What is the Significance of Egg Quality in Female Fertility?
In the female reproductive system, the ovaries release eggs monthly during the menstrual cycle. The fusion with the male sperm happens, and thus the embryo is formed. Female fertility is not dependent on egg quantity rather quality, since only one egg is available and required for fertilization. However, for the proper fertilization and formation of the embryo, both the egg and the sperm are equally responsible.
How does egg quality count in fertility treatment?
In a fertility treatment, the egg quality determines most of the genetic makeup and quality of the embryo; hence, it matters. A good quality egg will further help in the formation of a healthy embryo. As per studies 70–80% of embryo health is dependent on egg quality only.
In a menstrual cycle only one egg is produced naturally, hence its quality will determine the possibility of conception.
In an IUI treatment cycle, use of medications and injections ensures better quality of egg development and sometimes multiple egg development to enhance the probability of pregnancy.
Egg quality in IVF treatment is also important because there is no selection process applied while choosing the egg. Only external help is provided through the IVF procedure to let the egg fuse with the sperm and form an embryo. If the egg is of good quality, the formed embryo will be so.
So now the question is, what determines the quality of the egg?
Age: The egg quality is good at a woman’s prime age of conception i.e between 20s and mid-30s. It may deteriorate with age. By age 45, egg quality declines so much and getting pregnant with self eggs is unlikely.
Lifestyle: Following a healthy lifestyle without addictions and substance abuse helps to have good-quality eggs.
Exposure to Toxins: If a woman is exposed to toxins, which can also happen when living in a chemical-prone area, the egg quality may suffer.
Endometriosis of the cyst: If surgery is performed on the ovary, the egg quality may have been hampered.
Hormonal Issues: Deranged prolactin levels, PCOS can affect egg quality.
Oxidative stress and Vitamin deficiency
Many women undergoing infertility treatment get curious about egg quality and how it can be improved, especially during IVF for women over 40.
Are there ways to improve the egg quality that is to be used for the IVF cycle?
Yes, during the IVF cycle, stimulating drugs and injections are administered to improve the quantity and quality of the eggs. The number of eggs retrieved is directly proportional to the success of IVF, as the number of eggs determines the number of embryos formed, increasing the probability of healthy embryo selection.
These stimulating drugs increase the percentage of mature and good-quality eggs; hence, enhancing the number and quality of the eggs is directly responsible for successful infertility treatment.
What are the ways to test the egg’s quality?
Ovarian ultrasound or certain hormonal tests like Anti Mullerian Hormone, Antral Follicle Count, Follicle Stimulating Hormone can help in determining the egg quality; however, the actual test of the egg quality is the actual pregnancy that takes place and carries to the term to deliver a healthy child. This is when the quality of the egg is actually determined.
Can the egg quality be improved naturally before a woman tries for a baby?
Yes, there are ways a woman can adapt to improve egg quality.
- Lifestyle changes to determine healthy food intake from a nutritionally balanced diet.
- Exercising and maintaining a healthy BMI.
- Staying away from toxins such as smoking, alcohol use, etc.
- Taking vitamins, minerals, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
- Small amounts of male hormones are given to women over 40 who opt for IVF to improve egg quality.
- Stem cells or platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be injected in ovaries to stimulate better quality eggs in women with poor quality eggs.
So this was about the significance of egg quality during infertility treatment. If you are looking to conceive a child through ART (artificial reproductive technique) and want to stay away from failed IVF reasons, make sure you approach an experienced IVF specialist in Delhi to determine and improve the egg quality.