The Role of Lifestyle and Antioxidants in Improving Egg Quality Before IVF and ICSI

The Role of Lifestyle and Antioxidants in Improving Egg Quality Before IVF and ICSI

Egg quality is considered one of the most important factors affecting the success of IVF and ICSI treatments. Success does not depend only on the number of retrieved eggs, but also on their genetic competence and their ability to fertilize, divide properly, and develop into healthy embryos.

Although a woman’s age remains the most significant factor influencing egg quality, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and certain antioxidants may help support ovarian function and reduce oxidative stress, which can negatively affect egg quality.

First: What Does “Egg Quality” Mean?

Egg quality refers to:

The integrity of the genetic material inside the egg
The egg’s ability to be fertilized
Its ability to develop into a healthy embryo
Reducing the likelihood of embryo arrest or early miscarriage

As women age, or in the presence of factors such as smoking, obesity, stress, and poor sleep, oxidative stress inside the ovaries increases, which may negatively impact egg quality.

Second: When Should Lifestyle Changes Begin Before ICSI?

It is preferable to start at least:

3 months before egg retrieval

This is because the egg maturation cycle inside the ovary takes approximately 90 days, meaning healthy lifestyle changes require time before their effects are reflected in egg quality.

Third: Key Lifestyle Factors for Improving Egg Quality
1. Good Sleep

Sleep is one of the most overlooked factors despite its major role in hormonal balance.

It is recommended to:

Sleep 7–9 hours daily
Maintain a regular nighttime sleep schedule
Reduce late nights and physical exhaustion

Poor sleep may affect:

Melatonin hormone levels
Hormonal balance
Ovulation quality
2. Healthy Nutrition

A diet rich in antioxidants may help protect eggs from oxidative damage.

It is recommended to consume more:

Leafy green vegetables
Colorful fruits
Nuts
Healthy proteins
Omega-3-rich fish
Whole grains

It is also preferable to reduce:

Excessive sugars
Processed foods
Trans fats
Fast food
3. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Both obesity and being significantly underweight may affect:

Ovulation
Ovarian response to stimulation medications
Egg quality

Even losing 5–10% of body weight in some women may improve treatment response.

4. Moderate Exercise

Moderate physical activity may help:

Improve blood circulation
Reduce inflammation
Improve insulin sensitivity
Reduce stress

Recommended activities include:

Walking
Swimming
Yoga
Regular light exercise

It is preferable to avoid:

Excessively intense workouts
Overtraining and extreme physical stress
5. Reducing Psychological Stress

Chronic stress may negatively affect:

Hormones
Sleep quality
Inflammation within the body

Helpful practices may include:

Meditation
Breathing exercises
Yoga
Emotional support
Reducing daily stressors
6. Quitting Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking is one of the most harmful factors affecting egg quality, as it increases:

Oxidative stress
Genetic damage
Diminished ovarian reserve

Nicotine and certain toxins may also accelerate ovarian aging.

Fourth: Antioxidants and Their Role in Improving Egg Quality

Oxidative stress can damage cells and eggs, which is where antioxidants may help by reducing this damage.

Common Antioxidants Used Before IVF/ICSI
1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

One of the most commonly used supplements to support egg quality.

It may help:

Support energy production within the egg
Improve mitochondrial function
Reduce oxidative stress

It is frequently used especially in:

Women over 35 years old
Poor embryo quality
Diminished ovarian reserve
2. Melatonin

A hormone associated with sleep that also has antioxidant properties.

It may help:

Reduce oxidative damage within ovarian follicles
Support egg quality
Improve sleep
3. Omega-3

May help with:

Reducing inflammation
Supporting hormonal balance
Improving cellular health
4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common among women and may be associated with reduced fertility in some cases.

5. Myo-Inositol

Particularly beneficial for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

It may help:

Improve insulin sensitivity
Regulate ovulation
Improve egg quality
6. Other Antioxidants Sometimes Used

Including:

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Selenium
Zinc
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)

However, their use varies depending on the individual case and physician assessment.

Fifth: Are Supplements Alone Enough?

No.

Even the best supplements cannot compensate for:

Smoking
Poor sleep
Obesity
Chronic stress
Poor nutrition

The best results usually come from combining:

Lifestyle modifications
Healthy nutrition
Good sleep
Appropriate supplements when needed
Sixth: Important Points Before Using Any Supplement

Some supplements may:

Interact with fertility medications
Not be suitable for all patients
Require specific dosages

Therefore, it is always recommended to:

Consult a fertility specialist
Avoid taking random doses
Evaluate vitamin levels and deficiencies first .

 *Conclusion* 

Improving egg quality before IVF or ICSI depends on a combination of:

A healthy lifestyle
Good sleep
Balanced nutrition
Stress reduction
Smoking cessation
Using suitable antioxidants when appropriate

Although there is no magical method that guarantees treatment success, preparing the body before egg retrieval may help improve the environment in which eggs develop and increase the chances of obtaining higher-quality embryos.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist