Many women have asked this question: “If chickens can lay small eggs, can women also have small eggs that prevent pregnancy?”. So, recently, I visited a poultry and while walking around I saw this small egg and I picked it. It was too small that I questioned the poultry manager what the issue was.
Basically, he explained that it happened as a result of different variables, including vaccination timing.
But can a woman have small eggs?
Let’s clear this up scientifically.
1️⃣ Do Women Produce “Small Eggs”?
Answer: No.
Human eggs (ova) are microscopic — about 0.1 millimetres wide — and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Unlike poultry eggs, human egg cells do not vary dramatically in physical size. There is no medical diagnosis called ‘small egg’ in reproductive medicine.
So, if you’re worried that you have “small eggs,” understand this:
👉 The issue is not egg size.
👉 The issue is egg quality and ovulation.
2️⃣ What Actually Determines Conception?
For pregnancy to happen, five key things must align:
- Ovulation must occur.
- The egg must be mature.
- The egg must be genetically normal.
- Healthy sperm must reach the egg.
- The uterus must support implantation.
If ovulation does not occur (a condition called anovulation), pregnancy cannot happen in that cycle.
3️⃣ What Affects Egg Quality?
Scientific research in reproductive endocrinology shows egg quality is influenced by:
- Age
- Hormonal balance (FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone)
- Ovarian reserve
- Chronic stress
- Nutritional status
- Medical conditions like PCOS
Egg quality refers to chromosomal health — not size.
According to a research review, biological factors determine egg quality and why it matters for fertility — not size but genetic and cellular health (1).
4️⃣ Does Age Matter?
Answer: Yes — age is the biggest scientific factor affecting fertility (2).
Early 20s to late 20s: Highest egg quality
Early 30s: Gradual decline begins
After 35: Faster decline
After 40: Significant drop in chromosomal normality
This decline happens in women of all races.
5️⃣ Is There A Race More Likely To Have “Small Eggs”?
Answer: No race produces smaller eggs.
However:
- Fibroids are more common in women of African descent.
- PCOS affects women globally.
- Access to healthcare and nutrition may influence fertility outcomes.
Have You Read: Ovulation: How To Know When Egg Is Released For Fertilisation
Fertility challenges are rarely about egg size. They are about hormonal function, ovulation, tubal health, sperm quality, and uterine environment.
6️⃣ When Should A Woman See A Doctor?
You should consider evaluation if:
- You are under 35 and have tried for 12 months without pregnancy. Sometimes starting earlier is even better.
- You are over 35 and have tried for 6 months.
- Your periods are irregular or absent.
- You have severe menstrual pain or known fibroids.
Final Thought
If you are struggling to conceive, do not panic about “small eggs”. For now, science does not recognise anything like small eggs in humans.
Instead, focus on:
- Ovulation tracking
- Hormonal testing
- Nutritional support
- Medical evaluation
The science is clear: Fertility is about egg quality and timing — not egg size.