If a poor-quality egg is fertilized, either the embryo is unable to implant, or the embryo initially implants, but is unable to develop properly, resulting in a subsequent miscarriage. Though older women are more likely to have poor quality eggs, younger women, too, can have poor quality eggs.
The only way to preserve your egg quality and fertility is through cryopreservation (freezing). Cryopreservation, such as egg freezing, is the only technique that currently exists to extend your fertility.
As mentioned above, surgery to the ovaries—to remove a cyst or treat endometriosis—could damage the ovaries or reduce ovarian reserve. And chemotherapy and radiation, while obviously life-saving treatments for cancer and other illnesses, can destroy or damage a woman's eggs or cause premature menopause.
CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to improve egg quality, sperm quality, and pregnancy rates. Sperm and eggs both take about 90 days to develop. For best results, fertility specialists recommend taking CoQ10 and other fertility supplements for 90+ days if possible.
In addition to its well-established role in neural tube defect prevention, research suggests folate plays an important role in promoting egg quality, maturation and implantation.
Dehydration can lead to low sperm count as well as decreased egg health, so it's not just important for you to stay hydrated, but for your partner or donor as well. Hydration also plays a role in the hormonal regulation that's key to fertility, and in the production of cervical fluid.
A: It's still possible to conceive naturally with poor egg quality, but it may be more challenging. In some cases, fertility treatments such as IVF may be recommended to improve the chances of conception.
The main cause of poor egg quality is age, but it is not the only one; there can be other reasons too, including but not limited to pelvic radiation, ovarian surgery, any reproductive illness, genetic abnormalities, chemotherapy, excess consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and some unknown factors.
Poor egg quality is caused by diminished ovarian reserve and is one of the most common causes of infertility, especially in women over 35. Egg quality is important because it determines embryo quality. Poor egg quality is closely associated with chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, also known as aneuploidy.
It is theorized that by combatting maternal and fetal inflammation, CoQ10 may help to prevent these adverse pregnancy outcomes. In fact, some studies have shown that there is a correspondence between low CoQ10 levels and spontaneous abortion.
Eggs take 3 – 4 months to mature prior to ovulation, and the best results from taking CoQ10 start to show up after supplementing for 3 – 4 months. The good news is that CoQ10 is supporting the health of all the cells in your body, not only your eggs, and these benefits continue to increase over time.
CoQ10 Dosing
Recommended doses range from 100 to 600 mg per day for fertility. Taking smaller 100-200 mg doses throughout the day rather than one large dose is recommended for the best absorption.
How long does it take to improve egg quality? Eggs take 3 – 4 months to mature, but even a month of supplements, acupuncture, diet, and lifestyle can improve egg quality, especially when you are preparing for an IVF cycle. Of course, the more time you have, the more your eggs will benefit.
If you are looking to improve your egg quality to aid in fertility, many tips revolve around improving your overall health. Exercising, reducing stress, improving your sleep patterns, and getting proper nutrition can all improve egg health. Some women opt to try supplements to improve their fertility.
Blueberries and raspberries are loaded with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which may help boost both female and male fertility. Like citrus, they're high in folate and vitamin C, which can help with fetal development down the road.
Egg quality and quantity also decline in a woman's 30s and 40s. While the total number of eggs cannot be increased, research has shown that egg quality can be improved. Supplements containing Myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin have been shown to help improve egg quality and ovarian function.
Egg quality is influenced by several factors including rearing, temperature, humidity, handling, storage, and egg age (Stadelman, 1977; Bozkurt et al., 2012).
The AMH Test
The level of AMH in a woman's blood helps doctors estimate the number of follicles in her ovaries; the more follicles a woman has, the more eggs she can release, and the better her chances of pregnancy.