ENHANCING EGG QUALITY

We all understand the concept of the biologic clock and how it affects fertility and reproductive potential. Unquestionably the so-called biologic clock is the single most important influence on fertility potential for any given couple. Problems with quantity and quality of eggs are the most important issues to be assessed and discussed with any couple considering fertility future or reproductive abilities. This is regardless of any male factor infertility that may or may not be present.

Ultimately, egg quantity and quality are the major determinants of success in natural conception or any other treatment for a couple (Clomid, IUI, injectable medications, and even IVF).

Patients often ask me, “How do we improve egg quality?” People often ask about diet, exercise, etc., and how this may improve egg quality/competence. Certainly, as with male factors, environmental and lifestyle issues may influence ovarian function and subsequent egg quality. However, assessing this scientifically and making the determination of how these influences affect eggs is quite difficult. All doctors would advocate a so-called “healthy lifestyle” with diet, exercise, etc. This is not only potentially beneficial for egg quality, but certainly beneficial on several other levels and therefore, is recommended.

When people ask about improving egg quality, what they usually mean is improving the chance that any given egg that is fertilized will develop into an embryo that will subsequently make a baby. Again, this is very difficult to determine and obviously very complex. In the end, there is some evidence in the context of IVF that may be beneficial to some patients, depending upon the details of their situation:

1. Human growth hormone. HGH has been shown in the context of IVF to have a positive influence on egg factors, thereby increasing the probability of success in certain cases with IVF.
2. Antioxidant supplements. The evidence supporting the use of antioxidants in female factor is early but there may be some suggestion that it is beneficial. Obviously, there may other health benefits from taking these supplements; and therefore we often use them a lot.
3. Lifestyle Factors. Not doing things that can have a negative influence such as smoking, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc. Discontinuing such lifestyle factors may remove negative influences and in the end have a net positive effect on oocyte quality and fertility potential. In males we often recommend the same; if there is any level of male factor, the principles are similar.

Hopefully, this is of assistance with information. Please feel free to contact me or visit the the Sher Institute website at www.haveababy.com and my male infertility blog at www.maleinfertility.info. There are lots of other informational tools on many subjects at these sites as well.