Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve heard about ovarian ageing, but I don’t fully understand how it affects fertility. Can you explain it to me?
Dr. Malpani: Of course. It’s an important topic. Many women don’t realise that their ovaries age faster than the rest of their body. This means that even though you may feel healthy and youthful, your ovaries and eggs are on a different timeline.
Patient: Why do ovaries age so quickly?
Dr. Malpani: Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have. Over time, the quantity and quality of these eggs decline. This natural process eventually leads to menopause, but long before that, there’s a phase called oopause, where egg quality begins to diminish significantly.
Patient: What happens during oopause?
Dr. Malpani: During oopause, egg quality declines, which can cause issues like recurrent miscarriages. Women in this phase may still have regular periods and conceive naturally, but poor egg quality often leads to genetic abnormalities in the embryo, resulting in pregnancy loss.
Patient: That sounds concerning. Can regular periods mislead women about their fertility?
Dr. Malpani: Yes, and that’s a common misconception. Regular periods are a result of ovarian hormones, but they don’t necessarily indicate good egg quality. Many women assume they’re fertile because their cycles are regular, but their eggs may no longer be viable for natural conception.
Patient: How does this affect IVF treatments?
Dr. Malpani: Egg quality also plays a crucial role in IVF success. While we can stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, the quality may not be optimal, leading to poor-quality embryos. Even embryos that look healthy under a microscope might have genetic abnormalities, resulting in implantation failure or recurrent IVF failure.
Patient: That must be frustrating for patients and doctors.
Dr. Malpani: It is, especially because these issues are often overlooked. Many doctors don’t fully understand ovarian ageing or how it impacts fertility. This lack of awareness can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
Patient: What happens as ovarian ageing progresses further?
Dr. Malpani: As egg quality continues to decline, hormone production drops. This leads to irregular cycles, a phase called anovulation. Eventually, ovarian function ceases altogether, marking the onset of menopause.
Patient: So, ovarian ageing is the root cause of many fertility problems?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Whether it’s recurrent miscarriages, infertility, IVF failure, or irregular cycles, ovarian ageing is often the common thread. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is frequently missed, which is why it’s crucial for doctors to consider it in every fertility evaluation.
Patient: What should someone do if they suspect ovarian ageing is affecting their fertility?
Patient: That’s helpful. Do you provide in-person care as well?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. If you’re in Mumbai or can visit, you’re welcome at our clinic in Colaba. You can WhatsApp us to book an appointment. We’re here to help you navigate your fertility journey with the best possible care.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. I feel much more informed now.
Dr. Malpani: You’re very welcome. Remember, understanding ovarian ageing is key to making informed decisions about your fertility. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need support.
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