Do you want to know what having a low ovarian reserve means?
The ovarian reserve is the ovaries’ capacity to produce eggs after stimulation. The ovarian reserve is linked to a woman’s age, remaining stable until the age of 35 and gradually decreasing from then on. The ovarian reserve will depend on each individual case, which is why it must be tested in all women with sterility problems.
What can I do if I have a low ovarian reserve?
Treatment for low ovarian reserve depends on the couple’s medical history, the results of the remaining diagnostic tests and, above all, the woman’s age. In cases of very low ovarian reserve where it is not possible to collect their own eggs, egg donation is the recommended treatment.
Aspects related to the ovarian reserve
You can find below the relevant different aspects related to the ovarian reserve.
Factors that affect the ovarian reserve
What does the ovarian reserve depend on?
A woman’s ovarian reserve is genetically determined. All the follicles a woman will use throughout her reproductive years are produced during embryonic development.
During the first phase of the ovarian cycle, multiple follicles are recruited so that one is finally selected that will cause ovulation. The remaining recruited follicles will be lost and thus the ovarian reserve gradually decreases until menopause begins.
There are circumstances that can decrease a woman’s ovarian reserve. Particular attention should be paid to any type of ovarian surgery and the use of certain medications, such as chemotherapeutic agents. For this reason, a conservative approach to ovarian surgery is recommended and it should be avoided, where possible. In the event of chemotherapy, it is recommended to freeze eggs wherever possible since, in many cases, these treatments end up completely destroying the ovarian reserve and stopping any possibility of achieving a pregnancy with their own eggs.
How does age affect the ovarian reserve?
Age is the most important factor related to the ovarian reserve, remaining stable until the age of 35 and gradually decreasing from then on.
It is always important to test a woman’s ovarian reserve regardless of her age, as we can find young women with low ovarian reserves and women over the age of 40 with normal ovarian reserves.
Ovarian reserve markers
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH is a hormone produced in the ovary and represents the amount of available follicles. It allows us to evaluate both the low ovarian reserve and the risk of hyperstimulation during treatment. It has the advantage of being determined at any time during the cycle.
Antral follicle count by ultrasound
The antral follicle count is performed at the beginning of the cycle and shows us the follicles that are prepared to respond to hormone stimulation in this cycle. Its advantage is that it can be easily performed by ultrasound during the consultation.
FSH and basal estradiol
FSH and basal estradiol evaluation is always performed at the start of the cycle and both hormones need to be determined to evaluate the ovarian reserve. Its disadvantage is that it has to be performed at a certain point during the cycle. Even though their values can vary between cycles, the prognosis will be determined by the highest FSH level.
Hormone stimulation of the ovaries
The results of the tests on the ovarian reserve need to be considered as indicative and must be examined as part of the patient’s clinical history. Despite these ovarian reserve markers, the most reliable way of determining it, is by subjecting the ovaries to hormone stimulation.
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We were on the IVF journey, four years and two attempts later, we decided to follow our doctor's recommendation and seek treatment in Barcelona. We visited several clinics but chose Barcelona IVF after thorough research…
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We were on the IVF journey, four years and two attempts later, we decided to follow our doctor's recommendation and seek treatment in Barcelona. We visited several clinics but chose Barcelona IVF after thorough research and meeting our doctor. Dr. Rose is a very attentive, dedicated doctor who loves what she does and is highly qualified. Her team is also very attentive, especially Elena, who supported us throughout the treatment, and that reassurance made all the difference. Thank you so much, Dr. Rose, for helping us realize our dream of motherhood. I have no words to express how grateful we are to have our beautiful and healthy son in our arms. We recommend the clinic to everyone.
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We had a very positive experience with Barcelona IVF throughout our fertility journey. The team was professional, supportive, and caring, and they helped guide us through what can be an emotional process. We felt well…
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We had a very positive experience with Barcelona IVF throughout our fertility journey. The team was professional, supportive, and caring, and they helped guide us through what can be an emotional process. We felt well informed and looked after every step of the way. Most importantly, our journey had a wonderful outcome — we were blessed with a healthy baby girl. We are incredibly grateful for the care and support we received and would recommend Barcelona IVF to others beginning their fertility journey.
