Can diminished ovarian reserve cause female infertility?

It does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Egg number is only one part of fertility, and a person's age, egg quality, ovulation, fallopian tubes, uterus and partner's sperm can also influence conception.

The ovaries contain a finite supply of eggs, which naturally declines over time. Diminished ovarian reserve means the remaining supply appears lower than expected for the person's situation. Menstrual periods may still be regular, so cycle pattern alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Blood tests that assess ovarian hormones and an ultrasound count of small follicles can help estimate likely ovarian response. These tests do not directly measure egg quality or predict with certainty whether natural conception will occur.

A fertility assessment can look beyond ovarian reserve. It may include a menstrual and medical history, confirmation of ovulation, an ultrasound, assessment of whether the fallopian tubes are open, and semen testing when relevant.

Treatment is individual. Depending on the findings and reproductive goals, a clinician may discuss timed intercourse, medication-supported treatment, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation or fertility preservation. Because ovarian reserve can decline, arranging an assessment promptly may preserve more options.

Book a fertility consultation if pregnancy has not occurred after a period of regular unprotected sex, or earlier if cycles are absent or very irregular. Earlier advice is also reasonable after ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, or if there is a family history of early menopause.

Seek urgent medical care for severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding or pain with a positive pregnancy test. Those symptoms need prompt assessment regardless of ovarian reserve.

Ask what each ovarian reserve result can and cannot tell you, whether testing should be repeated, and whether other fertility factors need checking. It can also help to ask how your age, health history and preferred timing affect the available treatment or preservation choices.