When trying to conceive, whether naturally or through fertility treatment, egg quality plays a major role in success. While the number of eggs a woman has (her ovarian reserve) is important, egg quality the ability of those eggs to fertilize and develop into a healthy embryo is just as critical.
At Midwest Fertility Center, https://mfcfamily.com/, we use several tests to help assess your ovarian health and estimate egg quality. Although we can’t directly test the quality of each egg, these evaluations give us valuable insight into your fertility potential and guide personalized treatment plans.
1. Hormone Testing
A few simple blood tests can reveal a lot about how your ovaries are functioning:
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone):
AMH reflects the number of eggs remaining. Higher levels suggest a better ovarian reserve, while lower levels may indicate a decline in both quantity and potential quality. - FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone):
Checked early in your cycle (around day 3), this hormone stimulates egg growth. Higher levels can indicate that your ovaries are working harder, a possible sign of decreased egg reserve.
Together, these hormones provide a snapshot of your reproductive health https://mfcfamily.com/.
2. Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
During a transvaginal ultrasound, our specialists count the small resting follicles in your ovaries. Each follicle has the potential to release an egg. A higher count suggests a better ovarian reserve, while a lower count may indicate diminished fertility potential.
3. Response to Fertility Medications
For patients undergoing fertility treatment, how your ovaries respond to stimulation medications can tell us a lot. Producing a healthy number of mature eggs during treatment suggests good egg health and ovarian function.
4. Embryo Development During IVF
When IVF is performed, embryologists can observe how eggs fertilize and grow in the lab. Eggs that develop into high-quality embryos especially those reaching the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6) are usually good indicators of strong egg quality.
5. Genetic Testing of Embryos
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) allows us to check embryos for chromosomal normality before transfer. A higher percentage of chromosomally normal embryos typically reflects better egg quality, while more abnormal embryos may signal age-related changes.
6. Age and Egg Quality
Age remains the most significant factor influencing egg quality:
- Peak quality is typically in the 20s to early 30s.
- After 35, both the quantity and quality of eggs decline more rapidly.
- By the early 40s, a smaller percentage of eggs are chromosomally normal.
While age plays a major role, every woman is unique and many achieve successful pregnancies with the right care and support.
At Midwest Fertility Center https://mfcfamily.com/, we combine advanced testing with compassionate care to help each patient understand their fertility potential. Whether you’re just starting your journey or preparing for treatment, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today at 1-630-810-0212 or https://mfcfamily.com/ to schedule a consultation and learn more about your reproductive health and fertility options.