Hello Doctor,
I'm reaching out with a concern about my fertility. I'm a 30-year-old woman and have been doing some research on factors that could affect it. I'm particularly curious about how age might impact my ovarian reserve and egg quality. Could you shed some light on this? Additionally, I've come across tests like AMH and FSH levels. Should I consider these to gain a better understanding of my fertility status? Planning for my future is crucial to me, and I would greatly appreciate your guidance on assessing my fertility health.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Women are indeed born with a finite number of eggs in their ovaries, unlike men who continually produce sperm. These eggs undergo changes as women age. After the age of 35, the quality of eggs tends to decline due to potential alterations in DNA integrity. While the body has mechanisms to prevent the fertilization of genetically damaged embryos, these safeguards aren't foolproof.
It's important to note that there isn't a direct test to assess egg quality. Evaluating egg quality typically involves in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Some women opt to preserve their eggs through cryopreservation, especially in their late twenties or early thirties. This involves inducing superovulation to retrieve multiple eggs, which are then frozen for future use. However, it's essential to be aware of local regulations regarding egg freezing, as they vary by country.
Planning for your future includes considering various aspects of family planning. In addition to assessing your fertility health, it's advisable for both partners to undergo genetic testing to identify any inherited diseases that could affect future offspring.
I hope this information provides clarity on your concerns. Should you have any further questions or require additional guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thanks
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