Low AMH and IVF Success Rates: What You Need to Know

Trying to conceive a child is a journey filled with hope and excitement. However, for some women, fertility challenges can make this journey more complex. One factor that can impact fertility, particularly for IVF success rates, is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). This blog aims to provide women with a clearer understanding of how low AMH levels can affect IVF and what options are available to improve success rates.

Understanding AMH: The Hormone That Holds the Key to IVF Success

AMH, or Anti-Müllerian Hormone, is a substance produced by the granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. It serves as a marker for ovarian reserve, which reflects the number of viable eggs remaining in the ovaries. Unlike other hormones that fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, AMH levels remain relatively stable, making it a reliable indicator for fertility assessments.

Impact of Low AMH on IVF

In the context of IVF, AMH levels provide valuable information. High AMH levels usually suggest a robust ovarian reserve, while low levels may indicate a diminished reserve. This information is crucial for fertility specialists as it helps in predicting the likely response to ovarian stimulation during an IVF cycle. Women with higher AMH levels generally produce more eggs during stimulation, increasing the chances of retrieving more high-quality embryos. Conversely, women with low AMH may produce fewer eggs, potentially leading to lower success rates in IVF treatments.

The Impact of Low AMH on Your IVF Journey

A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that women with very low AMH levels had a significantly lower likelihood of successful embryo implantation and live birth compared to women with normal or high AMH levels. While low AMH does not entirely rule out the possibility of pregnancy, it does suggest a more challenging IVF journey.

Challenges Faced by Women with Low AMH

Women with low AMH often encounter specific difficulties during the IVF process. These challenges include:

• Lower Egg Quantity: With fewer eggs available, there are fewer chances to retrieve high-quality eggs that can develop into healthy embryos.
• Reduced Egg Quality: Low AMH is sometimes associated with poorer egg quality, which can lead to lower fertilisation rates and fewer viable embryos.
• Limited Ovarian Response: Women with low AMH may not respond as well to ovarian stimulation drugs, resulting in a limited number of eggs being retrieved during the IVF cycle.

These factors can combine to reduce the overall success rates of IVF for women with lower AMH levels, making it essential to approach treatment with a well-considered strategy.

Strategies to Improve IVF Success with Low AMH

While low AMH can present challenges for IVF, there are still ways to optimise treatment and improve success rates. Here are some key strategies:

• Personalised Treatment Plans: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for IVF, especially for women with low AMH. A fertility specialist will tailor the medication dosage and stimulation protocol to maximise egg development without compromising egg quality.
• Low-Dose Stimulation Protocols: These protocols use lower doses of medication to gently stimulate the ovaries, aiming to retrieve a smaller number of high-quality eggs instead of a larger number of potentially lower-quality ones.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): ICSI is a specialised technique used during IVF. Here, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg, bypassing the fertilisation process that usually occurs naturally. It can be especially beneficial for couples facing male factor infertility alongside low AMH.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): PGT involves testing embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. This can help select the healthiest embryos with the highest chances of successful pregnancy.
• Egg Freezing: If time is a factor and a woman discovers she has low AMH, egg freezing can be an option. Freezing healthy eggs at a younger age, when AMH levels are likely to be higher, can be used later for IVF cycles.
• Ovarian Rejuvenation: It is an emerging treatment option that utilises Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy showing promise for women with low AMH. The aim is to stimulate the ovaries, potentially increasing the number and quality of eggs produced during IVF cycles.

Key Takeaways

AMH is a crucial marker in assessing fertility and plays a noteworthy role in determining the success of IVF treatments. While low AMH levels present challenges, they do not make conception through IVF impossible. With personalised treatment plans and the use of advanced IVF techniques, women with low AMH can still achieve successful outcomes. The key is to work closely with a fertility specialist who can tailor the approach to your unique circumstances.

Take the Next Step Towards Parenthood with Fertility Experts at Parency IVF

If you are struggling with low AMH levels and are considering IVF, it is important to consult with a fertility expert who can provide a personalised treatment plan. At Parency IVF, our experts are here to guide you through every step of your fertility journey, offering advanced techniques and compassionate care to help you achieve your dream of parenthood. Contact us today to analyse your options and take the next step towards building your family.