Common Conditions
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of eggs a woman has in her ovaries. In practical terms, ovarian reserve is the same thing as the biological clock. Most women are aware that there is such thing as a biological clock, but they are frequently uncertain when this clock really begins to tick.
The truth of the matter is that not all women have the same biological clock. Some women remain fertile into their late 40s. Other women lose their fertility in their 20s and 30s.
Diminished ovarian reserve refers to women who have either few eggs remaining, or the eggs that they do have are of poor quality. It’s another way of saying that a woman’s biologic clock is really ticking. These women have less of chance conceiving with in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. They also have a higher chance of miscarriage.
Diminshed ovarian reserve does not mean things are hopeless. However, you should be fully counseled on the implications.
For a review of how we test for diminished ovarian reserve and how this condition occurs, See Fertility Testing: Testing for Women: Ovarian Reserve.