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This is a very interesting question dealing with a timely and essential topic, because it is crucial to acknowledge the main factors affecting oocyte quality, in order to make informed choices with regards to family planning as well as to maintain our reproductive dynamic. When considering oocyte quality we should always take into account that oocytes are sensitive cells, which are produced during fetal life and do not have the ability of self-renewal. This means that everything we do in our daily life could negatively impact oocyte quality and thus our reproductive potential. Firstly, I would like to point out the significance of maternal age. It is widely accepted that as maternal age increases oocyte quality is progressively compromised. This reduction regarding both oocyte quality and ovarian reserve starts approximately after 30 years of age, becomes more intense after 35 and peaks after 40. This is a natural process of oocyte aging and we should take into account this information in order to make informed choices regarding family planning. Except from maternal age, several other factors could negatively affect oocyte quality. Life style parameters, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use have been reported to impair oocyte competence. Moreover, obesity and sedentary behavior could also negatively affect oocyte quality. Sexually transmitted disorders could also indirectly compromise oocyte quality via the induction of inflammatory responses throughout the female reproductive system, including ovaries. Oocyte quality could also be affected by other comorbidities including cancer and autoimmune disorders. In the context of cancer therapy it is reported that specific agents used during chemotherapy could negatively affect ovarian functionality, ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. In summary, all of us should be carefully informed by our physicians regarding the factors affecting reproductive potential, not only towards maintaining the health of our reproductive system, but also for adopting healthy habits in order to improve our general health and subsequently our daily performance.
