What Is “Egg Quality” Anyways?

I’m writing this as I watch my perfect 3 month old baby sleep. It’s the one time of day that he will sleep on his own without being held, carried or snuggled close by my side.

It’s incredible to consider that he was once just 2 cells merging in my body, letting off a spark of light (thanks to zinc!) and starting to grow into a human.

Each egg that we release is so unique and holds the potential to create a person who will be completely bio individual.

Where the Term “Egg Quality” Comes From

In the holistic fertility space, we hear the term “egg quality” often, but what does that really mean?

Where did this term even come from?!

I’m not into a mechanistic view of the body or terms that dehumanize female physiology. I can see how egg quality as a term might do that. Yet, I also know that the cellular vitality of the egg of course does impact conception and the vitality of the baby.

The problem is that “poor egg quality” is a label that many women take on after using assisted reproductive technology. Others are worried that they may have this if they are 35+ years old.

This term has its origins in the reproductive technology space. After all, it’s usually embryologists that “grade” eggs or embryos based on how they appear. This happens before any potential genetic screening.

What We Can and Cannot Measure

What’s interesting is that sometimes eggs that don’t look great under a microscope still “perform” well through fertilization, genetic screening and implantation. Of course, sometimes embryos from “great” eggs that are even genetically screened still don’t implant.

There is so much of the fertility process that happens beyond what we can know and see.

Too often, saying someone has “poor egg quality” is kind of like saying “unexplained infertility”. I really think you can often uncover a deeper issue.

From Egg Quality to Ovarian Vitality

So instead of using this term, let’s consider egg or ovarian vitality, that being the vital expression of life that comes through living cells. This potential for life is hard to quantify.

It includes the electromagnetic charge of the cell, the cell’s ability to create ATP (energy), the cells ability to exchange resources with the external environment, the strength of the lipid bilayer in the cell wall. It also includes the genetic material, but the genetic expression, or epigenetics, is far more important.

There are many influences when it comes to egg vitality and therefore fertility.

Supporting Ovarian Vitality with Chinese Medicine

One way that you can support this is through Chinese Herbal Medicine, specifically tonic herbs that support the Kidneys, which govern your reproductive life, and build Blood.

Two of my favorites are:

Rehmannia or Shu di huang

A strong Kidney and Blood tonic that also benefits Yin. This dark, sticky root creates a mineral rich black medicine that has been shown to improve immune function, blood sugar regulation and even red blood cell production. This herb strongly nourishes the ovaries and settles the nervous system.

Chinese angelica root or Dang gui

A warm, nourishing Blood tonic that also gently moves Blood. This herb is often referred to as female ginseng. It’s known for its capacity to regulate menstruation and decrease cramping. Chinese angelica root is rich in antioxidants and also benefits the nervous system.

You’ll find both of these in Ovarian Glow and Menstrual Vitality in the Womb Medicine Shop. 

A Different Way of Understanding Fertility

The vitality of each egg relies on the quality of your Blood according to Chinese Medicine. The ovaries need microcirculation for proper nourishment. The growth and development of the egg relies on many nutrients.

“Egg quality” doesn’t drop off a cliff at a certain point in life. You can improve your ovarian vitality and have a positive impact on ovulation, your menstrual cycle health and your fertility.