Fertility can decline as women age. Conceiving becomes challenging and complicated especially after 35 years of age. The main reason for this is the poor quality of women’s eggs, says Dr. DB Usha Rajinikanthan, Senior Consultant, Gynecology & IVF. Sims Hospital.
Why is the quality of women’s eggs important?
The quality of their eggs determines female fertility. Problems with egg quality can affect the embryo’s ability to grow and mature. And embryos formed in these ovules may have more or less chromosomes. When the fetus has an abnormal number of chromosomes it does not result in pregnancy. Even if it is eaten as it is, there is a possibility of causing miscarriage. That is why the role of the ovum in fertility is said to be essential.
Poor egg quality plays a significant role in female infertility. Poor ovulation can play a role in frequent miscarriages, infertility problems, and irregular periods during conception.
When does the egg quality decrease for women?
Menstruation stops after menopause. Similarly, 2 to 3 years before menopause, the quality of the ovaries gradually declines. Then complete failure occurs. Indian women experience menopause at an average age of 45 while ovulation starts to decline at age 37.
Do young women have lower egg quality?
Even some women in their late 30s-35s are seeing a drop in egg quality. This is called premature ovarian failure. There are many reasons for this. Autoimmune disorders affect reproductive organs including the vagina in women. Ovarian reserve in women in particular predisposes to a premature reduction in the quantity and quality of eggs.
When surgery to remove vaginal cysts affects blood flow to the vagina, it can trigger ovarian failure.
How to find out that the egg is not of good quality?
When it comes to infertility, you need to ask about the history and symptoms and these 4 primary tests are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and testicles.
Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is important in blood tests for ovulation.
Antral follicle count can be seen through an ultrasound scan. It is normal for both testicles to have up to 8 counts on each side. But below 3 is called poor egg quality.
How is egg quality determined?
If the quality of the eggs is poor, then it is better for them to donate eggs. However, this can only be determined after examining the quality of the egg under a microscope. Egg shape, size, cytoplasm and nucleus can be examined to determine the quality of the egg. However, chances of improving egg quality are low.
When will they confirm that the egg should be donated?
If the number of ovules is less through blood tests, it is called ovarian failure (in this test (antral follicle count less then 1, less then .1).
Although it is possible to know precisely when it comes to artificial insemination treatment to check its quality, all the micronutrients inside the egg can be clearly examined only when the egg is taken and examined. If the quality of the eggs is poor then the doctor will recommend egg donation when they combine with the sperm to form an embryo and the quality is poor.
Who gets ovarian failure or low quality?
Generally over the age of 40, ovulation quality is affected.
Traditionally, women with Turner syndrome may have no ovaries. They may have delayed puberty. Menstruation may be irregular.
Women with thyroid. This means that they cannot control their thyroid in the presence of thyroid antibodies. Taking medications can either make the thyroid too high or the thyroid too low. They are also more affected by what is called autoimmune thyroiditis.
Ovarian dysfunction is a condition that affects quality and cannot be avoided. But to prevent these from occurring due to age, early childbearing can prevent age-related defects.
