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How Many Eggs Do You Have at Birth?
You are born with all the eggs you will ever have in your lifetime, which is around 2 million. That number may seem like a lot, but as you reach puberty, you are left with only 300,000 to 500,000 eggs. Your body prepares a group of eggs every month, but releases only one after maturation during ovulation. The quantity and quality of eggs both decline dramatically over time. This is a natural process, and there is nothing you can do about it. This is the reason why younger women tend to conceive more easily.
What Makes Younger Eggs More Resilient?
When it comes to the resilience of younger eggs, the biological factors can make a huge impact on them.- Stronger chromosomes: Chromosomes carry DNA, and younger eggs divide them accurately, which reduces the chances of genetic error. However, this division may not be reliable as you age, so problems like Down syndrome in a baby or early pregnancy loss are common.
- Healthier mitochondria: Mitochondria power the cells of your body, so eggs receive energy to grow, mature and fertilise from it. Younger eggs have enough energy due to healthy mitochondria, while the older eggs may struggle to perform the same function due to poor power with age.
- Better repair mechanisms: Younger eggs are more effective at naturally repairing small DNA errors, which helps them remain healthy and viable for longer.
- Lower risk of chromosomal abnormalities: Studies show that women under 35 have around a 20–25% chance of chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs, but this risk is above 50% after 40. It means younger eggs lead to a healthier pregnancy.
At What Age Do Eggs Begin to Decline?
Egg quality begins to decline naturally after the age of 35, but many women in their late 30s or early 40s still conceive naturally. This decline becomes sharper after the age of 40 due to poor egg resilience.Does Lifestyle Affect Egg Quality?
Your lifestyle choices can help eggs stay resilient for longer, despite natural ageing.- Eating foods rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts) can support egg health.
- Do moderate physical activity to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs.
- Smoking, alcohol, and exposure to pollutants damage eggs faster.
- High stress can impact your hormones and egg development, so manage your stress with relaxation techniques.
What Happens If You Try Later in Life?
There is no harm in planning pregnancy later in life, but you may have to face challenges.- Fewer eggs for fertilisation
- Higher risk of miscarriage
- Difficulty achieving pregnancy naturally
What Are the Emotional Aspects You Should Consider?
The journey of conception is never easy, as it can be physically and emotionally demanding. It can cause stress and pressure, regardless of your age, when planning to conceive. Please do not hesitate to ask your partner for help or to attend counselling sessions for your emotional well-being.When Should You See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following problems.- You are under 35, but have been unsuccessful in trying to conceive for more than a year.
- You are over 35 and have been trying for more than six months.
- You experience irregular or painful periods.
- You have a family history of fertility issues.
What Can You Do Next?
The following practical steps can support your egg health.- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
- Exercise regularly or at least go for a walk.
- Stay away from smoking and limit alcohol.
- Manage stress through deep relaxation practices like yoga or meditation.
- Get regular health check-ups, including hormone tests.
- Freezing your eggs is a good choice if you are not planning a pregnancy now.
Younger eggs are more resilient due to various biological factors, which makes their quality better than that of older ones. Strong chromosomes with minimal error, a natural repair system and powerful mitochondria are some of them.
You cannot control the ageing process of eggs, but you can support their quality through your lifestyle choices. Try to eat a balanced diet with nutrient-dense food, maintain weight within normal limits, and control your stress to create a favourable environment for your eggs. Attend regular check-ups with a fertility specialist to be aware of the options and make wise decisions for your fertility.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.
FAQs on The Science of Why Younger Eggs Are More Resilient
- Can lifestyle changes really improve egg quality?
The lifestyle changes can improve the quality of eggs, but cannot reverse the ageing. To make a positive impact on your fertility, try to eat foods rich in antioxidants, avoid smoking, and manage stress effectively. - Is it still possible to conceive with older eggs?
Many women can achieve pregnancy in their late 30s or early 40s, but the chances are lower due to poor egg quality. However, modern fertility treatments can support the outcome in such cases. - When is the best time to freeze eggs?
Generally, freezing eggs in your late 20s or early 30s is ideal because they are healthier and more resilient. It will also give you a better chance at conceiving later.
