‍

When trying to conceive, the quality of your eggs is just as important as the quantity. Egg quality relates to the quality of the resulting embryo. This is independent of the chromosomal status of the egg. Even if you're young and have a good ovarian reserve, poor egg quality can still make it difficult to get pregnant or maintain a healthy pregnancy. 

Here are two signs that you may be dealing with suboptimal egg quality:

1. Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycles

If your periods are very irregular, infrequent, or have stopped altogether, this could point to hormonal imbalances that are impacting your egg quality. Conditions like PCOS often cause sporadic ovulation and poor egg health.  Related: What You Should Know About Getting Pregnant With PCOS.

2. Failed IVF Cycles

If you've gone through IVF but the embryos consistently stop developing around Day 3 or fail to implant, your egg quality may be the reason. Signs of poor egg quality during IVF include slow embryo growth, fragmentation, and a low number of normal embryos to transfer.  

What You Can Do

If you suspect you have poor egg quality, the first step is to consult with a fertility specialist. This may include:

• Fertility medications to stimulate egg development
• Supplements like CoQ10, DHEA, and melatonin to improve egg quality
• Donor eggs if your egg quality is preventing pregnancy

Making healthy lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on your egg quality. Aim to:

• Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and avoid exposure to toxins
• Eat a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of antioxidants
• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise
• Reduce stress through self-care, acupuncture, or therapy

While a diagnosis of poor egg quality can be disheartening, there are still many paths to parenthood. Work with your fertility doctor to find the best treatment plan for your unique situation. With the right approach, it's possible to overcome egg quality issues and achieve a successful pregnancy.

The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or implementing any medical information shared here.