Effect of environmental factors on ovarian reserve of women living in Aral Sea area

Permanent environmental pollution by wastes arising from industries can lead to negative effects on reproductive organs. Normal reproductive function of women depends on the functional capacity of ovaries. This study was designed to detect possible environmental effect on ovarian reserve of women living in Aral Sea area. 160 women in their reproductive age were studied; 80 women from Kuwait in group I and 80 women from Shalkar, Kazakhstan in group II. Women included in this study were evaluated using trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVS) to detect Antral Follicle Count (AFC) as well as Basal Ovarian Volume (BOV). AFC and BOV were compared in both study groups. In this study, there was significant difference between group I and group II regarding; AFC and BOV, which means reduced ovarian reserve as indicated by AFC and BOV of women living in Aral Sea area (Kazakhstan) compared with Kuwaiti women of same age group. This study suggests possible environmental effect on ovarian reserve of women living in Aral Sea area (Kazakhstan). This study, also, concluded that, AFC and BOV is a simple, rapid, non-invasive method for assessment of ovarian reserve.