AMH, AFC, and Age — Predicting Egg Yield

Introduction

When considering egg freezing or fertility preservation, one of the most pressing questions patients ask is: How many eggs can I expect to retrieve? The answer depends largely on three key factors — AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), AFC (Antral Follicle Count), and Age. These predictors provide a roadmap for fertility specialists to tailor treatment plans, anticipate outcomes, and guide financial and emotional expectations.

This article breaks down these predictors into plain language, so you understand where they fit in your fertility journey, what they change, and how your choices today affect your future family-building options.

What It Is — AMH, AFC, and Age in Plain English

• AMH is a hormone secreted by ovarian follicles. A higher AMH suggests a greater egg reserve, while lower values signal fewer eggs.

• AFC is the number of small resting follicles visible on an ultrasound at the beginning of a cycle. It’s a direct snapshot of how many eggs may respond to stimulation.

• Age influences not just egg quantity but also quality. Younger eggs are more likely to be genetically normal, while older eggs face higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities.

Together, these three markers help predict egg yield, shape the stimulation plan, and improve transparency around timelines, costs, and odds of success.

Who It Helps

These predictors are especially valuable for:

• Women considering egg freezing in their late 20s, 30s, or early 40s.

• Patients with irregular cycles, PCOS, or low ovarian reserve.

• Couples planning IVF who need clarity about embryo numbers and lab cutoffs.

• Anyone weighing cost vs. success probability before beginning treatment.

If your AMH and AFC are low, a personalized approach can still optimize results — but you may need more than one cycle to achieve your goals.

Step-by-Step — Protecting Quality and Reducing Stress

1. Baseline testing — AMH bloodwork and AFC ultrasound.

2. Age-based strategy — realistic expectations set early.

3. Ovarian stimulation plan — medication dosing aligned with results.

4. Monitoring — ultrasounds and labs to fine-tune stimulation.

5. Trigger and retrieval — precisely timed to maximize mature egg count.

6. Freezing or fertilization — depending on your pathway.

These checkpoints reduce uncertainty, protect embryo quality, and minimize unnecessary stress.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Personalized cycle planning.

• Reduced financial surprises.

• Improved emotional preparedness.

Cons:

• Predictions are not guarantees.

• May require multiple cycles, especially with low reserve.

• Emotional and financial pressure can still be high.

Costs & Logistics

• Initial tests (AMH, AFC, labs): often $200–$600.

• Ovarian stimulation medications: $3,000–$6,000 per cycle.

• Egg retrieval & lab fees: $8,000–$12,000.

• Storage & annual fees: $500–$1,000 per year.

Insurance coverage varies; some employers now offer fertility benefits. Prior authorizations and fixed-cost packages (like Surrogacy4All) can simplify planning.

What Improves Outcomes

• Early testing — don’t wait until age becomes a limiting factor.

• Healthy lifestyle — balanced weight, minimal smoking/alcohol, optimized sleep.

• Male factor optimization — sperm health can impact fertilization outcomes.

• Clinic quality — lab standards and embryology expertise matter as much as biology.

Case Study

Patient: 35-year-old professional, AMH 1.2 ng/mL, AFC 9.
She initially feared she had “run out of time.” After baseline testing, her doctor set clear expectations: likely 8–10 eggs per cycle. With two cycles and strong communication, she banked 18 mature eggs — giving her an estimated 70% chance of at least one live birth.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to test or act.

• Assuming one cycle will be enough without reviewing the numbers.

• Over-focusing on lab values without considering age and quality.

• Ignoring cost planning and insurance checks.

FAQs

1. What is considered a “good” AMH level for egg freezing?
Generally, AMH levels above 1.0 ng/mL suggest a reasonable egg reserve, but age and AFC must also be considered.

2. How many eggs should I freeze for one baby?
Studies suggest 10–20 mature eggs for women under 35, and 20–30 for women over 35, depending on quality.

3. Can lifestyle changes improve AMH or AFC?
Not directly, but healthy habits (diet, exercise, stress reduction) can support better ovarian response.

4. Is egg freezing cost-effective if my AMH is low?
Yes, but you may need more than one cycle. Fixed-cost or financing plans help reduce financial stress.

5. How do I choose the right clinic?
Look for FDA-registered programs, physician-owned centers, transparent pricing, and published success rates (see SART and CDC ART).

Trusted providers include:

• Surrogacy4All.com
• IndianEggDonors.com
• EggDonors4All.com
• PatientsMedical.com