When trying to conceive, you may hear your provider at Midwest Fertility Center https://mfcfamily.com/ mention a term called diminished ovarian reserve, often shortened to DOR. While the name can sound overwhelming, understanding what it truly means can help you feel informed, supported, and confident about your next steps.
What Is Ovarian Reserve?
Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this supply naturally decreases over time.
Diminished ovarian reserve means that the ovaries have fewer eggs than expected for someone of a similar age. This diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible. It simply means that fertility care may need to be more individualized and time sensitive.
What Causes Diminished Ovarian Reserve?
The most common cause of diminished ovarian reserve is age, especially after age 35. However, some women experience DOR earlier in life. Contributing factors can include:
• Genetics or a family history of early menopause
• Prior ovarian surgery
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Endometriosis
• Autoimmune conditions
• Unknown or unexplained causes
In many cases, there is no single identifiable reason, and DOR is discovered during routine fertility testing.
How Is DOR Diagnosed?
At Midwest Fertility Center, https://mfcfamily.com/ ovarian reserve is evaluated using a combination of bloodwork and ultrasound. Common tests include:
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), which reflects the remaining egg supply
• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), which may be elevated when ovarian reserve is lower
• Estradiol (E2), which helps interpret FSH results
• Antral Follicle Count (AFC), measured by ultrasound to count visible follicles in the ovaries
These results help your provider understand how your ovaries may respond to fertility treatment and guide your personalized care plan.
What Does DOR Mean for Fertility?
Diminished ovarian reserve does not predict whether you can conceive naturally. However, it may impact fertility treatment outcomes, particularly how many eggs are retrieved during IVF cycles.
Patients with DOR may experience:
• A lower number of eggs produced with stimulation
• The need for customized medication protocols
• A recommendation to pursue treatment sooner rather than later
Egg quality remains an important factor, and many patients with DOR still achieve successful pregnancies with the right treatment approach.
Fertility Treatment Options at Midwest Fertility Center
Treatment for diminished ovarian reserve is highly individualized. Your Midwest Fertility Center provider- Dr. Madanes https://mfcfamily.com/ will focus on selecting the option that best aligns with your medical needs, goals, and timeline. Options may include:
• Ovulation induction or IUI in select cases
• IVF with customized stimulation protocols
• Multiple IVF cycles to help build embryo availability
• Donor egg options when appropriate or desired
Your care team will walk with you through each decision, ensuring you understand all available options and feel supported throughout the process.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Receiving a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve can feel emotional and uncertain. At Midwest Fertility Center, https://mfcfamily.com/ we believe this diagnosis is one part of your fertility story, not the final chapter.
With early evaluation, personalized treatment, and compassionate care, many patients with diminished ovarian reserve go on to build the families they dream of. Open communication and a thoughtful plan can make a meaningful difference.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have questions about ovarian reserve or have been told you may have diminished ovarian reserve, we encourage you not to wait. Early evaluation can provide clarity, options, and reassurance.
Contact Midwest Fertility Center at https://mfcfamily.com/ or call 1-630-810-0212 today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We are here to provide personalized guidance, answer your questions, and help you take the next step with confidence.