One of the hardest things a woman can go through is infertility. For one, it’s emotionally taxing in so many different ways. From believing that there is something wrong with you to feeling hopeless, women may go through a range of different emotions. But we want you to know that you’re not alone. Although there could be many reasons why you haven’t been able to conceive, Diminished Ovarian Reserve is one of the most common conditions women struggle with when it comes to infertility. Here at West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center, we encourage you to learn more about this condition and what ovarian treatments we offer.
What is Diminished Ovarian Reserve?
Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) is a condition that leads to infertility. Basically, Diminished Ovarian Reserve happens when a woman’s ovaries lose their reproductive possibility because there has been a diminishment of the quality and number of eggs in the ovaries. While Diminished Ovarian Reserve usually occurs in women over 40 years of age (as ovaries age just like any part of the body), the condition can affect younger women, too, due to genetics or injuries.
Symptoms and Causes
Usually, there are no symptoms that come along with Diminished Ovarian Reserve. However, some women have reported irregular menstrual cycles in conjunction with Diminished Ovarian Reserve. As for causes, Diminished Ovarian Reserve is more common in women who smoke, who have been exposed to toxic chemicals, who have undergone chemotherapy, and who have genetic abnormalities. Diminished Ovarian Reserve is diagnosed with testing that includes hormone evaluations and transvaginal ultrasound.
What are the Treatment Options for Diminished Ovarian Reserve?
Just because you have been diagnosed with Diminished Ovarian Reserve doesn’t mean that your dreams of a child have to be put on hold or abandoned altogether. There are several ovarian treatments available to you.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
It is possible to conceive with your own eggs, even if you have Diminished Ovarian Reserve. IVF is one route that you can take. IVF is a process where your eggs are extracted, combined with sperm, and transferred back to the uterus. For this process, you will need to take fertility medications before the extraction process to stimulate your egg production. IVF has been a proven treatment for years and is relatively successful.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
If you’ve been diagnosed with Diminished Ovarian Reserve or think that you might have this condition, we’re here to help you understand all of your options. Infertility is a treatable condition, and you don’t have to suffer alone. For further information about ovarian treatments, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center. At our convenient location in Sherman Oaks, CA, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain your options in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation.