Egg quality: Why is it important?

What is egg quality?

Egg quality is one of the most important factors when assessing female fertility. While the number of eggs is still crucial to consider, the quality of these eggs takes significant precedence. Unfortunately, ovarian reserve deteriorates as women age, leading to an increased proportion of eggs with abnormal genetic material. Consequently, this results in a rising proportion of abnormal embryos. On the other hand, a good-quality egg not only indicates a higher chance of obtaining a viable embryo, but also an embryo with the potential to result in a healthy pregnancy. 

What impacts egg quality?

Numerous factors influence the quality of a woman’s eggs.

As mentioned above, the age has an undeniable influence on egg quality. As time progresses, the natural decline in egg quality becomes apparent, accompanied by a reduction in quantity and an increased vulnerability to chromosomal abnormalities. This fundamental aspect underscores the importance of considering age in the context of family planning.

Genetics adds another layer to the complexity of egg quality. The unique genetic makeup of each woman can predispose her to either enhanced or diminished egg quality.

Environmental and lifestyle factors also play an important role in the deterioration of the egg quality. Exposure to environmental toxins, lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and the maintenance of a balanced diet all contribute to the overall health of eggs. 

Furthermore, medical conditions and hormonal factors also play significant roles. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can impact egg quality, underlining the importance of addressing underlying health concerns. Previous surgeries or medical treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can further reduce the not only the quantity but also the egg quality.  

Stress, often considered the silent culprit, emerges as a noteworthy factor influencing fertility. Chronic stress has been associated with various health issues, and its impact on reproductive health should not be underestimated. 

What can be done to improve egg quality?

We commonly get asked ‘What can I do to improve my egg quality?’, and while there might not be things that can be done to necessarily improve egg quality. It is important to highlight that a healthy lifestyle can help a woman’s overall fertility and therefore give the eggs you have the best possible chance. These include:

1. Stay away from tobacco. The chemicals in cigarettes cause mutations in the eggs/follicles, making them unsuitable for fertilization.
2. Stress management. Stress can interfere with and/or interrupt ovulation, which also makes egg production difficult.
3. Follow a balanced diet. Healthy foods improve overall health, and this includes better egg quality and overall fertility.
4. Try to keep your weight under control. Being overweight or underweight has been proven to impact egg quality, as it increases oxidative stress.
5. Vitamin supplements. Options such as coenzyme Q10, melatonin and fish oil can help egg quality. Coenzyme Q10 stimulates mitochondrial function; melatonin raises antioxidant levels and improves ovarian function; and fish oil (EPA/DHA) helps obtain better quality eggs, as well as improves reproductive function in cases of advanced maternal age.
6. Freeze your eggs. If you aren’t sure when you want to have kids or know it won’t be shortly and you are in your late 20s or early 30s you may want to consider egg freezing. This is the best way to protect your egg quality as you will freeze the eggs at the quality to collect them, so the younger you are the better quality they will be.

Maintaining a balanced diet and making positive lifestyle changes can help you increase your natural fertility and prepare your body for a future pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant, you must start making healthy decisions about nutrition and lifestyle.