There is a common misconception in fertility treatment: “The more eggs, the more chances of success.” While this may seem obvious, many medical professionals have questioned whether retrieving numerous eggs during ovarian hyperstimulation might compromise egg quality.
A widespread belief exists among doctors and patients: “I prefer few eggs but good ones.” This perspective emerged from observations that cycles yielding over 20–25 eggs sometimes produced lower pregnancy rates than expected. However, an important question arises: does this occur due to reduced egg quality, or because excessive ovarian stimulation compromises endometrial receptivity?
What current research tells us
Current research has clarified this uncertainty. When ovarian response becomes excessive, physicians now typically delay embryo transfer using a “freeze-all” strategy. This approach reduces ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome risk while allowing transfer into a properly prepared uterus. Studies demonstrate this tactic increases pregnancy rates in women with abundant eggs.
During my years directing the clinic’s egg donor program, I conducted extensive research showing that donors producing more eggs resulted in higher pregnancy rates among recipients in our shared egg donation model.
Does more mean worse quality?
The data suggests that obtaining many eggs does not diminish egg or embryo quality. Regarding the preference for “few and good” eggs — while ideal, this choice isn’t always available. When stimulation yields many lower-quality eggs, reducing stimulation doesn’t guarantee better outcomes.
Egg quantity positively correlates with pregnancy likelihood, independent of maternal age. Pregnancy chances do decline with advancing age regardless of egg numbers — but within any age group, more eggs means more viable embryo prospects.
Conclusion
For patients undergoing IVF, accumulating oocytes, or freezing eggs, obtaining more eggs improves viable embryo prospects. While avoiding overstimulation syndrome remains important, securing additional eggs when possible enhances success odds. Rare cases may target just one or two eggs, requiring individual discussion with the treating physician.
“Obtaining more eggs does not diminish egg or embryo quality. For patients undergoing IVF or egg freezing, more eggs genuinely means more viable embryo prospects.”
