How to Improve Egg Quality for IVF
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Egg quality is the single most important factor in IVF success — more so than egg quantity. A chromosomally normal egg has a much higher chance of producing a viable embryo than a poor-quality egg, regardless of how many eggs are retrieved. In traditional Chinese medicine, egg quality is an expression of kidney jing — the fundamental reproductive essence — alongside kidney yin, blood, and adequate uterine circulation. Improving these factors in the three months before an IVF stimulation cycle can meaningfully improve outcomes.
Why Egg Quality Matters
Egg quality refers primarily to chromosomal integrity — the accuracy with which the egg completes the meiotic divisions required to produce an embryo with the correct number of chromosomes. This process depends heavily on mitochondrial energy production within the oocyte. As women age, mitochondrial function in the egg declines, increasing the rate of chromosomal errors (aneuploidy) and reducing the proportion of eggs capable of producing viable embryos. Women with low AMH or a poor previous IVF response are particularly focused on optimising the quality of whatever eggs remain.
Acupuncture for Egg Quality
Acupuncture improves ovarian blood flow, which is the rate-limiting factor for the nutrient and oxygen supply to developing follicles. Research using Doppler ultrasound confirms improved perifollicular blood flow following acupuncture, correlating with better fertilisation rates and embryo quality. I treat fertility patients weekly for a minimum of twelve weeks before their IVF stimulation cycle, with the treatment focused on the follicular phase of each natural cycle to support the cohort of developing follicles.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine nourishes kidney yin and jing — the foundational substances that determine egg quality in TCM theory. Key tonifying herbs include Shu Di Huang, Gou Qi Zi, Nu Zhen Zi, and Tu Si Zi. Formulas such as Zuo Gui Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan are among the most clinically useful for this purpose. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, adjusted across the cycle to support different phases of follicular development.
Key Supplements
CoQ10 (ubiquinol, 400–600mg daily) — the most important supplement for egg quality. It directly supports mitochondrial energy production in the oocyte and has the strongest evidence base of any single supplement for improving IVF outcomes in poor prognosis patients. Must be started at least three months before the cycle.
DHEA (25–75mg daily) — evidence from reproductive endocrinology for improving ovarian response in diminished ovarian reserve. Should be discussed with your IVF clinic.
Vitamin D — deficiency impairs follicular development and implantation. Optimise to 100–150 nmol/L.
Melatonin (3mg at night) — a powerful antioxidant in follicular fluid; reduces oxidative damage to developing eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids — improve oocyte membrane fluidity and reduce inflammation in the follicular environment.
Diet and Lifestyle
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and plant proteins is the most evidence-backed dietary approach for fertility. Reducing alcohol, stopping smoking, managing stress, and sleeping 7–9 hours per night each support follicular health. Starting these changes three months before the IVF cycle ensures their full benefit is captured. See also our article on how to improve egg quality.
For a personalised pre-IVF treatment plan, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
