases.
Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol
This protocol generally does inhibit FSH production and generally does lead to successful results.
The patient needs to herself tested before IVF treatment for low ovarian reserve by the IVF specialist
