Low egg quality affects many women worldwide and can feel like an insurmountable obstacle to conception. Sadness, frustration, and despair are common reactions, but remember: you are not alone.
Receiving this diagnosis does not mean you cannot have children. With the right treatment and a hopeful attitude, you have several paths to achieve your dream.
Instead of letting it overwhelm you, take control and work with a team of specialists to choose the ideal plan. From in vitro fertilization to complementary therapies and lifestyle changes, there are alternatives that can help you become a mother.
How do I know if my egg quality is low?
Women are born with about 2 million oocytes, but by the start of puberty only around 400,000 remain. Each cycle only 350 to 450 mature, and their quality depends on biological and environmental factors. To confirm it, always consult a specialist in Assisted Reproduction. Meanwhile, review these 10 factors that influence egg quality.
What causes poor egg quality?
1. Maternal age
Ovarian reserve and egg quality decline with age, especially after 35. This change can surprise many women.
2. Overweight and obesity
Excess weight affects multiple systems and reduces both the number and maturity of oocytes. Women with obesity often retrieve fewer mature eggs and face lower pregnancy rates.
3. Cancer treatments
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy diminish ovarian reserve and egg quality. If facing a cancer diagnosis, consider oocyte vitrification before starting treatment.
4. Hormonal imbalances
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome prevent proper egg maturation and affect its quality.
5. Genetic factors
Some mutations harden the egg’s zona pellucida, hindering fertilization and increasing the risk of abnormal divisions.
6. Ovarian stimulation
The type of hormone, dose, and duration of stimulation in assisted reproduction cycles influence egg quality.
7. Endometriosis
Endometrial tissue outside the uterus impairs ovarian function and egg quality, depending on the available reserve.
8. Alcohol consumption
The WHO recommends a maximum of 0.5 glass of wine per day. During assisted reproduction treatments, it’s best to avoid alcohol 3 to 6 months beforehand.
9. Smoking
Tobacco releases toxins that alter ovulatory hormones and accelerate menopause, reducing egg quality.
10. Immune problems
Disorders like insulin resistance affect metabolism and oocyte cellular function. Proper management improves quality and success rates.
How can I improve my egg quality?
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoid self-medication. Before taking any supplement or medication, consult an Assisted Reproduction specialist.
Explore studies like “What We Know About Oocyte Quality and Its Impact on Fertility” and “Infertility Factors: Understanding Ovarian Reserve” to better understand your options.
Does poor egg quality prevent having a baby?
No. With support from an expert team and a personalized plan, many women achieve a successful pregnancy. Read the testimony of Iraí, who overcame this diagnosis and now enjoys her daughter Sofía.
If you have been trying for over a year or have been diagnosed with low egg quality, don’t give up. Your determination and specialist support are your greatest strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of low egg quality?
There are no obvious symptoms; it’s detected with hormonal tests (FSH, AMH) and ovarian reserve ultrasounds measuring antral follicles. FSH >10 mIU/mL or AMH <1 ng/mL suggest lower quality.
Antral follicle count (ideally >10–12), age, and medical history complete the diagnosis. Your specialist will propose the most suitable action plan.
Can I improve my egg quality with supplements?
Antioxidants like vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid help reduce oxidative stress. Still, do not medicate without medical supervision. Each case is unique.
Your specialist will review your tests and suggest supplements only as support to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Does stress affect egg quality?
Chronic stress raises cortisol and other hormones that interfere with oocyte maturation. Practices like meditation, yoga, or therapy help reduce it.
Including relaxation activities before and during IVF improves your well-being and treatment outcomes.
When should I see a specialist?
If you are over 35 and have not conceived after six months of trying, or if there is a history of endometriosis, chemotherapy, or other risk factors, consult an assisted reproduction expert.
Early diagnosis offers more options: ovarian reserve tests, genetic evaluation, and personalized treatment plans.
Sources Consulted
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Assessing ovarian reserve: Practice Committee document. Fertility and Sterility. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.03.018
- MedlinePlus. (2021). Oocyte quality. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ovarianreserve
- World Health Organization. (2019). Global status report on alcohol. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. (2022). Endometriosis and fertility. Human Reproduction. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac123
We are with you every step of the way. For an accurate diagnosis and a plan tailored to your situation, trust an assisted fertilization specialist. Your dream of building a family can come true.