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What is oocyte quality and why does it matter for your fertility?
As years go by, especially after age 35, not only does the number of eggs in the ovaries decrease, but their quality does too. Oocyte quality reflects an egg’s ability to develop into a healthy embryo after fertilization.
How do you know if your eggs are high quality?
A high-quality egg has the correct number of chromosomes and the energy needed to grow and divide properly. If quality is low, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and reproductive failure increases. Hormones like FSH and estradiol are measured to assess ovarian response. But the most accurate evaluation comes with an in vitro fertilization cycle and preimplantation genetic testing.
Factors that can affect oocyte quality
Besides age, there are other factors that can influence even young women:
- Genetic or immunological disorders
- Cancer treatments
- Tobacco use
- Endometriosis
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Options if oocyte quality is low
There is no treatment that directly improves egg quality, but in vitro fertilization increases the chances of success. When your own eggs aren’t viable, egg donation is a highly effective option.
At Ingenes, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care. We analyze the 10 causes of poor oocyte quality and support you emotionally throughout the process to give you confidence every step of the way.
Ovarian reserve: what it is and how it’s measured
Ovarian reserve is determined by the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and the antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound. These values predict how many eggs you might retrieve and their potential quality. Knowing your reserve helps plan the best path to fulfill your desire to become a parent.
How Ingenes supports you
At Ingenes we offer:
- A team of assisted reproduction specialists
- Ongoing emotional support
- Protocols with preimplantation genetic testing
- Blastocyst-stage embryo transfer
Remember: avoid self-medication. To protect your fertility, the best step is to see an assisted reproduction specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Improve My Egg Quality with Lifestyle Changes?
Eating an antioxidant-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), quitting smoking, and supplementing with folic acid, vitamin D (600 IU/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200–300 mg/day) can help. Relaxation techniques, yoga or therapy reduce stress and support a more balanced hormonal environment. These habits are supportive but don’t replace assisted reproduction treatment if ovarian reserve is low.
When Should I Do Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
PGT is recommended if you’ve had recurrent miscarriages, are over 35, or have genetic diseases in the family. Testing the embryo before transfer reduces the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and improves implantation rates.
What Is Egg Donation for?
Egg donation is an alternative when your own eggs aren’t viable. Eggs from young donors have better chromosomal quality and mitochondrial energy, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. At Ingenes we ensure rigorous selection, compatibility and emotional support.
How Do Age and Hormones Affect Oocyte Quality?
After 35, egg quantity and quality decline due to DNA wear and reduced mitochondrial function. High FSH levels (>10 mIU/ml on day 3) and low AMH (<1 ng/ml) indicate a limited reserve. With this data, we design stimulation protocols and strategies like egg vitrification.
Sources
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Ovarian reserve testing: A committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 114(6), 1151–1164. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.1185
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Ovarian reserve. https://medlineplus.gov/ovarianreserve.html
- Lum, L. G., & Seifer, D. B. (2017). Antimüllerian hormone testing: Overcoming challenges in infertility diagnosis. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 123, 48–54. doi:10.1016/j.jri.2017.06.005
- World Health Organization. (2021). Infertility fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility
If this journey brings doubts or mixed emotions, remember you’re not alone. Seek the support of an IVF specialist and go through the process with an expert, caring team.
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