11 Signs of Bad Egg Quality

When women ovulate (produce eggs), good-quality eggs immediately start another phase of cell division known as meiosis forming 23 pairs of chromosomes. Naturally, the eggs can be genetically euploid (normal) or aneuploid (abnormal, declined, diminished). Aging is one of the most common factors imparting 11 signs of bad egg quality. A higher and higher percentage of eggs become bad quality as women age. In this context, the Fertility Cure Centre leading team has described the most common signs of bad-quality eggs.

Signs Of Good Quality Eggs

The parameters of good-quality eggs are:

• Swift eggs ovulation (production) from the ovaries.
• Having the correct number of chromosomes (23 pairs).
• The capability to get fertilized by the sperm.
• The ability to develop into a healthy embryo.
• Smooth response to ART treatment and fertility medication.
• The potential to continue a healthy pregnancy.
• Know more about egg quality from the Fertility Cure team.

11 Signs Of Bad Egg Quality

If you have fertility concerns but hoping to achieve parenthood through natural intercourse or with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like IVF, ICSI, FET, IUI, and surrogacy. Then, you must understand the 11 most common signs of bad egg quality described below to navigate fertility challenges confidently:

1. Abnormal chromosomal count/chromosomal disorders

Normal eggs have 23 pairs of chromosomes and a fertilized embryo ends up with 46 chromosomes (23 from the egg & 23 from the sperm). Genetic abnormalities can directly impact egg quality.

A bad-quality egg can have more or less than 23 chromosomal counts and is termed an aneuploid egg. In such cases, the fetus can be born with chromosomal diseases, be stillborn, or encounter miscarriage.

2. Low levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)

AMH is a glycoprotein that allows the egg’s development and maturation. AMH is the only hormone released when the development of the egg occurs. AMH’s normal level is between 2 to 6.8 ng/ml or 14.28 to 48.55 pmol/l and lower than this figure is a sign of bad-quality eggs.

3. Low levels of estradiol (E2)

E2 is a hormone that creates the communication between the ovaries and the brain. Rising E2 level stimulates ovarian follicle growth in the ovaries. However, if the E2 levels prematurely rise too high, it indicates the ovaries are releasing the eggs too early which is a sign of bad-quality eggs.

4. Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)

DOR is considered when fewer eggs remain in the ovaries compared to age. It is commonly recognized as low egg count or low ovarian reserve. This condition indicates the declining of egg quality and quantity such is a sign of bad-quality eggs.

5. Irregular periodical cycles

A woman experiencing irregular, length fluctuations, or abnormal bleeding of periodical cycles is a sign of bad-quality eggs (problems in ovulation cycles), hormonal imbalances, or compromised ovarian function, potentially impacting fertility.

6. Reserves of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. FSH sends the signal to the ovaries to release the egg every 28 days. In some women, the eggs become more resistant to the FSH signals forcing the pituitary to produce higher levels of FSH to stimulate the release of the egg. This starts to deplete the FSH reserves, causing a low FSH reserve, which is a sign of a bad-quality egg. Also, a higher-than-normal FSH level indicates DOR.

7. Miscarriages

The unexpected end of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of gestation is a miscarriage. Such underlying occurings are due to the issues of egg quality. Experiencing repeated miscarriage may indicate abnormal egg quality (aneuploid egg). These kinds of egg fertilized are prevented from implanting but when they get implanted, the result is likely miscarriage.

8. Aging of the egg

Age is the most significant factor in egg quality determination. The best reproductive age for women is between 21 to 35 years. This age group has the most capable quality eggs. Women advancing years beyond 37 correlate with diminished and declined reproductive capability which is considered a sign of a bad-quality egg.

9. Result of low follicular count in sonography

A sonography diagnostic test showing results of low follicular count/number is a sign of a bad-quality egg.

10. Recurrent pregnancy loss

Three or more consecutive early pregnancy losses before 20 weeks from the last menstrual period are recurrent pregnancy loss. These conditions can be directly connected with bad-quality eggs. Multiple miscarriages can signify chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos and are often associated with egg quality.

11. Weak response to ovarian stimulation

During assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as IVF. If there is a poor response to ovarian stimulation after medication, the condition can be a sign of a bad-quality egg. This response can result in failure conception in ART.

