How can I improve my Egg Quality?

What does egg quality indicate? Basically, it shows how ready a woman’s eggs are to become healthy embryos once they are fertilized. Good egg quality is essential for having a baby because to become a healthy embryo, the egg must have the right chromosomes and the ability to combine them with those of the sperm. The egg must have enough energy to grow and divide normally.

What are the causes of poor egg quality?

A poor-quality egg can interfere with the reproductive process and make the difference between a full-term pregnancy or not. Poor quality eggs can lead to pregnancies with abnormal chromosomes, increasing the risk of genetic disorders in conceiving a baby.

Some of the causes of poor egg quality are:

Age
Genetic problems
Immune problems
Cancer treatments
Smoking, alcoholism, drugs
Endometriosis
Obesity
Polycystic ovary syndrome

Can we predict the quality of the oocytes?

Every woman is born with a certain number of oocytes. This is called the ovarian reserve, which decreases and loses quality over time. During the fertile phase, a certain number of follicles are recruited and expelled with their eggs in each cycle for the ovarian function, and gradually, over the years, this number is depleted, while reaching the menopause level. To know the ovarian reserve and be able to evaluate and quantify it, it is done by: Analysis of the well-known anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. Counting of antral follicles, performed by ultrasound in the first days of the menstrual cycle.

Is there a specific treatment to improve egg quality?

According to Natalie Masson, Ph.D., Psychotherapist & Fertility Coach there are some egg nurturing strategies to optimal your fertility:

1. Consider a period of three or more months for egg nurturing, perhaps taking a break from trying to conceive for a few months.

2. Reduce environmental toxins.

3. Reduce sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.

4. Hydrate: drink ample water throughout your day.

5. Exercise regularly (but don’t overdo it either).

6. Sleep well. Sleep a lot.

7. Eat well: nutritious, balanced, healthy fats, ample protein. Address emotional eating.

8. Consider supplements but be wise about what you take.

9. Thoroughly assess fertility issues and health issues that might affect your fertility.

10. Consider alternative health approaches such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Functional Medicine, in addition to conventional medicine.

11. Learn to chart your cycles and track ovulation using basal body temperature tracking and other methods – but in a low-stress manner.

12. Play, laugh, have fun! Engage in experiences that ignite your spirit.

13. Reduce stress – from your body and your mind.

14. Develop flexibility in how you view your life; embrace your present experience.

15. Nurture your emotions (don’t stuff them or deny them).

16. Nurture your relationships.

17. Maintain expansive Vs constricted energy.

18. Learn more about breathing practices.

19. Love your body, believe in it.

20. Create space for the child you are inviting into your life.

Doing all the above does not ensure a successful pregnancy but it does create a better environment for it to happen. You can also proceed with innovative ovarian rejuvenation methods (PRP etc) to increase your chances, but it is essential to consult your doctor in every step.