Ovarian volume

[SammyL100]

I am 39 and had a transvaginal scan done this week and learnt that my ovarian volume is 3.4ml and 6.3 ml. Consulting Dr Google it seems like this is very low and makes my reproductive age more like a 44 yr old.

Does anyone know anything about ovarian volume and impact on fertility? I can take bad news! I am already presuming my chances if conceiving are now next to nil.

Can anyone help?

Sorry no- I assume it's linked to having low ovarian reserve too? I can tell u though that egg quality is the most important thing in determining pregnancy- not the number of eggs you have left.

I haven't had a AMH test but may just have it done now!

Gp was clueless when I asked her, said sonographer said everything was normal so all ok. But couldn't figure out if this was a fertility problem. I believe from the net that 3.4ml is equivalent to a woman 49 yrs old!

Do u have reason to believe u have a fertility problem?

Well I had a mmc 3 months ago this was after 3 months. Cue Dr Google and all sorts if terrible stats.

Anyway my scan was the result of left side pain. And I heard the ovarian volume measurements given so had to check. I got a full report today and as we are ttcing it was the thing I noted! GP had no clue but net seems to suggest 3.4ml is post menopausal level.

Have booked myself to see a consultant at a free fertility open day. I am resigned to the fact that my time may have gone. Ho hum.

Well- it can't be that bad if you got pregnant after 3 months trying. That's pretty good/ especially in late thirties. I know it didn't work out but that's likely just bad luck.

Does the report say anything about what low ovarian volume means? TBH i think they often don't know what the impact of these things is on ttc naturally. I definitely found that was the case with low ovarian reserve. Isn't it just possible that you have small ovaries or something?

Hi Sammy. I know a bit about this. Ovarian volume in itself isn't much of an indicator, but can be significant when looked at along with AFC (Antral Follicle Count) and AMH levels.

I'm 28, approaching 28, and my ovaries are much smaller than yours, which I also found out by chance after seeing my results from a transvaginal scan too. I know it's scary to see these, and I did pay to have an AMH test done privately afterwards. Sure enough, my AMH results puts my "ovarian age" at around 37 years old.

If it's worrying you then perhaps discuss it with your GP and see if they will do an AMH test for you?

I should add, if you're impatient like me, you can pay £80 for a private blood test - I had the results within 3 working days of first ordering the test kit.

Just to say however, even if you do have low amh it doesn't tell you if you can get pregnant or not. All it tells you is how many eggs you have left, and not if any of those eggs are any good.

Thanks! I have chatted with my GP and he has referred me to a specialist.

Like you whereiscaroline I was surprised when by chance I saw my results and was surprised the results were classed as "normal" when my left ovary is a tiny peanut.GPs lack if knowledge was surprising too.

Chatty am trying to stay positive thinking it just takes one egg!

If it makes you feel any better, my biggest one is 2.8 from memory, and the other one 1.9ml!

It really does only take one egg. Good luck OP.

Exactly. And some gps are pants when it comes to fertility stuff. I knew more than my gp when we got referred for ivf.

As for the only 1 egg thing- it's so true. I was told I needed ivf due to my low amh. Result was 2 eggs, 1 embryo, 1 bfp who is now 2 years old!

Don't know if this is at all helpful, but I have very small ovaries (was surprised by measurements when I had a scan last year for pelvic pain: can't remember exact
measurements now but definitely smaller than yours) and I have no fertility problems.

I was a bit at the measurement when I had the scan, because I was in late 30s and had just started TTC DC2. I also looked it up and thought I might have left it too late. But the obstetrician I subsequently saw said that the number of small antral follicles was a much better guide than volume, and that the volume can change a lot across your cycle/ after taking the pill etc. I ended up getting pregnant the same cycle, from my especially diddly left ovary.

Funny you should mention that hops, the sonographer asked whether I was on birth control. Now I know why, probably cos my ovaries were small.

I never have used bc as contraception so know it could not be that.

But good to hear your story hops! AFC AMG seems more accurate and even with low numbers just takes one egg!