Ovarian reserve testing and the use of prognostic models in patients with subfertility

Abstract

The decline in fecundity with female age is a well-known phenomenon for clinicians dealing with subfertility patients. Diminishing ovarian reserve seems to be the reason for declining fecundity. Since age is only a rough estimate of ovarian reserve, many tests have been developed to predict ovarian reserve more precisely. This review focuses on these ovarian reserve tests and their clinical role in predicting response to ovarian stimulation and pregnancy chances. According to our analysis, the clomiphene citrate challenge test has the strongest correlation in predicting ovarian reserve, and is the only test that is validated in the general infertility population. The antral follicle count by ultrasound is promising and may offer clinical use. It is not known whether a combination of tests can provide more accurate information of ovarian reserve. It is not yet clear to which extent the results of ovarian reserve tests can be incorporated into the available prognostic models. There is a need for prospective cohort studies that focus on prognostic factors among which are the results of ovarian reserve tests. Only then can the qualitative and quantitative relevance of ovarian reserve testing in the context of the prognosis for couples with subfertility be established.