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1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. dnikolaou@talk21.com
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|November 8, 2008
Summary
Early ovarian ageing affects 10% of women. Ovarian reserve tests can predict egg numbers for IVF but not live birth rates, making population screening impossible. Seek specialist advice for reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Women's Health
- Fertility Science
Background:
- Approximately 10% of women experience premature ovarian aging starting in their early 30s.
- Ovarian reserve tests were developed to assess biological ovarian age and screen for early ovarian aging in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and current status of ovarian reserve testing for assessing ovarian biological age.
- To evaluate the utility of ovarian reserve tests in screening for early ovarian aging in the general population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on ovarian reserve tests.
- Analysis of studies focusing on women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Main Results:
- Existing ovarian reserve tests are primarily validated in women undergoing IVF.
- These tests correlate well with the number of eggs retrieved during IVF but poorly with live-birth rates.
- Ovarian reserve tests do not directly assess oocyte (egg) quality.
Conclusions:
- Screening for early ovarian aging in the general population is currently not feasible.
- Postponing childbearing into the late 30s carries significant reproductive risks.
- Consultation with specialist reproductive endocrinologists is recommended for personalized fertility advice; home testing is not advised.