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Our experience with Barcelona IVF has been truly exceptional from beginning to end. After two successful IVF treatments, we are now the proud parents of a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son. Words cannot fully…
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Our experience with Barcelona IVF has been truly exceptional from beginning to end. After two successful IVF treatments, we are now the proud parents of a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son. Words cannot fully express how grateful we are to the entire team for helping us achieve our dream of building our family. The professionalism, expertise, and dedication of every doctor, nurse, coordinator, and staff member were outstanding. Throughout the entire process, we felt supported not only medically but also emotionally and psychologically. The team was always available to answer our questions, guide us through every step, and provide reassurance whenever we needed it. What makes Barcelona IVF truly special is the warm, caring, and welcoming environment they create for their patients. From the very first consultation, we felt respected, understood, and genuinely cared for. We will always be thankful to Barcelona IVF for changing our lives and giving us the greatest gifts we could ever ask for—our two beautiful children. We wholeheartedly recommend Barcelona IVF to anyone looking for a fertility clinic that combines world-class medical care with compassion and humanity. Thank you for everything. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
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From the very first moment, we felt we were in safe and caring hands. This journey wasn’t easy, but your entire team made it feel supported, understood, and full of hope. The doctors were not only highly skilled but also incredibly kind and reassuring—they gave us confidence when we needed it the most. And to the reception and support staff, thank you for your warmth and constant support—you truly made all the difference. Today, we are overjoyed and deeply grateful to share that we are pregnant. This happiness is because of you. Thank you for helping us create our dream. With all our gratitude Neelam and Zoraver 🙂✨
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Thanks to Dr Zamora and the entire medical staff, our beautiful baby daughter was born recently, healthy and beautiful, we are happy parents. The staff mostly speaks English so its foreigner friendly, they treat you with utmost respect and most importantly the whole process was efficient, we got pregnant on our very first round, so yes it’s possible to succeed on your first trial.
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I got the contact of this clinic from a friend and we had a great experience. At the beginning it was unusual to have remote contact with the assistance person but it’s a great opportunity for people like us not living…
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I got the contact of this clinic from a friend and we had a great experience. At the beginning it was unusual to have remote contact with the assistance person but it’s a great opportunity for people like us not living in Barcelona. All the staff is professional and helpful, and knows how to deal with the stress of the situation. The doctor was great and waited to have the results of all exams required before giving a diagnosis and suggesting the way forward. What was prosed was meaningful and very professional. It was absolutely NOT an attempt to get more money from you. Highly recommended.
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American single mom by choice here. Writing to express my sincerest gratitude for Barcelona IVF! I had tried and failed a full round of IVF in Germany. Those drs told me I needed a bunch of expensive tests though I had…
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American single mom by choice here. Writing to express my sincerest gratitude for Barcelona IVF! I had tried and failed a full round of IVF in Germany. Those drs told me I needed a bunch of expensive tests though I had no observable fertility issues. When I switched to BIVF, I got pregnant pretty much immediately. See photo of my 4 month old here!! I was treated with kindness and respect despite having a somewhat pushy and suspicious attitude due to my previous experiences. I can’t thank BIVF enough for helping me achieve the family I always wanted. I live in the US now and recommend BIVF to everyone I encounter here hoping to conceive. Even with the expensive plane tickets, the prices are far more reasonable than US costs. Gracias!
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Our IVF journey started in September 2025. We started with one Dr but I made the decision to change Doctors. Ultimately, I made the right decision because with Dr Zamora, I felt safe and well taken care of from the…
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Our IVF journey started in September 2025. We started with one Dr but I made the decision to change Doctors. Ultimately, I made the right decision because with Dr Zamora, I felt safe and well taken care of from the moment we had our meeting with him. I trusted him 100% that he will get my wife pregnant. While I did egg collection and injections, he implanted our embryo on my wife. During egg collection, I felt so relaxed and had no pain at all post egg collection. My wife has been having a good pregnancy as the symptoms have been general pregnancy symptoms. We are so grateful and thankful to Dr Zamora for making the right decisions for medication for me and embryo transfer for my wife. And forever thankful to Medical Assistant, MAEV for all the guidance, support and empathy she showed us. We are finishing the first trimester and feel confident that baby will continue to grow until we meet him/her soon. THANK YOU AGAIN BARCELONA IVF. We look forward to making second baby with you soon.
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We had an incredible experience and everyone has threaten me with such empathy and respect during a process that it can be sometimes challenging. In the end we had our little baby angel girl and we can't be more…
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We had an incredible experience and everyone has threaten me with such empathy and respect during a process that it can be sometimes challenging. In the end we had our little baby angel girl and we can't be more grateful to Dr.Zamora and the whole team.
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Excellent clinic with a wonderful team. The facility is beautiful, and the entire medical staff is incredibly supportive and responsive. Thanks to their expertise and care, I am now holding my beautiful baby girl in my…
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Excellent clinic with a wonderful team. The facility is beautiful, and the entire medical staff is incredibly supportive and responsive. Thanks to their expertise and care, I am now holding my beautiful baby girl in my arms.
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