Egg Quality vs. Quantity: What Matters More for Conception?

When it comes to fertility, many women are told to “act fast” before their biological clock runs out. But what does that actually mean? And when it comes to getting pregnant, what matters more, how many eggs you have, or how healthy they are?

Let’s break down the difference between egg quality and quantity, how they impact fertility, and what you can do to support both, especially if you’re trying to conceive later in life.

Egg Quantity: Your Ovarian Reserve

Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have, around 1 to 2 million. By puberty, this number drops to about 300,000. And with every menstrual cycle, we naturally lose more. This is called your ovarian reserve.

Egg quantity is usually assessed with tests like:

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Reflects the number of small follicles in your ovaries
  
• AFC (Antral Follicle Count): An ultrasound that counts visible follicles
  
• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): High levels may indicate lower egg supply
  
  

But here's the key point: having fewer eggs doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t conceive.

Egg Quality: The Often Overlooked Factor

Egg quality refers to the genetic health and viability of your eggs. A high-quality egg is more likely to be fertilised, implant successfully, and result in a healthy pregnancy.

As we age, especially after 35, the percentage of genetically “normal” eggs starts to decline. This means:

• Increased risk of miscarriage
  
• Lower success rates with IVF or natural conception
  
• Higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities
  
  

Unlike quantity, egg quality isn’t measured directly, but it’s a critical piece of the puzzle. You could have a high AMH and still struggle to conceive if your eggs are poor quality.

So, Which Matters More: Quality or Quantity?

Both matter, but quality is the real game-changer. You only need one good egg to get pregnant. That’s why many fertility specialists now focus less on how many eggs a woman has, and more on how to nurture the healthiest eggs possible.

For women in their 30s and 40s, especially, supporting egg quality may have a bigger impact than obsessing over AMH levels alone.

Can You Improve Egg Quality?

While you can’t change your age or reverse time, research shows that you can influence egg health through:

🧬 Mitochondrial Support
  Eggs need energy to mature and fertilise properly. Nutrients like CoQ10, NAD+, and antioxidants may help.

🥗 Blood Sugar Balance
  Stable insulin levels = healthier hormones and follicles. Minimise sugar spikes and focus on whole foods.

🛌 Sleep & Stress
  Chronic stress and poor sleep disrupt ovulation and hormonal rhythms. Prioritise 7–9 hours and nervous system support.

🚭 Ditch Toxins
  Limit exposure to endocrine disruptors (like BPA and phthalates) found in plastics, cosmetics, and cleaning products.

💉 Track Your Markers
  Test key fertility hormones like AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, and thyroid function for a full picture of your reproductive health.

At Nudae, we offer personalised hormone testing to help women understand their egg health and take proactive steps—whether they’re trying to conceive now or preparing for the future.

Final Thoughts

If you're trying to conceive or planning ahead, remember: it’s not just about how many eggs you have, it’s about how well they function.
Egg quality is one of the most powerful predictors of fertility, and with the right tools, you can support it.

You deserve answers, not guesswork.

Disclaimer: Nudae does not offer fertility treatments or clinical diagnosis. Our tests are designed to empower you with insights to guide conversations with your healthcare provider.