Quality of eggs in IVF
Quality of eggs is perhaps the single most important factor that determines the probability of implantation. This can be determined by a lot of different criteria but it is affected majorly by diminished ovarian reserve and the maternal age.
- Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
Women with DOR experience shorter or absence of menstrual cycles, but this can only be diagnosed by after a diagnostic testing, which includes a transvaginal ultrasound, hormonal evaluations (FSH and estradiol) – good indicator of fertility as well as her response to ovarian stimulation and Anti-mullerian Hormone (AMH)- correlates well with fertility potential by reflecting the number of eggs left. Studies show that women with DOR have reduced success of conceiving with IVF. On the other hand, they conceive successfully when using donor eggs.
- Increased age of the woman
Even in women who have normal FSH levels, increased age can affect the egg quality immensely. The eggs from women older than 45 can look normal and undergo fertilization and embryonic cleavage normally but may fail to implant.
