How to Improve Egg Quality for IVF

If you’re planning fertility treatments like IVF, you’ve likely come across the question: “How can I improve my egg quality?”

While age remains the single biggest factor influencing egg health, research shows that certain lifestyle choices, supplements, and targeted interventions can help support better egg quality and optimize your chances of success with IVF.

In this article, we’ll break down what “egg quality” means, why it matters, and how to improve it naturally and medically, both before and during IVF treatment.

What Is Egg Quality?

Egg quality refers to the genetic and cellular health of your eggs, which determines how likely an egg is to fertilize normally and develop into a healthy embryo.

Poor egg quality is linked to chromosomal abnormalities, lower implantation rates, and higher miscarriage risk.

As women age, both egg quantity (ovarian reserve) and egg quality decline, primarily due to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

While you can’t increase the total number of eggs you have, you can improve the environment in which they mature, which supports healthier, higher-quality eggs for fertilization and implantation.

Why Egg Quality Matters for IVF

Egg quality affects every stage of IVF :

• High-quality eggs are more likely to fertilize successfully and grow into healthy embryos.
• Better embryo quality increases the likelihood of implantation and live birth.
• Poor-quality eggs are a leading cause of IVF failure and miscarriage.

Even with a lower ovarian reserve, improving egg quality can meaningfully improve IVF success rates.

Evidence-Based Ways to Improve Egg Quality

1. DHEA Supplementation

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a mild androgen that can improve ovarian response and egg quality in people with diminished ovarian reserve.

Clinical trials and meta-analyses show that DHEA priming before IVF can increase antral follicle count, oocyte yield, and clinical pregnancy rates.

Typical doses are 25 mg three times daily for several weeks before stimulation; however, your physician should individualize the dosing.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is a mitochondrial antioxidant that fuels energy production (ATP) within egg cells, helping maintain chromosomal stability and developmental potential.

Pretreatment with CoQ10 has been linked to better ovarian response to stimulation, improved embryo quality, and higher pregnancy rates in IVF-ICSI cycles.

3. Optimize Nutrition and Lifestyle

Metabolic and nutritional health strongly influence egg maturation, hormone balance, and ovarian function.

Low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets have shown benefits for hormone regulation and ovulation, particularly in women with PCOS or insulin resistance.

Other nutrition-based recommendations:

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods to reduce oxidative stress on developing eggs.
• Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine, which can negatively affect reproductive hormones.
• Maintain a healthy BMI, as both under- and overweight states can be signs of metabolic disorders that impair ovulation and response to stimulation.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, increasing follicular recruitment and endometrial receptivity.

Clinical research suggests that when used alongside IVF, acupuncture can improve ovarian response and potentially pregnancy rates.

5. Manage Stress and Sleep

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can disrupt ovulation and hormone signaling. Research links better sleep and lower stress with improved reproductive hormone balance.

Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep and integrate relaxation practices such as yoga, breathwork, or guided meditation.

6. Limit Environmental Toxins

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and pesticides have been associated with poorer ovarian response and embryo quality.

Opt for BPA-free products, avoid microwaving plastic containers, and choose natural cleaning products when possible.

How Long Does It Take to Improve Egg Quality?

The egg maturation process takes about 90 days, meaning lifestyle changes and supplementing ideally begin three months before an IVF cycle for optimal benefit.

The Bottom Line: Supporting Egg Quality for IVF Success

You can’t increase the number of eggs you have, but you can improve the environment in which they develop.

At CNY Fertility, we combine medical treatment, nutritional support, and holistic care to help patients with low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality optimize their IVF success.

If you’re wondering how to improve egg quality for IVF or want a personalized fertility plan, schedule a consultation with our team today.