Must-See for Egg Quality Concerns! Tips for Dramatically Improving Egg Quality Through Daily Care [For Foreigners Trying to Conceive]

Introduction

Purpose and Target Audience of This Article

Trying to conceive (TTC) in Japan can be challenging due to language and cultural differences. Especially, specialized information like “egg quality” and “egg age” can be difficult for foreigners who are not fluent in Japanese to understand.

This article focuses on the concerns about egg quality that foreigners TTC in Japan often face, explaining its causes, effects, and daily care and examination methods.

Common Concerns for Foreigners TTC in Japan

Many foreigners live in Japan, and the number of women who conceive and give birth in Japan is increasing. However, due to language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of understanding of the Japanese medical system, foreign expectant mothers often feel isolated and stressed.

For instance, navigating the numerous documents related to pregnancy and childbirth, and understanding specialized medical terms can be challenging. Differences in views on childbirth, such as the significantly different rates of painless delivery compared to overseas, can also be confusing. Organizations like NPO Mother’s Tree Japan are expanding their support by providing multilingual information and accompanying services.

The Impact of Egg Quality and Age on Pregnancy

What are Egg Quality and Egg Age?

“Egg quality” refers to an egg’s ability to mature properly, be fertilized, and undergo subsequent cell division smoothly. High-quality eggs grow appropriately for ovulation, are easily fertilized when they meet sperm, and result in fertilized eggs (embryos) that can divide normally.

“Egg age” often refers to “ovarian reserve,” which indicates the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries relative to a person’s age. The AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test measures AMH levels, which serve as an indicator of ovarian reserve and are sometimes called a test for “ovarian age.” Higher AMH levels suggest more eggs remaining in the ovaries, but AMH levels only indicate the quantity of eggs, not their quality directly.

The Specific Impact of Egg Quality on Pregnancy and Miscarriage Rates

Egg quality significantly affects pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Poor-quality eggs may be difficult to fertilize, or if fertilized, may not divide properly, preventing implantation. Even if implantation occurs, the risk of miscarriage increases, and the risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities also rises.

While methods to directly improve egg quality are not yet established in modern medicine, it is possible to aim for a body that is more conducive to pregnancy by reviewing lifestyle habits and managing overall health.

Causes of Decreased Egg Quality and Their Mechanisms

Impact of Aging and Lifestyle Habits

The primary cause of declining egg quality is “aging.” Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which decrease in number and quality over time.

Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, accumulated stress, and unbalanced diets also contribute to the decline in egg quality. These factors can increase the production of “free radicals” in the body, leading to “oxidative stress” that damages egg cells and accelerates aging.

The Relationship Between Mitochondria and Egg Quality

While the detailed mechanisms behind the decline in egg quality are not fully understood, it is thought that the decline in the function of “mitochondria,” which are located within egg cells, plays a role. Mitochondria are crucial organelles responsible for generating energy (ATP) for bodily functions.

As eggs age, mitochondrial function may decline, leading to insufficient energy production and thus a decrease in the egg’s overall function. Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is also considered a contributing factor to this mitochondrial dysfunction.

Daily Care to Improve Egg Quality

Although direct methods to improve egg quality are not established, it is important to adopt the following daily care practices to maintain the quality of eggs within the follicles and create a body that is more conducive to pregnancy.

Dietary Points and Recommended Foods

• Nutritionally Balanced Diet: Consume a balanced intake of staples, main dishes, and side dishes to obtain a variety of nutrients. It is important to include a diverse range of foods rather than focusing on specific nutrients.
• Actively Consume Nutrients with Antioxidant Properties:

• Vitamin A (Beta-carotene): Found in spinach, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, molokhia, seaweed, and perilla leaves, it may help prevent egg aging.
• Vitamin C: Abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, grapefruits, papayas, and broccoli. It also helps boost immunity and reduce stress.
• Vitamin E: Rich in almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, spinach, and pumpkin, it has antioxidant effects and has been reported to improve blood flow to the uterus, thickening the uterine lining.

• Ensure Sufficient Protein Intake: Consume a balanced intake of both animal and plant-based proteins from sources like meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts. Protein is essential for the formation of follicles and hormones.
• Replenish Iron: Iron, found in red meat, fish, legumes, and spinach, is crucial for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Women are particularly prone to iron loss during menstruation, so conscious intake is important.
• Consciously Consume Vitamin D: Vitamin D, found in foods like mushrooms, is thought to promote follicle development and increase their survival rate. It may also improve implantation rates and reduce miscarriage rates.
• Limit Excessive Intake of Sugars and Fats: Foods high in sugar and greasy foods like fried items can increase glycation stress and accelerate egg aging.
• Be Mindful of Cold Foods and Drinks: Excessive consumption of cold drinks and raw foods can cool the stomach and intestines, leading to poor blood circulation. Try to incorporate warm items into your diet.

