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A woman’s ability to conceive largely depends on the number and quality of eggs she has. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which gradually decrease over time. At birth, a female has around one million eggs, but by puberty, only about 300,000 remain. As age progresses, both the number and quality of the eggs continue to decline, affecting the chances of pregnancy.
The number of eggs retrieved during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments can vary among women, depending on age, egg quality, and ovarian stimulation. Generally, retrieving 10 to 15 eggs during a treatment cycle is considered favorable and increases the likelihood of successful IVF.
On the other hand, some women may experience low ovarian reserve, which impacts fertility. Ovarian reserve can be assessed by testing the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or performing an ultrasound to evaluate the number of follicles in the ovaries.
How to Improve Egg Number and Quality
Several factors can influence egg health, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, some dietary supplements, such as folic acid and multivitamins, can help enhance egg quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Does age affect the number and quality of eggs?
Yes, as a woman ages, both the number and quality of her eggs decrease, impacting fertility. - What is the minimum egg reserve required for IVF?
There isn’t a specific minimum, but retrieving 10 to 15 eggs is ideal for maximizing the chances of success. - How can ovarian reserve be assessed?
It is evaluated through an AMH hormone test or using ultrasound to check the number of follicles. - Can the number of eggs be naturally increased?
While the number of eggs cannot be increased, egg quality can be improved through a healthy diet and supplements.
For more information on post-procedure symptoms, you can read about bloating after egg retrieval.
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