Follicle stimulating hormone as a predictor of fertility

Tests for diminished ovarian reserve provide valuable prognostic information for women considering assisted reproductive technology. The best characterized screening tool for a general infertility patient is the clomiphene citrate challenge test. These screening tests do not have absolute sensitivity or specificity. Additionally, the predictive value of these tests can be low if used in a population at low risk. Patients with abnormal testing should be counselled that their chances of conception with assisted reproductive technology are poor. This may impact on the choice of aggressive treatment; however, the results of these tests should never be used to exclude patients from care. (C) 1998 Lippincott-Raven Publishers.