Egg Rupture But Not Conceived: Why?

Introduction

Egg rupture is basically a simple term for ovulation, the process of releasing the egg from the ovaries into the uterus. For the context, here rupture means the rupture of the outer layer of the follicle in which the egg remains protected in the ovaries just before entering the fallopian tubes. So, ovulation is a phase of your cycle with the highest chances of you conceiving and getting pregnant.

But we know that not every egg rupture results in conception. This is because conception is just a perfectly released egg; it is a perfect syncing of hormones, uterine function, and, of course, a perfectly timed intercourse. Therefore, disruption at even a single step means disruption of conception and, eventually, a failed pregnancy.

Factors Causing Egg Rupture but Not Conception

Egg rupture is surely a big milestone on the road to conception, but it's not the conception itself. It is a series of multi-stage and properly timed biological events that start with egg rupture. So not every rupture belongs to its final destination, the conception; some may divert to get wasted during periods.

However, being a complex event, egg rupture not resulting in conception can be connected to several factors, such as:

Timing Mismatch: Missing the Fertile Window

• Even the best-quality eggs survive for only 12 to 24 hours after rupture, whereas sperm can live for 3 to 5 days in the uterus.
• This gives almost 5 days of a fertile window.
• Any mismatch in this timing, even of a day, and you will miss the chance of conception for the next cycle.

Egg Quality Issues:

The follicle may look good in a scan, but it is possible that it may be holding a genetically weak egg, which is not strong enough to develop further to fertilise. Note that the quality of the egg may be compromised with:

• Increasing age (especially after 35)
• PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Low AMH
• Chronic stress, infection, and inflammation.

Sperm Health Problems:

• With low-grade sperm health, like low sperm count, low motility, and poor morphology, even perfectly timed intercourse can result in an unsuccessful attempt at conception.
• Interestingly, poor sperm health is the 50% reason for all infertility cases in couples, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

Thin or Non-Receptive Endometrium:

In some cases, conception may not happen even after a successful fertilisation due to thinning of the uterine lining. That is, a thin internal line prevents the embryo from getting attached to it due to a lack of proper blood supply.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Hormones are the determining factors in the overall reproductive health of a person. Any disruption in this hormonal balance can impact ovulation, egg quality, and implantation. Common hormonal issues that may hinder conception include:

• Low Progesterone
• Thyroid Disorders
• High prolactin
• PCOS-related imbalances

Overall Uterine Health:

Sometimes, the structural conditions of the uterus make it difficult to conceive successfully. That is, some uterine health issues like fallopian tube blockages, endometriosis, etc, may not hinder the egg rupture, but they can surely affect your chances of conceiving successfully.

Lifestyle, Stress & Inflammation:

• Lifestyle, stress, and inflammation play major roles in the overall balance of your hormones.
• Any abnormality in any of these results in a hormonal imbalance and eventually an unsuccessful pregnancy.
• Though subtle and indirect, it can affect your overall chances of getting pregnant.

Pure Biological Chance:

Lastly, getting pregnant and conceiving are purely a matter of chance. That is, even in healthy couples and perfectly timed intercourse as per their fertile window, the chances of getting pregnant are only about 10% to 42%.

So sometimes the body just needs adjustments and multiple cycles for that one good news.

Conclusion

Finally, we can say that egg rupture is just the beginning of something bigger, the conception. When pregnancy doesn’t happen after a successful rupture, it doesn’t mean to make you stressed. Rather, it is a sign to look deeper into what may be causing this situation. So, whether due to imperfect timing or internal medical issues, understand your condition to get the best solution.