An antral follicle count offers insight into female fertility
Trying to get pregnant without any luck often leaves our patients and their partners feeling hopeless. Robert Anderson MD and Don Royster MD, our Newport Beach fertility doctors, understand the frustration and pain that comes from struggling with infertility. We use fertility testing, such as an antral follicle count, to diagnose and treat female infertility.
The basics of female fertility
Unlike men who produce sperm throughout their lives, women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Once puberty begins, an egg is released each month. Over time, the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decrease. Getting an antral follicle count can give our Newport Beach fertility doctors insight into potential female fertility issues.
Fertility testing and what your antral follicle count means
As part of a complete fertility evaluation, your physician will order blood tests, conduct a physical exam and perform an ultrasound. The ultrasound can help the doctor look for structural abnormalities as well as count your egg-containing follicles. This information will allow our team to create a detailed treatment plan that’s just for you.
With the antral follicle count, we can evaluate ovarian reserve (egg supply) and determine fertility potential in relation to age. This count can also aid our Newport Beach fertility doctors in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identifying ovarian insufficiency. Typically, your doctor will perform this ultrasound near the beginning of your cycle. If you have a count under eight, this may indicate issues with ovarian reserve.
Exploring fertility treatment options for female infertility
While a low count can feel discouraging, our team will work with you to improve your chance of having a healthy pregnancy. Depending on the results of your workup, your doctor will determine the next steps. If your count confirms premature ovarian failure or low ovarian reserve, treatment may involve IVF with or without donor eggs.
If you are struggling to conceive, the team at the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine offers state-of-the-art treatment and compassionate care. We welcome you to our clinic. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.