How to Improve Egg Quality?
How to Improve Egg Quality?
The fertilization of the egg and sperm, the implantation of the fertilized embryo in the uterus and the healthy development of a baby are extremely miraculous processes. However, there are some problems that can disrupt this process. Egg quality is one of the most important of these.
Poor egg quality can prevent pregnancy from occurring or can even cause the pregnancy to not continue. Having detailed information about egg quality and learning how to improve quality can pave the way for a healthy pregnancy.
What is Egg Quality?
Egg quality, which is of great importance for fertility, indicates whether the egg is chromosomally normal or abnormal. High-quality normal eggs have 23 chromosomes. When these eggs are fertilized with a healthy sperm, they are likely to develop into an embryo, implant in the uterus and result in a successful pregnancy.
Egg quality is determined by environmental and genetic factors. Some of the factors that negatively affect quality are as follows:
2-Receiving chemotherapy,
3-Use of some drugs,
4-Polycystic ovary and other ovarian cysts,
5-Immunological (immune system related) disorders.
In addition to these factors, different situations can also answer the question "Why does egg quality decrease?"
How to Understand Egg Quality in Women?
Now that we have briefly touched on the answer to the question "Why does egg quality decrease?", let's answer the questions "What test can be used to understand egg quality?" or "How can egg quality be measured?", which are frequently asked by many women considering pregnancy.
Although there is no specific egg quality test, doctors evaluate egg quality with some tests and procedures. Some of these can be listed as follows:
2-Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol Test: Doctors can check the egg production of the ovaries with a hormone test performed on the 3rd day of the menstrual period. FSH or estradiol levels that are different from normal can be among the symptoms of poor quality eggs and can also indicate a decreasing amount of eggs. If the test results are not at the desired level, another test, the Clomid Challenge Test, may be required.
3-Transvaginal Ultrasound: Another preferred method for determining the number of follicles is transvaginal ultrasound. With this, the image of the uterus is transferred to the monitor.
In addition to these tests, doctors may perform other procedures if they deem necessary. They may also ask about the individual's detailed medical history and obtain information about the menstrual cycle to make a detailed assessment. Based on the results of the assessment, a treatment plan is created if necessary.
Does Stress Affect Egg Quality?
Many of us think that stress negatively affects egg quality and therefore fertility. However, there is no scientific basis behind this idea. Although stress affects hormones and causes periodic problems, the effects of stress usually resolve themselves over time.
If a decrease in egg quality or a problem in the reproductive system occurs as a result of long-term stress, it is possible to say that stress is a trigger for existing problems rather than the cause. In other words, although being stressed has negative effects on your mental health, it does not pose a risk to your egg quality. If that were the case, no woman who experienced stress and experienced challenging events such as war or natural disasters would be able to have children.
Does Smoking Affect Egg Quality?
We all know that smoking can cause serious health problems. One of these problems is the deterioration of ovarian function. Smoking can reduce the number of eggs and the quality of eggs due to the toxic substances it contains. It can accelerate egg loss and bring menopause to an earlier age.
Even if fertilization is achieved, smoking is likely to cause abnormal development in the embryo. We can say that it also negatively affects in vitro fertilization treatment. For these reasons, if you are planning to have a baby now or in the future, it is beneficial to stay away from smoking and passive smoking.
Do Antibiotics Affect Egg Quality?
Antibiotics are drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections and should be taken in accordance with a doctor's prescription. One of the most frequently asked questions about antibiotics, which can eliminate many diseases that can negatively affect human health, is "Do antibiotics affect egg quality?" Using antibiotics can reduce egg quality. They should definitely not be used, especially when not necessary.
Let's also emphasize that you should not avoid using antibiotics if your doctor deems it necessary. Because antibiotics, when used correctly, can strengthen the reproductive system by treating infections that are a major obstacle to pregnancy. In this respect, it can also be said that it makes it easier to get pregnant.
Does a Woman's Age Affect Egg Quality?
As women age, the number and quality of their eggs begin to decrease. Egg quality declines especially after the age of 35. Due to poor egg quality in their 40s, women may have difficulty conceiving even if they receive IVF treatment. In addition to all this, we should also note that egg quality may not be the same for every woman in the same age range. While one woman may experience poor egg quality in her younger years, another woman may have high-quality egg reserves at a much later age. If you want to have a baby in the future and are concerned about your age, you can consider freezing your eggs after consulting your doctor.
