Egg Freezing: If you're planning to freeze your eggs, quality matters as much as quantity; women should know this.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Female Fertility Preservation: Due to career, personal, or health-related reasons, a growing number of women are postponing motherhood. Egg freezing has emerged as an important option for women to preserve their fertility. However, when it comes to egg freezing, two of the most common medical terms are egg quality and egg quantity. While the names sound similar, their meanings and effects are completely different.

Many women believe that a higher egg count increases the chances of pregnancy, while others believe that only quality is sufficient. However, fertility experts say that both are important, though not of equal importance. Age, lifestyle, and reproductive health directly affect egg quality and egg count, so making the right decision at the right time is crucial.

According to Dr Madhu Goyal, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Greater Kailash, “Understanding the difference between egg quality and quantity helps women have correct expectations and make better decisions.”

What does egg quality really mean?

Egg quality refers to the health of the egg from within. A good quality egg is one that has the right number of chromosomes to form a healthy embryo after fertilization. Dr. Madhu Goyal explains that egg quality gradually declines after the age of 30. This increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which can affect pregnancy and embryo development. Eggs frozen at a younger age not only thaw better but also have a higher chance of a successful pregnancy.

What is egg quantity or egg count?

Egg quantity refers to the number of eggs present in the ovaries. It's usually assessed using an anti-Müllerian hormone blood test or an ultrasound scan. While it's normal for egg counts to decrease with age, she explains that having more eggs doesn't mean they're all healthy. "Sometimes a woman may have a high egg count but poor quality, while others may have fewer eggs but still be healthy," she explains.

Quality vs. Quantity: What's More Important?

Egg quality is considered slightly more important when it comes to egg freezing. A healthy egg is more likely to fertilize and form a viable embryo than several weak eggs. But that doesn't mean quantity doesn't matter. Not every frozen egg survives the thawing process, and not every fertilized egg develops into an embryo. This is why doctors often recommend freezing a larger number of eggs to increase the chances of success.