How to Improve Egg Quality?

The fertilization of an egg and sperm, the implantation of the fertilized embryo in the uterus, and the healthy development of a baby are truly miraculous processes. However, there are certain issues that can disrupt this process. Egg quality is one of the most important.

Poor egg quality can prevent pregnancy from occurring or even lead to a failure to continue. Understanding egg quality and learning how to improve it can pave the way for a healthy pregnancy.

What is Egg Quality?

Egg quality, crucial for fertility, determines whether the egg is chromosomally normal or abnormal. High-quality, normal eggs have 23 chromosomes. When fertilized by healthy sperm, these eggs have a high probability of developing into an embryo, implanting in the uterus, and resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Egg quality is determined by environmental and genetic factors. Some of the factors that negatively affect quality include:

1. Endometriosis (chocolate cyst),
2. Receiving chemotherapy,
3. Use of certain medications,
4. Polycystic ovary and other ovarian cysts,
   
5. Immunological (immune system related) disorders.
   

In addition to these factors, other situations may also answer the question "Why does egg quality decrease?"

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How to Understand Egg Quality in Women?

Now that we've briefly touched on the answer to the question , "Why does egg quality decrease?", let's answer the questions frequently asked by many women considering pregnancy, such as, "Which test can help determine egg quality?" or " How is egg quality measured? "

While there is no specific egg quality test, doctors evaluate egg quality with a number of tests and procedures. Some of these are listed below:

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test:

The AMH level in the blood allows us to estimate the number of follicles, or egg reserve, in a woman's ovaries. Because it doesn't vary with the menstrual cycle, it can be measured at any time.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol Test:

Doctors can monitor ovarian egg production with a hormone test performed on the third day of the menstrual cycle. Abnormally high FSH or estradiol levels can be signs of poor egg quality and may also indicate a decreasing egg count. If test results are not at the desired level, another test, the Clomid Challenge Test, may be necessary.

Transvaginal Ultrasound:

Another preferred method for determining follicle count is a transvaginal ultrasound, which transmits an image of the uterus to a monitor.

In addition to these tests, doctors may perform other procedures as necessary. They may also inquire about the individual's detailed medical history and obtain information about their menstrual cycle to conduct a detailed assessment. Based on the results, they will develop a treatment plan if necessary.

Does Stress Affect Egg Quality?

Many of us believe that stress negatively impacts egg quality and therefore fertility. However, there's no scientific basis for this belief. While stress can cause periodic problems by affecting hormones, the effects of stress often resolve themselves over time.

If prolonged stress leads to a decline in egg quality or a reproductive problem, it's safe to say that stress is a trigger for existing problems rather than the cause. So, while stress can negatively impact your mental health, it doesn't pose a risk to your egg quality. If that were the case, no woman would be able to conceive after experiencing stressful events like war or natural disasters.

Does Smoking Affect Egg Quality?

We all know that smoking can lead to serious health problems. One of these problems is impaired ovarian function. Due to the toxic substances it contains, smoking can reduce egg count and egg quality. It can accelerate egg loss and bring menopause earlier.

Even if fertilization occurs, smoking has a high probability of causing abnormal embryo development. It can also negatively impact IVF treatment. For these reasons, if you're planning to have a baby now or in the future, it's beneficial to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

Do Antibiotics Affect Egg Quality?

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections and should be taken according to 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 be avoided, especially if not absolutely necessary.

It's important to emphasize that you shouldn't avoid antibiotics if your doctor deems them necessary. When used correctly, antibiotics can strengthen the reproductive system by treating infections, which can be a major obstacle to pregnancy. In this respect, they can even make it easier to conceive.

Does a Woman's Age Affect Egg Quality?

As women age, the number and quality of their eggs begin to decline. Egg quality declines, particularly after age 35. Due to poor egg quality in their 40s, women may experience difficulty conceiving, even with IVF treatment. It's also important to note that egg quality may vary across women within the same age range. One woman may experience poor egg quality in her younger years, while another may have a high-quality egg reserve much later in life. If you want to have a baby in the future but are concerned about your advanced age, you may want to consider egg freezing after consulting your doctor.

Does Being Overweight Affect Egg Quality?

As mentioned earlier, being overweight, or obesity, negatively impacts egg quality. Overweight women are less likely to conceive than women of a healthy weight due to poor egg quality. Furthermore, being overweight can reduce the likelihood of IVF success. Therefore, it's crucial to lose weight with the help of a registered dietitian for a healthy pregnancy.

Can You Get Pregnant With Poor Quality Eggs?

Many women planning a pregnancy and concerned about their current egg quality wonder, "Have people conceived with poor-quality eggs?" It's extremely difficult to conceive with low-quality eggs. Even if pregnancy occurs, the low-quality eggs will produce low-quality embryos.

In this case, the embryo may not implant in the uterus, or even if it does implant, it may not be able to implant. This can lead to miscarriage. If you're concerned about your egg quality for all these reasons, you should seek medical attention before planning a pregnancy and avoiding unsuccessful fertilization.

How to Improve Egg Quality?

We've mentioned that environmental and genetic factors influence egg quality. Certain lifestyle changes and practices can improve egg quality and increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Let's take a look at some things that can improve 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 also strengthens your immune system and can improve your mental health. This can help you feel much better while improving your egg quality. Here are some exercises you can do:

1. Walk,
2. Cycling at a gentle pace,
3. Tai Chi,
4. Swimming.
   

You can also choose yoga poses to improve egg quality. Balasana can help you feel emotionally at peace, and Supta Baddha Konasana can help you increase blood flow in your pelvic area.

By performing the Viparita Karani pose, you can regulate your endocrine system and stimulate your ovaries with Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.

You can also incorporate Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Bhujangasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama, and Yoni Mudra into your yoga flow. You can also make a point of practicing breathing while doing yoga.

What are the Foods that Improve Egg Quality?

The nutrients you consume influence your hormones, cell processes, and reproductive system. Nutrition is also directly related to egg quality. Women can develop certain eating habits to promote healthy ovulation.

Eat a Diet Rich in Antioxidants

Foods containing antioxidants are among the primary nutrients that improve egg quality in women. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) that can reduce egg quality. Vitamin C is among the most powerful antioxidants. Therefore, include the following in your daily diet:

1. Broccoli,
2. Orange,
3. Mandarin,
4. Pepper,
5. Cabbage and Brussels sprouts,
6. Cauliflower,
7. Pineapple,
8. Kiwi,
9. Mango,
10. Strawberry

You can add foods such as.

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. Egg,
6. Red pepper,
7. Eel,
8. Sardine,
9. Almond,
10. Hazelnut,
11. Peanuts.

Beta carotene, a powerful precursor of vitamin A, is also extremely beneficial for eggs. Foods rich in beta carotene that increase egg production include:

1. Melon,
   
2. Carrot,
   
3. Sweet potato,
4. Courgette.

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 to help:

1. Linseed oil,
2. Canola oil,
3. Chia seeds,
4. Soybean,
5. Salmon,
6. Sardine,
7. Anchovy,
8. Tuna,
9. Shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, and scallops,
10. Walnut.
    

Consume Folate-Containing Foods

Folate, a form of vitamin B9, plays an important role in egg quality and maturation. Foods containing folate that improve egg quality include:

1. Lentil,
2. Pea,
3. Asparagus,
4. Green leafy plants,
5. Beet,
6. Liver,
7. Banana,
8. Papaya.
   

You can also replace simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates. Include healthy fat sources like olive oil and avocado oil in your daily diet. Make sure your meals are balanced in terms of all their nutritional values.

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