ertility is often discussed with a perspective of age. However, the quality of eggs also matters. Many women discover issues with egg quality after repeated difficulties conceiving or during fertility treatments. This happens because there is no visible way to say the eggs are unhealthy. But it is not the end of the road. There are some subtle signs that we will be discussing in this article that give you a chance to seek timely medical help.
What Is Egg Quality and Why Does It Matter?
Egg quality refers to the genetic stability and energy reserves of an egg. A healthy egg has the correct number of chromosomes and enough strength to be fertilized, implant in the uterus, and grow into a healthy pregnancy. Poor quality eggs, on the other hand, are more likely to carry genetic mutations that prevent normal development.
|
Good Quality Eggs |
Poor Quality Eggs |
| Higher chances of fertilization | Reduced chances of fertilization |
| Greater likelihood of implantation | Implantation often fails |
| Can support a full-term pregnancy | Higher risk of miscarriage or abnormal embryos |
Although age has a strong role to play, other influences like hormone balance, lifestyle habits, and medical history also determine egg health.
Subtle Signs of Poor Egg Quality
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Your menstrual cycle talks about your reproductive health. When periods are unpredictable or months apart, it means that your ovulation is inconsistent. Eggs may not be developing properly, leading to fewer opportunities for fertilization.
Shorter or Longer Menstrual Cycles
The length of your cycle is related to how long an egg takes to mature. Very short cycles, often under 21–24 days, suggest eggs are released too soon, before they are fully ready. Cycles extending beyond 35 days often reflect delayed or absent ovulation. It reduces the chance of a healthy egg being released.
Low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Levels
AMH is a blood test widely used to estimate ovarian reserve. Although it does not directly measure quality, low levels usually indicate fewer eggs and declining health of the remaining ones. Doctors often see levels below 1.0 ng/mL as a warning of reduced fertility potential.
Poor Response to Fertility Medication
During IVF treatment, hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. When the ovaries still release only a few eggs despite higher medication doses, it is a sign of poor egg quality. Hence, it makes the treatment less successful.
History of Miscarriages
Frequent miscarriages can signal that the eggs being released are carrying chromosomal abnormalities. These eggs fertilize but cannot sustain a pregnancy. This explains why miscarriages occur after early positive results.
Advanced Maternal Age (35+)
Egg quality naturally declines with age. After the mid-thirties, the proportion of eggs with chromosomal abnormalities rises. By the early forties, only a small percentage of eggs are chromosomally normal, which is why conception becomes much more difficult at that stage.
Difficulty Conceiving
When you are trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if over 35) and still not getting pregnant, poor egg quality can be one of the reasons. Healthy eggs are crucial for embryos to form and implant, and difficulties conceiving are the first sign that there is a major problem.
Changes in Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Many women track BBT to monitor ovulation. If the temperature patterns are inconsistent or weak across cycles, it means the eggs are not producing enough hormones to regulate the post-ovulation phase. This can affect fertility.
Thin Endometrial Lining
The lining of the uterus is partly dependent on signals from the ovary. Eggs that fail to produce enough oestrogen leave the lining too thin for implantation. Your uterus might be healthy, but because of poor egg quality, pregnancy seems like a far-fetched dream.
Genetic or Chromosomal Issues in Embryos
For women undergoing IVF, embryo testing shows a higher proportion of abnormal embryos. These abnormalities usually trace back to poor egg quality rather than sperm and provide clear evidence of challenges at the egg level.
When to See a Fertility Doctor?
You should consider consulting a fertility specialist if:
- Your cycles are irregular or absent for months.
- You are over 35 and unable to conceive within six months.
- You have experienced multiple miscarriages.
- IVF cycles have produced very few eggs or embryos with abnormalities.
A doctor will run tests like AMH, FSH, and ultrasound scans to get a clearer picture of egg health.
Tips to Support Egg Health
While poor egg quality cannot be fully reversed, you can take steps to support ovarian function and delay further decline:
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet with antioxidants, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Maintain a healthy body weight and avoid smoking or excess alcohol.
- Keep stress under control and make sure your sleep patterns are consistent.
- Speak with your doctor about supplements like CoQ10 or DHEA.
- Consider fertility preservation options such as egg freezing if you plan to delay pregnancy.
Conclusion
Egg quality is one of the most decisive factors in fertility, yet its decline is hidden. The signs may not always be obvious. However, careful attention to cycle patterns, hormone levels, and reproductive history can provide important clues.
At Oasis Fertility, advanced testing and customized treatment plans help women address egg quality concerns and move forward with confidence in their journey to parenthood. Head over to your nearest Oasis Fertility clinic to get a clear understanding. You can also call us at 1800-3001-1000 or use our live chat option for immediate assistance.
FAQs
Q1. Can poor egg quality be reversed?
Not entirely, but certain lifestyle changes and medical guidance improve the environment in which eggs mature, and it improves outcomes.
Q2. How is egg quality tested?
Indirectly through AMH, FSH, ultrasound scans, and by evaluating embryos during IVF with genetic testing.
Q3. Can I get pregnant with poor egg quality?
Yes, though chances are lower. Techniques like IVF, ICSI, or donor eggs can improve the chances of pregnancy.
Q4. Does egg quality affect embryo development?
Yes. The chromosomal health of the egg is central to whether an embryo implants successfully and grows into a healthy pregnancy.