When it comes to pregnancy, you probably heard of the term egg size. This relates to reproductive cells that can be fertilized. The eggs are produced in ovaries and ovulated or released during the last stage in the menstrual cycle of the woman. The eggs are fertilized by sperm and, if implanted on the lining of the uterine wall, pregnancy is established.
The size of the eggs has a direct impact on pregnancy, as it must be in optimum size and quality to form a baby, by attaining the necessary nutrients. This article is focused on egg size and how it affects pregnancy.
Normal Egg Size To Get Pregnant
The minimum egg size for conception is around 18 mm to 20 mm in diameter. Once the egg reaches this size, it is considered mature and releases the eggs from the ovary, during ovulation. Smaller eggs are considered immature and may not be suitable for fertilisation. But say what? the size is not the only concern, as the quality of the egg is also of utmost importance when it comes to fertilization.
Why Egg Size Matters For Conception?
The quantity of an egg is vital since a mature egg is more likely to stay viable and ready for fertilization. Smaller, less developed eggs may not be able to extrude normal chromosomes and thereby reduce the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy. Proper egg development increases the chances for a healthy embryo, thereby allowing proper implantation and pregnancy to occur.
How Follicle Growth Impacts Fertility?
Follicles are sacs that hold eggs inside an ovary. As a woman comes closer to ovulation, the follicles mature and grow under the influence of hormones like FSH. An optimal cycle is important for a healthy follicle growth, which leads to successful conception. When this growth of follicle is disturbed (effect of hormonal status or anything else), it brings about impaired ovulation which reduces the chances of pregnancy.
Normal Follicle Size on Day 14
In a normal 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation takes place around day 14, when the follicle that is destined to release an egg is normally 18-24 mm in size. In longer cycles, the size of the normal follicle on ovulation day will be 14-16 mm. In shorter cycles, the follicle size on ovulation day is approximately 20-22 mm.
Ideal Follicle Size For Normal Conception vs IUI / IVF
For natural conception, the ideal follicle size should be 18 to 24 mm during the time of ovulation, to attain a successful pregnancy.
However, when it comes to fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF, even eggs of 16 to 22 mm size can also be considered for successful pregnancy. If the follicle is small, the ovulation can be triggered using hormonal injection to increase the size, by delaying retrieval.
Factors Affecting Egg Maturation And Fertilization
- Age: The age of women shows a decreased number and quality of eggs, and this decrease will continue throughout life stages. After the age of 35, the women will have ovaries that can produce tiny eggs that are immature, as the ovaries will have fewer eggs. This is because these changes take place due to age, and the hormonal signals are poorly responsive to develop healthy and mature eggs at that time.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones are an element that enhances reproductive health and the well-being of an individual. They also help in the growth and maturity of the egg. Any disturbance in the hormones will thus adversely affect the egg’s development and size, in return affecting the reproductive hormones.
- Lifestyle Factors: Your lifestyle and eating habits have big effects on the size of eggs produced. Lack of vitamins and minerals causes smaller size and poor quality of eggs.
- Chronic stress increases the levels of cortisol, which, when agitated with hormone levels, affects their growth. Being overweight or being underweight may interfere with hormone levels and, therefore, affect the development of eggs. Also, excessive smoking and drinking are bad for ovarian reserve and poor quality of eggs, making them less viable.
- Health Conditions: Women with any of these health conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer directly affect the egg reserve. Such individuals are likely to show fewer or smaller eggs due to hormonal imbalance, which makes them less likely to conceive.
Follicle Growth Timeline and Size (in mm)
Follicle Growth Timeline and Expected Size
- Early Follicular Phase: This is the first phase of the menstrual cycle, where the follicles start to develop. During this phase, the follicles are typically around 2 to 5 mm in size.
- Mid-Follicular Phase: Around 7 to 10 days of the cycle, the follicles continue to grow and might reach a size of 10 to 14 mm.
- Late Follicular Phase: On day 11 to 13 of the cycle, the follicles grow to a size of about 16 to 18 mm in size, preparing for ovulation.
- Ovulation: During the 14th day of the cycle, the follicle reaches 18 to 24 mm. This is when the egg attains maturity and gets released from the ovary. This indicates that the egg is ready for fertilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the size of eggs is critical in planning for a healthy pregnancy, as irregular sizes may adversely affect all chances of getting pregnant and give rise to miscarriage. The size of eggs and the chances of pregnancy are affected mainly by the ovulation cycle, age, hormonal levels, and medical factors. The sizes of eggs that are optimum for pregnancy are 18-24 mm, anything below which may adversely affect pregnancy. Such egg sizes can be significantly improved through lifestyle changes and supplements by doctor prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
The follicle size can be monitored at home using Ovulation Predictor Kits, Basal body Temperature Charting, Self-scanning with Ultrasound Devices, physical signs and ovulation cycle patterns.
Egg size can be improved by following a dietary change, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, hydration, and following the prescribed medications.
