1.What is Egg Quality?

        Egg quality refers to the ability of an egg to develop into a viable embryo and eventually result in

a pregnancy. It is influenced by several factors, but the most significant one is age. As women

age, especially after their mid-30s, their ability to produce high-quality eggs diminishes. This

decrease in egg quality also leads to a lower chance of successful IVF and pregnancy.

        Egg quantity, or the number of eggs a woman has left (known as ovarian reserve), is often

measured using the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test. While ovarian reserve can give doctors

an idea regarding the number of eggs, it does not always correlate with egg quality. Some

women may have fewer eggs but of better quality, which is more important for IVF success.

2.How Do Eggs Become Embryos?

           In a natural cycle, a woman releases a mature egg during ovulation. This egg travels to the

fallopian tube, where it meets sperm and fertilizes. Once fertilized, the egg begins to divide

rapidly and becomes an embryo. This process happens quickly, with the embryo dividing every

12-14 hours. In IVF, this fertilization and development occur in a lab under controlled conditions.

3.Why Is the Laboratory Important?

        A well-equipped and experienced IVF laboratory plays a vital role in ensuring the best chance of

success. Dr. Aravind’s IVF, for example, uses advanced technologies to create optimal

conditions for embryo development. Our incubators are constantly monitored to ensure a stable

environment, helping embryos thrive and increasing the chances of successful implantation.

4.Testing and Improving Egg and Embryo Quality

        Although egg quality cannot be tested directly, age is a reliable indicator. Studies show that as

women age advances , the percentage of high-quality eggs decreases significantly. For example, at 30

years old, about 12% of a woman’s eggs are viable, but by 40, only about 4% remain.

To improve the chances of success, IVF labs also closely monitor embryo development.

Embryos are graded based on factors like cell division and overall structure. Day 3 embryos are
checked for healthy cell division, while Day 5 embryos, also known as blastocysts, are considered more developed and have a higher chance of implantation. Additionally, advanced techniques such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can help identify genetic issues or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. Assisted hatching, another method, can help weaker embryos implant by making a small opening in the outer layer of the embryo.