Other than age, causes such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, some immunological disorders, obesity, chemotherapy, drug use, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption may also lead to decreased egg quality.
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.
It is still possible for a woman with poor egg quality to get pregnant and stay pregnant. The need is to see an experienced infertility specialist who can suggest the right line of treatment. The first step in this direction is to understand all egg quality and how it influences fertility.
Taking fertility supplements, eating a healthy diet, incorporating yoga into your daily routine, and managing your stress levels will improve all of the bodily processes that support fertility and quality egg development.
Although age is the main factor affecting egg quality, some diseases, medications, genetic and environmental factors may also cause lower egg quality. Endometriosis, commonly known as chocolate cyst, is among the causes of egg poor quality.
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.
Incorporate whole grains, lean meats, leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts in your diet to give your body what it needs to support your eggs. Avoid processed foods and meats when possible and limit your salt and sugar intake. -Maintain a healthy weight: You should strive for a healthy BMI (body mass index).
The increased level of stress hormone such as cortisol reduces estradiol production possibly by affecting the granulosa cell functions within the follicle, which results deterioration in oocyte quality.
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.
By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline happens faster once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely.
Hormonal imbalances are the leading cause of infertility in women. Disorders, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and anovulation, can be the result of a hormone imbalance in women. Men may also experience hormonal disorders that affect their fertility, such as low testosterone levels.
Late ovulation does not produce the best quality eggs, which can also reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. During different times in your life, ovulation may or may not happen: Women who are pregnant do not ovulate.
Does stress cause infertility? While it's unlikely that stress alone can cause infertility, stress interferes with a woman's ability to get pregnant. Research has shown that women with a history of depression are twice as likely to experience infertility. Anxiety also can prolong the time needed to achieve pregnancy.
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.
By blocking free radicals before they reach the eggs in a woman's ovarian reserve, antioxidants can protect the quality of eggs. For example, melatonin supplementation can improve egg maturation during IVF treatments. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another antioxidant powerhouse that can increase egg quality.
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.
Improving Egg Quality and Quantity Takes Time
Remember that an egg takes 90 days to mature before ovulation, which means that it can take three months for you to increase egg quality. It also takes time to balance hormones to improve symptoms of PCOS, irregular periods, and endometriosis.
However, it's important to understand that results can take some time: the window for improving egg quality is two to four months before ovulation. This is the time when the follicle cells are developing and the cell is getting ready to divide to form the egg cell that will end up being ovulated.
Egg quality is influenced by several factors including rearing, temperature, humidity, handling, storage, and egg age (Stadelman, 1977; Bozkurt et al., 2012).
Although they aren't everything, many lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol, BMI, certain drugs, caffeine consumption, nutrition and stress can impact your current and future fertility.