IVF and Egg Quality: How to Improve Your Chances of a Successful Cycle

Infertility is a growing issue nowadays due to rapid lifestyle changes, and that's why couples are looking for various ways to become parents. One of the most popular options for infertility treatment is In vitro fertilisation (IVF). 

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has helped thousands of couples to form the family they have always dreamed of. This procedure overcomes several fertility challenges and increases the chances of having a child. 

A significant cause of infertility in women is egg quality. Egg quality plays an essential role in IVF as it influences the likelihood of creating embryos and better chances of a successful pregnancy. 

An IVF cycle can be expensive, so couples usually travel to other countries to get affordable treatment. Some of the best destinations for IVF worldwide are India, Turkey, and Thailand. These countries not only provide cost-effective IVF procedures but also have higher success rates.

Women can consult the best IVF doctors in Bangkok and IVF doctors in Istanbul to maximise their chances of successful IVF and healthy pregnancies. 

Why is Egg Quality Important?

Egg quality is vital as it promotes the development of a strong and healthy embryo, which results in successful pregnancies. The characteristics of a healthy and good-quality egg are its ability to fuse with the sperm and having an adequate amount of chromosomes. 

There are various factors that can tell the health of your egg, which include:

• Age: The woman's eggs become weak and can result in miscarriage and infertility when she reaches her mid to late 30s. This is the peak time when the quality and quantity of eggs decline rapidly.

• Hormone levels: An AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) test helps to determine whether the eggs' quality is good or not. AMH levels decrease with age. Women with PCOS have a high number of poor-quality eggs. 

• FSH Test: Follicular stimulating hormone indicates the quality of eggs. This test can also determine medical conditions that affect the ovaries and when a woman is most likely to get pregnant.

• Antral follicle count: Antral follicle count shows the number of follicles present on the ovaries. These follicles can release eggs, which results in pregnancy.

The decline in egg quality is a natural process as a woman ages, and older eggs are more prone to containing abnormal DNA. Eggs containing abnormal DNA can't make a healthy baby. 

This is the primary reason for lower success rates of IVF treatments in older women.  

Tips to Improve Egg Quality for a Successful IVF

Improving egg quality for a successful IVF cycle is essential. There are numerous tips that can help boost egg quality: 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

One of the common causes of decreased egg quality and infertility is obesity. Even being underweight can affect hormone levels, which makes it harder to conceive. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight, which can increase the chances of developing high-quality eggs. 

Maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is recommended for a successful pregnancy. A balanced weight also reduces the risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. To maintain a healthy weight, an individual should engage in regular physical activity and eat a nutritious diet.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can hinder egg production and interfere with ovulation. Reducing stress can boost egg quality for IVF and improve the well-being of a healthier reproductive system. An individual should indulge in stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and yoga, which can create a more favourable environment for fertility. Prioritising stress management can play a major role in optimising fertility outcomes during IVF and better pregnancy.    

Avoid Smoking

Smoking speeds up the loss of eggs in the ovaries, so it is vital to understand that women who are planning to conceive should stay away from smoking and recreational drugs. These substances contain harmful chemicals that can damage eggs and hinder the development of healthy embryos. 

Boost Blood Flow

Consume at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day to increase the oxygenated blood flow to the ovaries. Oxygenated blood flow to these organs helps to have healthy eggs. Yoga, massage therapy, and exercise are also beneficial for improving blood flow.

Supplements

Some recent advancements in IVF suggest supplement therapy with Coenzyme Q10, melatonin, and fish oil. These supplements improve the quality of eggs, encourage ovarian function, and help reproductive function in advanced maternal age. That’s why consuming supplements in your daily routine could be beneficial for your eggs and your overall health.

Limit Consuming Alcohol and Caffeine

Intake of alcohol can disrupt hormone levels and affect egg development, and caffeine can also interfere with egg maturation and implantation. If you want to maintain your egg quality, you should limit the consumption of these substances to improve the success of IVF treatments and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.  

Consult With a Fertility Specialist

An experienced fertility specialist can help women improve their egg quality for IVF procedures. They will assess their age, hormone levels, and lifestyle to understand the exact cause of their eggs' degrading quality. There are numerous fertility specialists worldwide whom couples can consult. 

To Conclude

Prioritising egg health is important for achieving successful IVF and natural conception. By following these tips, you can maintain or improve your egg quality. If you are planning an IVF treatment outside your country, there are many hospitals worldwide that are affordable and also provide top-notch services for a hassle-free medical journey. Make sure to collect all the relevant information before flying to the country to make sure everything is clear.