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Does Being Overweight Affect Egg Quality?
As we mentioned before, being overweight, or obesity, negatively affects egg quality. Overweight women are less likely to get pregnant than women of healthy weight due to poor egg quality. In addition, being overweight can reduce the likelihood of IVF success. Therefore, it is extremely important to get rid of your excess weight with the help of a dietician for a healthy pregnancy.
Can You Get Pregnant With Poor Quality Eggs?
Many women who are planning a pregnancy and are concerned about their current egg quality wonder, "Are there people who have gotten pregnant with poor quality eggs?" It is extremely difficult to get pregnant with low quality eggs. Even if pregnancy occurs, low quality embryos will be formed from low quality eggs.
In this case, the embryo may not be able to implant in the uterus or, even if it implants, it may not be able to hold on to the uterus. Therefore, miscarriages may occur. If you are concerned about your egg quality for all these reasons, you should get checked by a doctor before planning a pregnancy and before an unsuccessful fertilization occurs.
How to Improve Egg Quality?
We mentioned that environmental and genetic factors affect egg quality. Some lifestyle changes and practices can increase egg quality and increase the likelihood of pregnancy. If you wish, let's take a look at things that can increase egg quality.
What are the exercises to improve egg quality?
Regular exercise can improve your blood flow, which can improve your menstrual cycle, egg quality, and fertility. Exercise can also strengthen your immune system and improve your mental health, which can help you feel much better as you increase your egg quality. Here are some exercises you can do:
1-Walking,2- Cycling at a light pace,
3-Tai Chi,
4-Swimming.
In addition to these, you can also choose yoga poses to improve egg quality. You can feel emotionally peaceful with Balasana pose, and you can strengthen the blood flow in your pelvic area with Supta Baddha Konasana. You can regulate your endocrine system by performing Viparita Karani pose, and you can stimulate your ovaries with Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.
Apart from these, you can also include Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Bhujangasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama and Yoni Mudra movements in your yoga flow. You can also take care to apply breathing practices while doing yoga.
What are the Foods that Improve Egg Quality?
The nutrients you take into your body affect the formation of your hormones, the management of cell processes and the reproductive system. Nutrition is also directly related to egg quality. Some nutritional habits can be developed for healthy ovulation in women.
Eat a Diet Rich in Antioxidants
Foods that contain antioxidants are among the top foods that increase egg quality in women. Antioxidants fight against oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) that can reduce egg quality. Vitamin C is among the most powerful antioxidants. That's why you should add these to your daily diet:
1-Broccoli,2-Orange,
3-Tangerine,
4-Pepper,
5-Cabbage and Brussels sprouts,
6-Cauliflower,
7-Pineapple,
8-Kiwi,
9-Mango,
10-You can add foods such as strawberries.
Like vitamin C, vitamin E may help improve egg quality. Foods rich in vitamin E include:
1-Spinach,
2- Chard,
3-Turnip,
4-Avocado,
5-Eggs,
6-Red pepper,
7-Eel,
8-Sardine,
9-Almond,
10-Hazelnuts,
11-Peanuts.
Beta carotene, a powerful vitamin A precursor, is also extremely beneficial for eggs. Foods rich in beta carotene that increase egg production are:
1-Melon,
2-Carrots,
3-Sweet potatoes,
4-Pumpkin.
Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Diet
You can increase your chances of developing healthy eggs by paying attention to your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are hormone-regulating and anti-inflammatory. Here are some foods you can choose for this:
1-Flaxseed oil,2-Canola oil,
3-Chia seeds,
4-Soybeans,
5-Salmon,
6-Sardine,
7-Anchovy,
8-Tuna fish,
9-Shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, scallops,
10-Walnut.
Consume Foods Containing Folate
Folate, a form of vitamin B9, plays an important role in egg quality and maturation. We can also list foods that contain folate and improve egg quality as follows:
1-Lentils,2-Peas,
3-Asparagus,
4-Green leafy plants,
5-Beetroot,
6-Liver,
7-Banana,
8-Pope.
In addition, you can consume complex carbohydrates instead of simple carbohydrates. You can add good fat sources such as olive oil and avocado oil to your daily diet. You can take care to create your meals in a balanced way in terms of all nutritional values.
