How is there less follicles in test tube babies?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of embedding the fertilized egg into the female uterus to achieve pregnancy. However, some women may find themselves with fewer follicles when performing IVF procedures, which causes their concern. So, what's the matter with fewer IVF follicles? Next, we will elaborate from several aspects.
1. Age factor
Female fertility is closely related to age. With the increase of age, the number and quality of female eggs will gradually decline. Generally speaking, the peak fertility of women is between the ages of 20 and 30. After the age of 30, it begins to decline gradually, and after the age of 40, it decreases sharply. Therefore, if women are older, fewer follicles are more common.
In addition, the growth of women's age will also be accompanied by the decline of egg quality, resulting in chromosome abnormalities and other problems, which will reduce the success rate of IVF. Therefore, for older women, more IVF cycles may be needed to increase the success rate.
2. Ovarian dysfunction
The ovary is a very important organ in the female reproductive system, responsible for the generation and release of eggs. If the ovarian function has problems, it will affect the development and number of eggs. Ovarian dysfunction may be caused by congenital problems, diseases, surgery or radiotherapy.
For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common ovarian dysfunction disease. The development of follicles in patients is blocked, resulting in a decrease in the number of follicles. PCOS patients need a special treatment program to improve the pregnancy rate when carrying out the IVF program.
Other reasons, such as premature ovarian failure and ovarian cysts, can also lead to fewer follicles, and treatment plans need to be formulated according to specific conditions.
3. Drug effects
Some drugs may also affect female follicles. For example, some chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy may cause damage to the ovary, leading to a decrease in the number of follicles. In addition, long-term use of some oral contraceptives may also inhibit follicles.
If a woman has received surgery or treatment related to ovary before, she should inform the doctor during IVF so that the doctor can formulate appropriate programs to improve the chance of pregnancy according to the influence of drugs and treatment.
4. Other factors
In addition to the above aspects, there are other factors that may lead to fewer follicles in women. For example, poor physical condition, improper eating habits, and poor living environment may have an impact on follicles.
Adjusting living habits, maintaining good physical condition, proper rest and nutrition can improve the quantity and quality of follicles produced. Sometimes, IVF procedures may need to be combined with auxiliary means, such as ovulation promoting drugs and ovarian stimulation, to increase the number of follicles.
Summary
Fewer follicles in IVF may be caused by age factors, ovarian dysfunction, drug effects and other factors. Older women, abnormal ovarian function, certain drugs and bad living habits may all affect follicles. For specific causes, doctors will develop appropriate treatment plans to improve the success rate of IVF.
