Day 3 Inhibin B Test
If you have already had a Day 3 FSH test or an Estradiol test, you may still be interested in finding out more about your underlying fertility problems. The Day 3 Inhibin B test can help to determine the quality and quantity of your ovarian reserve.
Ovarian reserve often plays a dominant role in determining whether a not a couple will conceive. So if you are having difficulties conceiving, consult with your health care provider about the Day 3 Inhibin B test.
What is Inhibin B?
Inhibin B is a protein hormone produced by your ovaries. It works to inhibit FSH, which is responsible for helping your follicles to develop. Levels of Inhibin B decrease with age.
Inhibin B is actually secreted directly by small, developing follicles in your ovaries. During the follicular phase of ovulation, small follicles eventually develop into mature eggs, ready for fertilization. Inhibin B has a sister hormone called Inhibin A, which is also produced by the ovaries.
What is the Day 3 Inhibin B Test?
The Day 3 Inhibin B test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of Inhibin B in your blood. It is performed on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle.
The Day 3 Inhibin B Test is used in order predict ovarian reserve, including egg quality and eqq quantity. Because Inhibin B is produced directly by ovarian follicles, the amount of Inhibin B in your blood directly correlates to the number of eggs that you have in your ovaries.
Inhibin B can also predict the ability of your ovaries to produce more follicles. This suggests that the hormone can predict the success of certain ovulation-inducing drugs, like Clomid.
Inhibin B and Infertility
Inhibin B does seem to be directly related to fertility.
Low levels of Inhibin B are associated with:
- impaired ovulation
- decreased success with IVF
- lower pregnancy rates
- increased risk of miscarriage
Who Can Benefit from the Day 3 Inhibin B Test?
Unfortunately, the Day 3 Inhibin B is not widely available. It is difficult to perform and therefore is not found in all fertility clinics.
However, a number of women can benefit from the Day 3 Inhibin Test, including:
- women who have shown a poor response to fertility drugs
- women with a positive CCCT
- women with unexplained infertility
- women over the age of 35
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