How to Improve Egg Quality

When it comes to getting pregnant, a factor that plays a key role in determining fertility outcomes is the quality of eggs one has. Genetic predisposition, mental health and lifestyle choices tend to affect the quality of eggs a person has. Additionally, exercise, diet, medical history and also age play a significant role in female fertility. 

In this article, we shall address how you can improve the quality of your eggs significantly by adjusting your lifestyle and adapting a different nutritional regime. We shall also be sharing some insights that are crucial in facilitating better fertility outcomes.  

Age 

Even with modern fertility treatments, age plays a very significant role in the quality and quantity of eggs available for fertilization in women. This is because, as women get on in age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline. 

It is important to note that there is no fixed age in which one begins to see this decline as each individual case is different, however, medical practitioners agree that on average, this decline is more observable from the mid 30s.

Technological advances and increased knowledge regarding factors that influence egg health, have made conceiving a child after the age of 35 more attainable than ever. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been very instrumental in helping women conceive at almost any age. In fact, research has shown that due to the high success rates of ART, the average age of women, at the point of giving birth, is rising worldwide.

Improving Your Egg Quality

Since we cannot turn back time, we can focus on taking actions that will contribute to better egg quality. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. These two alone can increase the likelihood of conceiving, whether through ART or naturally.

Stay Away from Cigarettes

This goes without saying. For decades it has been known that cigarettes have an abundance of negative effects on a person’s health. This matters significantly as it relates to potential mothers attempting to conceive. 

A study found that during ART treatment cycles, women who smoked had a success rate that was 50 percent lower than those who did not smoke or had quit smoking prior to ART therapies. This is because smoking had a direct negative impact on ovarian function, interfered with implantation success, and hence, overall fertility. 

A separate study echoing this found that products containing nicotine additionally had a negative impact on the egg reserves as well as their quality, suggesting that potential mothers ought to stop using tobacco and nicotine related products if they would like to have favorable results.

Manage Stress

Managing stress is something that most people find challenges doing, considering the fast-paced lives we lead in this fast-paced world. Those hoping to conceive will also likely experience stress increases at different points of their fertility journey. The cost, logistics, and responsibility of bringing a child into the world can be overwhelming. 

According to a 2022 literature review, psycho-emotional stress can have a negative impact on the development of the eggs in the ovary, and further, the health of embryos that develop from those particular eggs. Counselling and techniques on stress reduction greatly improved the success rates of pregnancy. This shows how crucial it is for potential mothers to effectively manage stress, particularly if they are experiencing fertility challenges.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy is important whether or not you are pregnant, or hoping to get pregnant. One’s diet contributes greatly toward improving their egg health and in turn, fertility.Studies show that poly-unsaturated fats, folate, starches and fiber, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, have a positive impact on pregnancy success rates.

Diets that are high in trans-saturated fats including highly processed foods tend to diminish ovarian health, resulting in negative outcomes on pregnancy rates. Obesity and other nutrition-related conditions additionally interfere with women’s reproductive health. 

Supplements

Typically, a healthy diet provides the necessary nutrients for potential mothers. It is imperative to consult with your healthcare provider before adding supplements to, or changing your diet, particularly if you are trying to become pregnant.

That being said,it adds considerable value to increase one’s intake of vitamins as well as supplements. Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and myo-inositol have been observed to positively impact the development of the embryo in early pregnancy.

A 2023 study suggests when undergoing IVF treatments, compounds like Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could improve the chances of pregnancy, particularly where there had been challenges in responding to ovarian stimulation. 

Exercise

Consistent exercise has been proven to be beneficial in managing a variety of health-related issues. It is good for  managing stress, improving life for those with mental health disorders, and weight management for those with obesity. 

Where reproductive health is concerned, exercising to manage the above mentioned conditions is sufficient reasoning to begin and maintain a reasonable exercise routine. Before beginning or changing an exercise routine, consult with a healthcare provider to advise you on the best course of action, in consideration of your desire to conceive. 

A 2023 review found that the likelihood for becoming pregnant increased for overweight and obese women who were undergoing a vigorous exercise routine. Exercise was particularly beneficial to those who had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Vigour in exercise does not apply to all cases, in fact, in some instances, it could have an opposite effect as intense exercise tends to lower ovulation.

Finding Guidance

Fertility is a private and sensitive subject. Couples and individuals will often try to conceive for a long time without any results. Without the proper guidance from a healthcare professional, one may not tell if something is wrong. 

There are clearly many different ways to improve your egg quality, and this is central to fertilization and healthy pregnancies. Due to the fact that each situation is different, walking with a professional in your fertility journey is crucial.  

Contact Us

If you have been trying to become pregnant for any period of time longer than 6 months and are over the age of 35 consider consulting with a professional healthcare provider to assess your egg quality as well as examine different avenues to improve fertility.

There are a wide variety of reproductive services available at Ivy Fertility locations across the country. Our team of compassionate professionals can help you in selecting a suitable fertility treatment appropriate for your unique circumstance.