Egg quality refers to the health and viability of a woman’s eggs. The quality of a woman’s eggs plays an important role in fertility and the chances of having a baby.

Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and the quantity and quality of these eggs decline as they age. As women approach their late 30s and early 40s, the quality of their eggs declines more rapidly, making it more difficult to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

How is egg quality measured?

Egg quality is measured by a woman’s age, hormone levels, and the physical characteristics of her eggs.

Fertility clinics can assess egg quality by measuring hormone levels such as estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are involved in ovulation and egg development. They can also examine a woman’s eggs under a microscope to determine their physical characteristics, such as the size and shape of the egg and the thickness of the eggshell.

What factors affect egg quality?

Several factors can affect a woman’s egg quality, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions. As mentioned, a woman’s age is one of the biggest factors that affect egg quality.

Genetics also play a role, as some women may be born with a lower number of high-quality eggs or may have inherited genes that affect their egg quality. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking can also impact egg quality. Medical conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and autoimmune diseases can also affect egg quality.

What can egg quality tell you about your chances of having a baby?

A woman’s egg quality can give insight into her chances of getting pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term.

Women with higher-quality eggs are more likely to conceive naturally or through fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women with lower-quality eggs may struggle to conceive or may miscarry more frequently.

However, it’s important to remember that egg quality is just one factor that affects fertility, and there are many other factors that can impact a woman’s chances of having a baby.

How can you improve your egg quality?

While there is no guaranteed way to improve egg quality, there are several lifestyle changes that may help. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can improve overall health and potentially improve egg quality.

Quitting smoking can also improve egg quality and fertility. Women who have medical conditions that affect egg quality can work with their healthcare provider to manage their condition and potentially improve their chances of conceiving.

Some women may also consider fertility treatments such as egg freezing or IVF to preserve or improve their egg quality.

When should you be concerned about your egg quality?

While declining egg quality is a natural part of the aging process, women who are struggling to conceive or who are experiencing recurrent miscarriages may want to have their egg quality assessed by a fertility specialist.

Women who have medical conditions that affect their egg quality may also want to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

What are some misconceptions about egg quality and fertility?

There are several misconceptions about egg quality and fertility that can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for women trying to conceive. One common misconception is that fertility declines sharply after age 35.

While it’s true that fertility declines as women age, many women are still able to conceive naturally or through fertility treatments well into their 40s. Another misconception is that infertility is always caused by female factors such as low egg quality. In reality, infertility is often caused by male factors or a combination of male and female factors.

The bottom line

Egg quality is an important factor when it comes to fertility and having a baby.

While declining egg quality is a natural part of the aging process, there are lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can help improve egg quality and increase the chances of conceiving. Women who are concerned about their egg quality or fertility should consult with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist for personalized recommendations.