When a couple can’t get pregnant, they consider various factors that can be the cause of infertility. But, the cause they least expect or look for will be the size of their eggs.
The egg needs to be of the correct size during fertilization. If it is smaller than normal, it can have some chromosomal abnormalities. This can lead to issues like miscarriage or abnormalities in the baby.
So, what is the good or correct egg size for fertilization? What is the minimum size of your egg to get fertilized? Continue reading this article to know all about egg size and its significance in a successful pregnancy.
What is a good-sized egg for fertilization?
According to studies, the right size of an egg to get fertilized would be around 16-18 mm (1.8–2 cm) in diameter. Any smaller than this, it will be difficult for the egg to be fertilized.
Another study also found that an egg over 23–28 mm (2.2–2.8 cm) in diameter has an even better chance of fertilization. The bigger the egg, the higher the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Egg size also matters in IVF. During egg retrieval, your fertility doctor will measure the size of the egg follicle to determine whether the egg is mature enough to be collected. This is to increase the success rate of the treatment.
Can I get pregnant if my eggs are small?
So, we saw that having a big egg can increase the chances of pregnancy. But what about small eggs? Can you get pregnant with small eggs?
The scientific answer is no, you can’t. Small eggs often have some chromosomal abnormalities. They might have a condition called aneuploidy, abnormal DNA.
These eggs cannot be fertilized; even if they are, they will result in complications like miscarriage or genetic abnormalities in the baby. These babies have a higher risk of contracting Down’s syndrome, a genetic disorder.
Does ovary size matter for easy conceiving?
The size and quality of your eggs majorly depend on the size of your ovaries. The bigger the ovaries, the higher the chances of having a good number of high-quality eggs.
The ovary’s size also determines your ovarian reserve. If you have a small ovary, it means you have a low ovarian reserve, which might cause fertility issues. It’s important to discuss with your fertility doctor and take necessary treatments if your ovary is smaller in size.
If Egg Size is Small Can I Get Pregnant
Yes, you can still get pregnant with smaller follicle sizes, as they can sometimes release viable eggs, although optimal follicle size is generally associated with higher chances of conception
Variability in Sizes
There is some variability in what can be considered an optimal size for follicles, and smaller follicles sometimes can still release viable eggs. However, the chances of conception might be influenced by the overall health and maturity of the egg.
Fertility Treatment Adjustments
In cases where follicle size might be a concern, fertility specialists will suggest you to undergone treatments like IVF or IUI. But while choosing the hospital for fertility treatments think wisely check with doctor’s expertise and their success rate, In this way you can filter out the best fertility hospital near your location.
Factors Affecting Ovary Size Change
Each woman’s ovary size is different. They may vary depending on various factors like
- Age,
- Ovarian disorders like PCOS,
- Hormonal imbalances,
- Previous pregnancies, etc.
Now, let’s look at your chances of getting pregnant based on the size of your ovaries. This can help you understand the significance of ovary size in getting pregnant.
Larger ovaries & chances to get pregnant
Not only smaller ovaries but having a larger ovary can also decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Larger ovaries often indicate serious issues like tumors and ovulation disorders.
Don’t confuse a large egg with a large ovary. A large is beneficial to become pregnant. A large ovary, however, can be a serious medical issue. This can significantly decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Consult your doctor and take the necessary treatments to cure the issue.
Normal ovary size & chances of getting pregnant
We discussed smaller ovaries and larger ovaries. So, what is a normal-sized ovary? Below are the size dimensions of a normal-sized ovary.
- Length: 30 mm (3 cm)
- Width: 25 mm (2.5 cm)
- Thickness: 15 mm (1.5 cm)
Having a normal-sized ovary and eggs can increase your chances of getting pregnant successfully. Following a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight can improve your egg health and ovary.
PCOS ovary size
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition where women have issues ovulating regularly every month. These women may have some cysts in their ovaries, which can cause hormonal imbalances and prevent ovulation cycles.
The ovaries of PCOS women can be classified into two types.
- Either or both ovaries have 12 or more cysts that are 2–9 mm in diameter.
- The ovarian volume of both ovaries is more than 10 ㎤.
If you have PCOS, then it can be quite difficult for you to get pregnant. Your ovaries might be bigger than normal, and the hormonal imbalances can prevent your eggs from releasing every month. You should visit a doctor and get treated if you have PCOS.
Conclusion
Your ovary size matters if you want to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. If you have smaller or larger ovaries, even if you get pregnant, there are high chances of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages.
You need to understand your egg size to determine your chances of pregnancy. It is best to reach out to our fertility hospital and get tested for egg and ovary size if you have difficulties getting pregnant.
You can improve your ovarian follicle size and count by following some measures.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce stress, Quit smoking, alcohol, and drugs.
- Take fertility supplements (as prescribed by your doctor)
During the 14th day of your ovulation cycle, your follicle should be around 20-25 mm in size. This is the best size for the follicles to rupture and release the mature egg.
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with a 15mm size egg follicle. But remember that 19-20 mm is the healthy size of a follicle. Fertilization of a smaller egg can result in miscarriage or birth abnormalities.
There are no specific foods or natural methods that can increase egg size naturally. But what you eat and the healthy lifestyle you follow does have an impact on your egg size.
So, try maintaining a balanced diet and include ample amounts of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. You can also add whole grains and lean meat to your diet.
