How to increase egg quality in IVF treatment
The biggest factor determining the success of this particular treatment is egg and sperm quality. IVF is applied as your next resort if unsuccessful to conceive after a year of intercourse. Today, science and technology has developed with success and has abled many couples to follow their dream of parenthood. As Cyprus American IVF treatment center, we have prepared this article in response to the questions received on this subject
Many couples cannot have babies naturally. However, in some cases, pregnancy cannot be achieved even with the most successful IVF cycle. The main reason for this situation is that embryos of the desired quality cannot be obtained. In short, quality sperm and eggs are essential for pregnancy formation. Motility, quantity, and quality of sperm are male factors of importance.
For females, the number and quality of eggs are important. Egg production, which is a female reproductive cell, is directly proportional to the age of the woman. The number of eggs in females will decrease with age. For example, women in their 30s, will have approximately 8-9 eggs to be collected, while in their 40s, the number of these eggs decrease to an average of 1-2. But it may not be the same for every woman. In some cases, there may be differences between the age of the woman and the age of the egg.
For example, the age of the woman may be 28 years, while the egg age may be 40. For this reason, ovarian tests and evaluations are an issue that should be carefully emphasized. The quality of the eggs, as well as the quantity, is a very important to obtain a successful result.
Is it possible to increase egg quality?
The amount of eggs that women can produce is a natural trait. This amount, which is determined by birth, is called the egg reserve of the woman. Egg reserve, decreases with age, this is normal. Especially after the age of 38, egg reserve and quality decreases, resulting in fertility restrictions. The continuation of this condition, which is around the 40’s, will gradually decrease the number of eggs and menopause begins.
When the egg reserve decreases, the situation reverses and the probability of the woman conceiving decreases. Therefore, regular monitoring of egg reserves is an issue that prospective parents who want to have children should not neglect. It is recommended that expectant parents have their egg reserve checked immediately when they consider having children and should receive treatment if there is a problem.
The most appropriate period during which egg reserves can be checked is the 2nd and 3rd day of the woman’s menstrual period. Egg reserves are checked by ultrasound examination and tests on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation. If the minimum number of follicles is at least 4 as a result of the examinations, this is an indication that the egg reserve of the mother-to-be is in good condition. Another way of checking follicle reserve is a blood test called AMH which can be done any day of your cycle.
How do we improve?
In order to improve egg quality, egg reserve should be increased naturally. We don’t recommend drugs as a first resort. We aim to increase egg quality and reserve with a healthy diet and a regular lifestyle. Nutrition including vitamin B can help significantly. In addition, it is known that eating foods rich in B12, zinc and folic acid positively affects egg quality. Some of those to improve egg quality are, green leafy vegetables, liver, fish, eggs, bananas, chickpeas, almonds, broccoli, potatoes, figs, raisins, pineapples, turnips, dairy products, pumpkin seeds, cereals, okra, orange juice. It is also advisable to take care that these nutrients are natural and organic.
Take care not to consume processed and packaged foods. Another important factor affecting egg quality is smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking and alcohol addiction negatively affects egg reserve and quality. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. In fact, it is very harmful to be in a smoking environment and to be exposed to cigarette smoke. The consumption of coffee, which is known to negatively affect egg quality and reserve, should be reduced as well.
In addition to nutrition, it is known that lifestyle increases egg quality and reserve. The standard of living can be raised by making small changes. Regular sleeping patterns and stress-free lifestyle will make quite important contributions to your body. Especially stress is now cited as the cause of many diseases. In order to avoid stress, you can often spend time with your loved ones, gain hobbies that you will enjoy, and participate in fun activities. Taking light-paced walks during the day will be beneficial for both body health and mental health. Incorporating sports into your life will make you feel fit, allowing your mind to relax as well. Doing yoga with music, together with sports instructors etc…
Another way to improve egg quality and reserve is to use supplementary drugs. Always consult your doctor for best advice.
We have listed some factors that lead to a decrease in egg reserve
- Advanced age
- Early menopause
- Addiction of harmful substances such as cigarettes and alcohol
- Operations related to ovaries and cysts
- To have received radiotherapy or chemotherapy due to ailments
- Genetic disorders
- Existence of Chocolate cyst (Ovarian Endometrioma)
