What is Low egg count ?
Low egg count means having fewer eggs in your ovaries than usual for your age, which can make it harder to get pregnant. A woman’s fertility depends upon her age and the number of healthy eggs she has. Usually, the ovaries release eggs that, if they meet sperm during sex, can result in pregnancy.As a woman gets older, her ability to conceive naturally decreases because the number of quality eggs she has goes down.
Causes of low egg count
- Women’s reproductive health will be affected through smoking cigarettes , while reducing the quality and quantity of the egg .
- Certain genetic conditions, like Fragile X syndrome or issues with the X chromosome, can lead to a lower number of healthy eggs in a woman’s ovaries.
- Woman who is undergoing more intense treatments such as chemotherapy ,has a drastic reduction of the number of eggs in her ovaries .
- Age is the biggest factor—women’s egg count and quality naturally decrease over time. Fertility starts to decline around age 35 and speeds up after 40.
- surgery on the ovaries, such as for endometriosis, can lead to a decrease in the number of eggs a woman has.
- Idiopathic causes are situations where doctors can’t find a reason for a low number of eggs, so there’s no clear reason behind it .
Symptoms of low egg count
It is quite challenging to find the low ovarian reserve / low egg count , but through some hints it is possible to deduct at an earlier stage .
- Irregularity in periods: If your menstrual cycles become irregular or change in frequency, it could be a sign.
- Pregnancy delay: If you’ve been trying for pregnancy for more than a year, it might indicate low egg count symptoms .
- Early Menopause: If you’re having irregular periods before age 40, it can indicate low egg count.
- Hormone imbalance: when hormones such as high follicle-stimulating hormone or low anti-Müllerian hormone are high, it might cause low egg count.
Is pregnancy still possible with low egg count ?
Absolutely yes, getting pregnant with a low egg count is still possible.with this condition conceiving naturally is a challenging process and the success rate of fertility treatment is lesser , it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant . Each individual body type is different , so it is important to consult the fertility specialist to discuss your specific circumstances and explore the best options for you.
Steps to get pregnant with low egg count
Consult a Gynecologist: Explain the problem and get a proper personalized treatment plan from the fertility doctor.
Opting for Fertility Treatments: Explore IVF (In-vitro fertilization) fertility treatment , it helps by retrieving eggs outside the body, then implanting the embryos in your uterus .
Egg Donation: If your egg count is very low, using eggs from a donor could be an option for achieving pregnancy.
Good lifestyle: Doing regular workouts for your body , having balanced food and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoke and alcohol might lead to a change .
Balance stress: Doing some relaxation techniques when you are stressed can give a positive impact on your fertility and overall well-being.
Effective Solutions for Low Egg Count at Kanna Fertility Clinic
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This treatment involves taking eggs from your ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab, and then placing the embryos in your uterus. It’s effective for working with a limited number of eggs. At kanna fertility, we offer IVF treatment in chennai with help of fertility specialists .
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Used with IVF, ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to increase the chances of fertilization.
Donor Egg: If your egg count is very low, using eggs from a donor can be an option. The donor’s eggs are fertilized and placed in your uterus.
Frozen Embryo Transfer:If you have embryos that were frozen from a previous IVF, they can be warmed up and put into your uterus.
Donor Embryo: If both egg and sperm quality are issues, using embryos from a donor can be an option. These embryos are then placed in your uterus.
FAQ’S
1.What are the Tests available For Low Ovarian Reserve?
AMH and FSH blood tests, ultrasound for follicle count, and ovarian volume measurement help assess egg count and ovarian reserve.
2.What is the success rate of ivf with low egg count?
The success rate of IVF with a low egg count is usually lower, around 10-20% per cycle. This can vary based on factors like age and egg quality. Consulting a fertility specialist can give you a clearer idea of your chances.
3.What is the success rate of ivf with low egg count?
The success rate of IVF with a low egg count is usually lower, around 10-20% per cycle. This can vary based on factors like age and egg quality. Consulting a fertility specialist can give you a clearer idea of your chances.
4.What is a good egg count for a woman?
A good egg count varies by age, but generally, having 15-20 antral follicles per ovary is considered a healthy number for women under 35.
5.Is it possible to increase the egg count?
You can’t increase the number of eggs, but treatments and lifestyle changes may improve egg quality and fertility.
Dr B.Priya Kalyani
MBBS., DGO, DNB (OG)
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist