Egg quality

Egg quality is an extremely important parameter both for achieving conception and for the normal development of the embryo. The quality of the eggs depends on the age of the woman, pathological conditions, such as endometriosis, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle. An increased number of good quality eggs contributes decisively to the success of IVF through assisted reproduction techniques.

Egg quality and fertilization: Which egg is considered good quality?

A good quality egg is the one that has the best chance of being successfully implanted in the uterus and must be sufficiently mature. More specifically, a fully mature egg is in metaphase II (MII) and is characterized by a normal chromosome content. The chromosomes that a mature egg should have must be 23 in number, which results after the process of meiotic division. In addition, the good quality egg should be spherical in shape and its cytoplasm should be clear and uniform.

At this point, it should be mentioned that a low-quality egg does not exclude the chances of successful conception. Women with “poor” quality eggs can achieve pregnancy by following the personalized IVF treatment that will be designed for them.

Does a good quality egg ensure successful conception?

A good quality egg cannot guarantee pregnancy, since the quality of the sperm is also important. The quality of the sperm, but also its quantity, is of decisive importance for the fertilization of the egg. Therefore, in cases where the couple chooses to grow their family with assisted reproduction techniques, in addition to checking the egg quality, they should also proceed with a sperm quality check.

In what ways can egg quality be tested?

Modern gynecology makes it possible to control the quality of eggs through many techniques and methods. Fertility and egg quality can be checked through the following diagnostic methods:

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels: the follicle-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the development of follicles, can be measured on the third day of the menstrual cycle. The measurement of this hormone gives a clear picture of the egg quality of each woman. FSH values that are too high or too low indicate some malfunction, and thus, low quality eggs.
• Estradiol measurement: estradiol is a type of estrogen that plays an important role in egg growth and maturation. This particular hormone is being investigated in cases of infertility, since its high levels may be related to poor egg quality, while too low levels are observed in women with low ovarian reserve. Also, its study is of great importance, since its high production can prevent the production of FSH . Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone production may in turn cause decreased ovarian response to stimulating drugs.
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone levels (AMH): the anti-Müllerian hormone is produced in the granulosa cells of the ovaries. It is a glycoprotein hormone and it is not affected by hormonal changes. Finally, it is important to evaluate mainly the quantity and not the quality of the eggs.
• Vaginal ultrasound: through the vaginal ultrasound, the gynecologist specialized in assisted reproduction techniques can detect mainly the quantity, but also the quality of the premature follicles, as well as that of the dominant ovarian follicle by measuring the peripheral blood flow.

Ways to improve egg quality

Egg quality can be improved either through modifications in daily habits or through dietary supplements. A healthy diet, hydration, rest and maintaining a healthy body weight contribute decisively to the production of good quality eggs. Nutritional supplements should not be taken arbitrarily, but following a medical recommendation based on the patient’s individual medical history.

The Obstetrician -Gynecologist Melina Stasinou is specialized both in Greece and abroad in the most modern methods of assisted reproduction. Her medical knowledge makes her a scientist, but her empathy makes her suitable for dealing with female infertility. Contact us, book your appointment and start your journey to motherhood with us.