A 27-Year-Old Woman Thought She Was Pregnant but Was Diagnosed with Ovarian Failure. Can She Undergo IVF in the USA?

2024-06-21 14:57:58，visits： 149

Recently, a TikTok video sparked widespread discussion. A 27-year-old female teacher, overwhelmed with work, missed her period for three consecutive months. Initially, she thought she was pregnant, but hospital tests revealed that she was suffering from ovarian failure.

The medical term for ovarian failure is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), characterized by the absence of oocytes in the ovaries or the presence of primordial follicles that do not respond to gonadotropins, indicated by low estradiol (E2) <25ng/L and elevated gonadotropins. This condition leads to menstrual irregularities, reduced sexual function, and infertility in women under 40.

Multiple factors contribute to ovarian failure, including lifestyle, environmental, iatrogenic factors, diseases, and genetics. Research indicates that poor lifestyle choices and negative emotions significantly impact ovarian health. Harmful substances in low-quality cosmetics and hair dyes can be absorbed through the skin, damaging ovarian function. Additionally, environmental toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, multiple abortions, cesarean sections, and diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus can also lead to ovarian failure.

The diagnostic criteria for ovarian failure include secondary amenorrhea, two FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels >25U/L one month apart, reduced estrogen, elevated gonadotropins, and a transvaginal ultrasound showing an antral follicle count of fewer than six in both ovaries. Women experiencing irregular menstrual symptoms should promptly visit a specialized reproductive hospital.

For women with declining ovarian reserve, there is a 5%-10% chance of spontaneous ovulation and pregnancy in the early stages. If pregnancy is not achieved within six months, or if the male partner has semen issues, it is advisable to consider assisted reproductive techniques. In vitro fertilization (IVF-ET) is an effective treatment for such infertility patients. It involves ovarian pre-treatment with medication, natural cycle or mild stimulation protocols, and retrieval of high-quality eggs, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Ovarian failure tests include six sex hormone tests, gynecological ultrasound, and AMH fertility tests. The six sex hormone tests include estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL). Gynecological ultrasound assesses uterine morphology, endometrial thickness, ovarian size, and antral follicle count. The AMH test accurately evaluates ovarian reserve.

Dr. Nathan Zhang recommends that women have their ovarian fertility checked regularly after age 25 or 30. If ovarian function is good, immediate egg freezing may not be necessary. However, if ovarian status is poor, egg freezing should be considered to preserve future fertility. Currently, IVF USA provides services such as egg freezing in the USA, IVF, and third-party assisted reproduction. Our services have expanded to Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, in close collaboration with top IVF doctors worldwide. For more information on ovarian failure or IVF, please contact IVF USA and Dr. Nathan Zhang. We will provide professional advice and support to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.