How Can I Tell if My Eggs Are of Good Quality?

Egg quality is essential for conception, and poor egg quality or low ovarian reserve are common factors in female infertility. But what exactly do we mean by "egg quality," and how is it assessed?

What Is Egg Quality?

Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and this ovarian reserve decreases over time. At puberty, women have around 300,000 eggs, and this number declines as mature eggs are released during ovulation. "Ovarian reserve" refers to the quantity of eggs, while "egg quality" refers to the morphological and genetic characteristics of the eggs that determine their ability to support a healthy pregnancy.

Age is the primary factor affecting both egg quantity and quality. For example, ovarian reserve and quality are typically lower at age 40 than at 20, as the likelihood of genetic abnormalities increases with age. However, some women with low ovarian reserves can still produce high-quality eggs.

How Are Ovarian Reserve and Egg Quality Assessed?

To evaluate ovarian reserve, tests like an antral follicle count through ultrasound and hormone tests for FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), E2 (basal estradiol), and AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels are performed. These results are indicative and must be considered alongside the patient’s medical history. The most reliable way to assess ovarian reserve is through hormonal stimulation of the ovaries.

On the other hand, egg quality can only be fully evaluated during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, where we observe whether the eggs develop correctly. However, the most significant factor influencing egg quality is the woman’s age. The younger the woman, the better the quality of her eggs, and starting at age 38, egg quality gradually declines. By age 43, it becomes much harder to achieve pregnancy using a woman’s own eggs.

Can I Still Become a Mother Without Using My Own Eggs?

Yes, thanks to egg donation. In this process, donor eggs are fertilized in the lab with the sperm of the intended father or a sperm donor, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the future mother’s uterus once they reach the blastocyst stage.

Interested in Learning More About Egg Donation?

At Nicosia Fertility, we ensure the best outcomes by performing genetic matching between the egg donor and recipient. This genetic compatibility reduces the risk of the future baby inheriting over 250 known genetic diseases.

If you have more questions about egg donation, feel free to contact us at Nicosia Fertility!