Can IVF Work If You Have Low AMH or Poor Egg Quality?

Yes, IVF can still work if you have low AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) or poor egg quality, but success depends on age, ovarian reserve, and the overall fertility strategy. Many women with low AMH have conceived with their own eggs or through alternative options like donor eggs.


IVF with Low AMH or Poor Egg Quality

Factor Impact on IVF Possible Solutions
Low AMH (<1.0 ng/mL) Fewer eggs retrieved during stimulation Modified IVF protocols, early stimulation
Poor egg quality (morphology/genetics) May result in failed fertilization or embryo development Supplements, ICSI, genetic testing (PGT-A)
Age over 35 Reduced egg quality and quantity Aggressive protocols or donor egg consideration
Recurrent failed cycles May indicate poor egg or embryo potential Switch protocol, immune or genetic evaluation
Good sperm quality Can help compensate for poor egg quality ICSI to maximize fertilization chances

What Does Low AMH Mean?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a marker of your ovarian reserve—how many eggs you have left. A low AMH level usually means:

  • Lower number of follicles during stimulation

  • Fewer eggs retrieved during IVF

  • Possible early menopause risk

But it does not measure egg quality and does not mean you cannot get pregnant.


What Is Poor Egg Quality?

Egg quality refers to the genetic health and developmental potential of an egg. Poor-quality eggs may:

  • Fail to fertilize

  • Result in abnormal embryos

  • Lead to failed implantation or miscarriage

Egg quality naturally declines with age, especially after 35 years old. Women with low AMH often also have age-related egg quality concerns.


Can IVF Still Work with Low AMH or Poor Egg Quality?

Yes—many women with low AMH or poor egg quality successfully conceive through IVF, especially with:

  • Personalized stimulation protocols

  • ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

  • Genetic testing (PGT-A)

  • Antioxidant and supplement support

However, the success rates are lower than average and may require more than one IVF cycle.


Tips to Improve IVF Success with Low AMH or Poor Eggs

1. Start Early

Low AMH means fewer eggs. The earlier you start IVF, the better the chances of retrieving viable eggs before ovarian reserve declines further.

2. Use a Tailored Stimulation Protocol

Your fertility doctor may recommend:

  • Mini or mild stimulation

  • Antagonist protocols

  • Dual trigger shots for better egg maturity

These approaches aim to maximize quality over quantity.

3. Consider Supplements

Some evidence supports the use of:

  • CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) to improve egg mitochondria

  • DHEA to increase follicle responsiveness

  • Prenatal vitamins, Omega-3, and antioxidants

Always consult your IVF doctor before starting supplements.

4. ICSI and PGT-A

  • ICSI improves fertilization when eggs are fragile or limited.

  • PGT-A helps identify genetically normal embryos, especially helpful with older eggs.

5. Freeze Embryos Early

If you’re not ready for transfer, consider freezing embryos when your egg quality is highest—even in your early 30s.


What If IVF Doesn’t Work?

If IVF fails multiple times due to poor egg quality, consider:

  • Donor eggs, especially if you’re over 40

  • Donor embryos, a cost-effective alternative

  • Mild natural IVF to work with your body’s natural cycle

  • Further testing, including immune, hormonal, or uterine evaluations

Many women conceive after adjusting their protocol or exploring alternative options.


IVF with Low AMH in Your 30s vs. 40s

Age Group Chances with Own Eggs Considerations
Under 35 Moderate to good Early IVF can help retrieve quality eggs
35–40 Lower but possible May require multiple cycles, consider PGT-A
Over 40 Very low Donor eggs often recommended for better success

FAQs: IVF with Low AMH or Poor Egg Quality

1. Can I get pregnant naturally with low AMH?

Yes, but chances are lower. AMH doesn’t predict natural conception accurately, but time is limited.

2. Is low AMH the same as infertility?

Not necessarily. Low AMH means fewer eggs, but not necessarily bad ones. Pregnancy is still possible, especially with IVF.

3. Can egg quality be improved?

While age is the biggest factor, supplements and lifestyle changes may improve egg health over time.

4. Should I consider donor eggs?

If you’re over 40 or have poor embryo development despite multiple cycles, donor eggs offer higher success rates.

5. Does IVF success depend only on AMH?

No. Other factors like age, sperm quality, uterus health, and hormones all play a role.


Contact us to learn more about IVF options for low AMH or poor egg quality. Our fertility experts offer personalized support and advanced protocols to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.