Since the age of 35, the quantity and quality of eggs begin to decline, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a pregnancy. Low egg quality can be addressed with the right support.
Why does egg quality decline and how is it diagnosed?
Several factors influence egg quality: age, genetics, lifestyle, and ovarian reserve. After age 35, the number of follicles decreases and mitochondrial function can fail, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. To assess it, the following are performed:
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC) via transvaginal ultrasound
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) measurement in blood
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) determination on day 3 of the cycle
Assisted reproduction treatments for low egg quality
There is no medication that directly improves egg quality, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) allows retrieval of multiple eggs (10–20 per cycle) and selection of the healthiest embryos. Additionally, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) helps identify euploid embryos and reduce miscarriage risk.
Iraí’s journey to motherhood
Iraí and Israel spent more than six years trying to conceive. After inseminations and a first unsuccessful IVF cycle, at the Institute they detected low egg quality and low sperm count. They followed these steps:
- Ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins (150–225 IU/day)
- Egg retrieval under sedation
- IVF with culture to blastocyst
- Embryo transfer and luteal support with 600 mg/day of progesterone
In the second cycle they achieved a positive result. Sofía was born on September 2, 2018, weighing around 1 kg, healthy and with excellent development.
Lifestyle changes to improve egg quality
Before starting treatment, you can strengthen your ovarian health by:
- Diet rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E)
- Moderate exercise (150 min/week)
- Avoiding tobacco, reducing caffeine (<200 mg/day) and moderating alcohol
- Managing stress with mindfulness or therapy
Do not self-medicate: always consult a specialist before taking supplements.
Additional resources
Discover our Initial Program to take the first steps. You can also read this article and this other post with useful tips.
When to seek help after age 35?
If you are over 35 and have not achieved pregnancy after six months of trying, it’s time for a comprehensive evaluation. At Ingenes, our Initial Program identifies obstacles and designs a personalized plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I improve egg quality with supplements?
Some studies suggest that coenzyme Q10 (100–300 mg/day) and DHEA (25 mg/day) might help egg mitochondria. However, the evidence is variable. The most solid approach is to maintain a balanced diet, good rest, and stress control. Always talk to your specialist before taking any supplement.
2. What is the success rate of IVF in women over 35?
At age 35, IVF has about a 40% success rate per cycle, and at 40 it drops to 20%. The use of PGT-A and protocols tailored to your ovarian reserve and AMH can improve your chances.
3. How many IVF cycles should be attempted before considering egg donation?
Generally, 2–3 cycles are recommended before considering donation, especially if few or poor-quality eggs are retrieved. Every case is unique: consult your specialist to evaluate your options.
4. Does the male factor influence egg quality?
Yes. Low sperm count or motility affects fertilization and embryo development. In Iraí’s case, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) improved their chances after detecting low sperm count.
Sources
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Role of Aging in Fertility and Reproductive Performance. Fertility and Sterility, 114(5), 1017–1027.
- La Marca, A., & Sunkara, S. K. (2014). Individualization of controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF using ovarian reserve markers. Human Reproduction Update, 20(1), 124–140.
- MedlinePlus. (2022). Low Ovarian Reserve.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2015). Testing and Interpretation of the Antimüllerian Hormone (AMH) Level. Fertility and Sterility, 103(1), e1–e4.
We accompany you every step of your journey to parenthood. Always consult an assisted reproduction specialist to design the best plan for you.