Assessment of Ovarian Volume and Antral Follicular Count among Normal and Infertile Women

Background: Infertility is well-defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.Primary infertility refers to women unable to accomplish a clinical pregnancy, and secondary infertility applies to those who have previously conceived.Globally, over 186 million people are affected, with varying prevalence rates across regions.The Western Pacific has the highest rate at 23.2%, while the Eastern Mediterranean has the lowest at 10.7%.The study aimed to assess the significance of Antral Follicle Count (AFC) as a marker of ovarian reserve in fertile and infertile women.Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted at Narayana Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, over two years, involved 100 participants: 50 women with primary infertility and 50 fertile controls.The primary objective was to evaluate the role of antral follicle count (AFC) as an ovarian reserve marker.Results: The mean age was similar (29.442.18 vs. 28.822.23 years, p=0.43), and no significant differences were found in BMI (p values ranging from 0.63 to 1) or menstrual cycle regularity (p=0.69).However, the infertile group had a significantly longer duration of marriage (7.202.89 vs. 5.702.21years, p=0.0001).The infertile group also had a significantly lower antral follicle count (7.181.57vs. 11.922.28,p<0.0001), but no significant difference in ovarian volume (p=0.465). Conclusion:This study concluded that AFC is a reliable indicator of fertility in women and serves as an effective marker of ovarian reserve in Indian women of childbearing age.