Exercise and Stress Management

• Moderate Exercise: Make regular, sustainable exercise like walking, jogging, or yoga a habit. It can help improve blood circulation, stabilize hormone balance, and reduce stress. Be cautious, as excessive exercise can increase free radicals.
• Don’t Accumulate Stress: Stress during TTC can disrupt hormone balance and lead to irregular ovulation or menstruation. Find ways to relieve stress that work for you, such as watching movies, reading, or taking walks.

Use of Supplements and Kampo

• Supplements and Kampo: Since it can be difficult to obtain sufficient nutrients like folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin E through diet alone, using supplements can be beneficial. Ingredients like melatonin and resveratrol are also being studied for their potential to improve egg quality, although conclusive evidence is still lacking. Kampo (traditional Japanese medicine) can be used as a supplementary treatment depending on individual constitution and condition, but avoid self-medication and always consult a doctor.

Lifestyle Habits to Be Mindful Of

• Quit Smoking and Moderate Alcohol: Smoking significantly lowers egg quality and increases miscarriage risk. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been linked to infertility. It is important for both partners to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake during TTC.
• Quality Sleep: Good quality sleep helps regulate hormone balance, promotes recovery from fatigue, and reduces stress. Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep per night and avoid using smartphones or consuming caffeine before bed.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• Q. Are Kampo medicines effective for improving egg quality? A. Currently, there is no clear scientific evidence that Kampo medicines directly improve egg quality. However, they may be used as a supplementary treatment depending on individual constitution, menstrual irregularities, or coldness. If using Kampo during TTC, always consult a doctor and use prescribed medications.
• Q. How can I improve sperm quality? A. While there are no definitive methods to improve sperm quality, lifestyle changes similar to those for women are important. Avoid high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity. Maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and get enough sleep. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and L-carnitine may improve sperm motility, but relying solely on supplements is not recommended; maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key.
• Q. Can lifestyle changes improve pregnancy rates? A. It cannot be definitively stated that lifestyle changes will dramatically increase pregnancy rates, but they are crucial for creating a body that is more conducive to pregnancy. Optimizing hormone balance and overall physical condition is essential for TTC. It is important for couples to work together and practice healthy lifestyle habits.

Methods to Check Egg Quality and How to Get Tested

Introduction to AMH Testing and Other Options

Currently, there are no tests that directly evaluate egg quality. However, the AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test can be used to estimate the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries (ovarian reserve).

• What is the AMH Test?:
• It is a blood test that measures the level of hormones secreted by growing follicles (preantral follicles) in the ovaries.
• A high AMH level indicates a larger number of remaining follicles, while a low level suggests fewer.
• The test can be performed at any time as it is less affected by menstrual cycle or body condition.
• AMH levels are used as an indicator of “ovarian age” but it is important to note that it measures the quantity, not the quality, of eggs.
• A low AMH level does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but it may suggest a limited window of fertility.
• What the AMH Test Can Tell You:
• Assessment of Ovarian Reserve (Ovarian Age): Provides an estimate of future fertility potential.
• Reference for Fertility Treatment Planning: Helps in deciding treatment methods like IVF and ovarian stimulation protocols.
• Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Significantly high AMH levels may suggest PCOS.
• Risk of Premature Ovarian Failure: Extremely low AMH levels may indicate premature ovarian failure.
• How to Get Tested:
• Can be performed at gynecology clinics or fertility clinics.
• Can be done regardless of menstrual cycle, but it is recommended to stop taking hormonal medications like birth control pills for at least one month before the test.
• The cost is usually out-of-pocket (not covered by insurance), but it may be covered by insurance if used to determine ovarian stimulation therapy for IVF.

Differences in Testing and Treatment Between Japan and Other Countries

While Japanese fertility treatments are technologically advanced, the systems and approaches may differ from those in other countries. For example, methods of ovarian stimulation for IVF and insurance coverage conditions can vary by country. It is important for foreign TTC individuals to understand the Japanese system in comparison to their home country’s medical system.

Furthermore, during fertility treatments, the morphology and maturity of retrieved eggs, as well as the growth rate of resulting embryos, can be observed, indirectly assessing egg condition. This is only possible with assisted reproductive technologies; there is no method to know the quality of eggs within the body beforehand.

Summary and Encouragement

To All Foreign Women Working Hard on Their Fertility Journey

TTC in Japan can present various challenges, including language and cultural barriers and difficulties in accessing information. However, daily care practices to maintain egg quality are universally applicable regardless of nationality. While the natural decline in egg quality with age is inevitable, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help preserve the quality of existing eggs and create a body conducive to pregnancy.

The Importance of Consistent Daily Care and Utilizing Information

Reviewing and actively implementing daily lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management is the first step towards successful TTC. It is also important to understand your body’s condition accurately by utilizing medical information like AMH testing.

If you experience anxiety or have questions, do not hesitate to seek help from medical institutions or support organizations for foreign expectant mothers like NPO Mother’s Tree Japan. They offer various resources to support your TTC journey, including multilingual materials, online consultations, and accompaniment services.

We are here to support all foreign women who are working hard on their fertility journey, so that you can feel, “I’m glad I gave birth in Japan,” and “Japan is a warm country!” Keep your hopes up and continue your daily care with a positive outlook.