Egg Quality vs Egg Quantity: Can You Improve Egg Reserve Naturally?

The number of eggs in your ovaries (ovarian reserve) declines with advancing age and unfortunately, cannot be increased. While you are born with a fixed number of eggs, your lifestyle, health, and environment can impact how those eggs develop and your chances of pregnancy.

Understanding Egg Quality and Egg Quantity

What is egg quantity (ovarian reserve)?

Egg quantity refers to the number of eggs present in the ovaries, often measured through by a blood test for AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and an ultrasound scan of the pelvis for antral follicle count (AFC) in the ovaries. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this number naturally declines with age.

If you want to understand how this is assessed, you can read more about egg reserve testing here: https://www.jivafertility.co.uk/blogs/egg-reserve-testing-amh-afc

What is egg quality and why it matters

Egg quality refers to how healthy and genetically normal an egg is. Good egg quality increases the chances of successful fertilisation, embryo development, and implantation.

Egg quality vs egg quantity: what’s the difference?

A common question patients ask is: what is the difference between egg quality and quantity?

• Egg quantity is about numbers
• Egg quality is about function and genetic health

You can have a lower number of eggs but still achieve pregnancy if the quality is good.

Can You Change Your Egg Quantity?

Why women are born with a fixed number of eggs

A woman is born with around 1 to 2 million eggs, and this reduces to about 300,000 to 500,000 by puberty. Over time, the number continues to decline naturally as about 1000 of these are used in each menstrual cycle to produce one egg.

What happens to egg reserve over time

By the mid-30s, the decline becomes more noticeable, and both quantity and quality reduce with age.

You can explore more about this here: https://www.jivafertility.co.uk/services/female-age-and-fertility

What low egg reserve really means for fertility

Having a low egg reserve does not mean you cannot get pregnant. It simply means the window of opportunity may be shorter, and the approach may need to be more personalised.

Why Egg Quality Matters More for Pregnancy

How egg quality affects fertilisation and embryo development

Egg quality directly influences whether fertilisation occurs and whether the embryo develops normally.

Egg quality and miscarriage risk

Poor egg quality can increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos, which increases the chances of a miscarriage.

Egg quality and IVF success rates

In fertility treatments such as IVF, egg quality plays a significant role in determining success rates.

What Affects Egg Quality?

Age and its impact on egg quality

Age remains the most significant factor affecting egg quality. As age increases, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities within the remaining eggs is high. It has been shown in studies that the percentage of chromosomally normal eggs at the age of 30 is 70%, which declines to 50% by age 35, 25% by age 40 and 5% by age 45.

Lifestyle factors

Smoking, alcohol, excessive caffeine, being overweight and obese, lack of regular exercises and poor sleep can negatively affect egg health.

Nutrition and overall health

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.

You can read more about lifestyle changes here: https://www.jivafertility.co.uk/services/lifestyle-modifications

You can also explore nutrition guidance here: https://www.jivafertility.co.uk/blogs/optimising-fertility-with-evidence-based-nutrition-supporting-your-journey

Genetic, Medical and hormonal factors

Genetics and environment during development inside your mother’s womb determine the number of eggs you are born with. Conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, surgeries on the ovaries, cancer treatment with Chemo/radiotherapy can influence egg quantity and quality.

Can You Improve Egg Quality Naturally?

The 90-day egg maturation cycle explained

Eggs go through a maturation process of approximately 90 days before ovulation. This means your lifestyle and health during this time can influence egg quality.

Lifestyle changes that support egg quality

• Stop smoking
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Limit caffeine consumption
• Prioritise good sleep
• Exercise regularly

Diet and nutrition for egg health

Focus on whole, home-cooked meals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.

Supplements that may support egg quality

Certain supplements may be recommended by your clinician depending on your individual needs.

What to Do If You Have Low Egg Reserve

Can I still get pregnant with low egg reserve?

Yes, many women with low egg reserve conceive naturally or with support.

When to consider fertility treatment

If you have been trying to conceive without success or have concerns about your fertility, seeking early advice can help.

Personalised fertility strategies and options

Every patient is different. Treatment options may include ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF depending on your situation.

You can explore fertility evaluation here: https://www.jivafertility.co.uk/services/fertility-evaluation

When Should You Seek Fertility Advice?

Signs it’s time to speak to a specialist

• Trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if over 35)
• Known to have low egg reserve or conditions such as endometriosis
• If you have had sexually transmitted infections or pelvic inflammatory disease or pelvic infection in the past
• Underlying conditions such as thyroid problems, high prolactin levels, polycystic ovary syndrome affecting your menstrual periods

Tests for egg reserve assessment

Blood test for serum AMH and ultrasound scan of the pelvis for antral follicle count (AFC) are commonly used and good markers of egg reserve.

How JIVA Fertility can support your journey

Our consultants can guide you with investigations, personalised treatment plans, and emotional support.

FAQs

Q: Can egg quality be improved naturally?

A: While egg quality cannot be completely changed, it can be supported through lifestyle, nutrition, and overall health improvements.

Q: Does low egg reserve mean I cannot get pregnant?

A: No. Many women with low egg reserve conceive naturally or with treatment.

Q: What is the difference between egg quality and egg quantity?

A: Egg quantity refers to the number of eggs, while egg quality refers to how healthy those eggs are.

Q: Does lifestyle really affect fertility?

A: Yes. Factors such as smoking, diet, sleep, being overweight/underweight and stress can impact egg quantity, quality and overall fertility.

Key Takeaway

• Egg quantity cannot be changed
• Egg quality can be influenced
• Lifestyle and general health play a significant role
• Early advice can improve outcomes

References

• NHS: Fertility overview and advice https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
• NICE Guidelines: Fertility problems https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156
• RCOG: Female fertility information https://www.rcog.org.uk/

Book a consultation

If you have concerns about egg quality, egg reserve, or your fertility journey, you can book a consultation here.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for assessment and treatment decisions.