Bad egg quality IVF success

Good egg quality is a key factor in IVF success and also natural conception. The egg quality significantly influences the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Bad egg quality will not influence IVF success instead it will reduce its success. For individuals with bad-quality eggs, it needs to make up for healthier eggs. There are some targeted strategies that the Fertility Cure IVF Doctors in India employ to improve their chances of success during IVF with poor egg quality, they can include supplementing antioxidants (coenzyme Q10), vitamins, vitamin E, Nutrient-rich diet, healthy weight, destressing, healthy lifestyle treatment, etc. These can help reduce oxidative stress and potentially enhance egg quality. Ensuring optimal egg quality is essential for individuals navigating the journey of fertility treatment or trying to conceive naturally.

Note- One can still get pregnant with one diminished ovarian reserve. Because only one egg is needed to get you pregnant. Egg count may not be the only factor in getting pregnant.

What could be causing poor egg quality in a younger woman?

Generally, the main culprit behind the poor egg quality in women is advanced age. But some younger women can also suffer from poor egg quality. The factors that could be causing poor egg quality in a younger woman include:

• Unrelated dieting can be one factor.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency/premature menopause.
• Previous ovarian surgery.
• History of reproductive illness.
• Genetic abnormalities.
• Treatment like radiation and chemotherapy.
• Excess consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
• Exposure to toxins in the environment.
• Stress.

Bad egg quality: Symptoms

Symptoms of bad egg quality are:

• Difficulty in conception.
• Abnormal chromosomal count/chromosomal disorders.
• Low levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH).
• Low levels of estradiol (E2).
• Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
• Irregular periodical cycles.
• Reserves of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Miscarriages.
• Aging of the egg.
• Result of low follicular count in sonography.
• Recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Weak response to ovarian stimulation.

Can I get pregnant with poor egg quality?

The quality of the eggs is the main contributing factor towards getting pregnant either naturally or through ART. However, to get pregnant only one egg is needed and the woman has two reserves. Therefore, if only one ovary reserve is diminished then you can easily get pregnant from the other ovary reserves.

The fact is that abnormal egg cells typically don’t fertilize or implant in the uterus, but in rare cases they do and the end output is a miscarriage or birth of a genetically disordered child with Down syndrome.

Diagnostic tests for bad-quality eggs.

If you have an egg quality concern and are confused about how to clear your concerns. First, consult with fertility specialists, there are various advanced diagnostic tools available to help evaluate your egg quality, and based on your conditions, they can recommend the following tests:

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Test.
• Estradiol Test.
• Antral Follicle Count through high-wave Ultrasound.

Poor egg quality treatment

For poor egg quality treatment or improvement, various activities can be involved including lifestyle changes, following specific supplements, using complete course proved fertility medications, undergoing advanced reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF, ICSI, FET, IUI, surrogacy, and sometimes egg donation. But first seeking expert medical guidance and recommendation is essential to navigate better aspects of poor egg quality. Contact the Fertility Cure team, avail of free fertility consultation, and get the best solution/treatment depending on the diagnosis.

1. In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
3. Intracytoplasmic sperm Injection.
4. Frozen embryo transfer (FET).
5. Laser-assisted hatching (LAH)
6. AMH test- Process and cost in India.
7. Altruistic Surrogacy- What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Conclusion

It is a fact profile that every hopeful parent will face distress, emotions, and desperation upon knowing your signs of bad quality eggs. Bad-quality eggs can become a significant barrier on the journey to parenthood. However, learning ahead of the bad-quality egg signs from this context above can lead you

with the right, early treatment and support, taking you to a successful pregnancy within reach.

At Fertility Cure centre, the team is highly committed and encourages desperate parents, empowering them with the advanced tools, resources, and handy treatments they need to fulfill their dreams of starting a family.

FAQs

1. What is the best predictor of egg quality?

The egg quantity can be determined directly by following hormonal blood work & ultrasound tests whereas egg quality cannot be tested directly. The foremost, the best predictor of egg quality is age. The best quality eggs are found in women between 21 to 35 years old. Fertility is possible beyond 37 years but it requires attentive fertility treatments, medication, and following specialist guidelines.

2. How to know if my egg quality is poor?

If you come across any of the following factors either by testing or by experience including, difficult conception, chromosomal disorders, low AMH level, low E2 level, Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), irregular periods, imbalances of FSH, miscarriages, you’re above 37 years, low follicular count, recurrent pregnancy loss, and weak response to ovarian stimulation. All these factors can be signs of poor egg quality.