“How Age Affects Fertility: What You Need to Know”
Fertility is closely linked to age, especially for women. As the biological clock ticks, changes in hormone levels, egg quality, and reproductive function begin to impact the chances of conceiving naturally. If you’re trying to understand how age affects fertility, or planning for a future pregnancy, this article covers everything you need to know.
Female Fertility and Age: The Basics
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have typically around one to two million at birth. By puberty, this number drops to about 300,000, and only around 300 to 400 of these will mature and be released during ovulation over a woman’s reproductive lifespan.
Fertility starts to decline gradually in a woman’s late 20s, becomes more noticeable in her 30s, and drops significantly after age 35. By age 40, the chances of natural conception are much lower, and the risk of miscarriage increases due to declining egg quality.
Key stats:
- Women under 30 have about a 20–25% chance of conceiving each cycle.
- By age 35, that drops to around 15%.
- After 40, the monthly chance falls to 5% or less.
Why Fertility Declines with Age
Several biological changes contribute to age-related fertility decline:
- Decreased Egg Quality: Older eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the risk of miscarriage or conditions such as Down syndrome.
- Fewer Eggs Available: With each passing year, the ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in the ovaries) decreases.
- Hormonal Changes: As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, ovulation may become irregular or stop altogether.
- Health Conditions: Age also increases the likelihood of conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease all of which can impact fertility.
Age and Male Fertility
While men remain fertile longer than women, age still affects male fertility. Sperm quality including motility and DNA integrity can decline after age 40. This may result in longer time to conception and slightly increased risks for certain health conditions in offspring.
How to Protect Fertility as You Age
If you’re not ready to conceive but want to preserve your fertility, consider the following options:
- Egg Freezing: Women in their late 20s or early 30s may choose to freeze their eggs for future use.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can help support fertility at any age.
- Regular Fertility Checkups: If you’re over 35 and trying to conceive for more than six months without success, consult a fertility specialist.
Conclusion
Understanding how age affects fertility empowers you to make informed decisions about family planning. While age is just one factor, it’s a significant one especially for women. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning for the future, being aware of your fertility timeline is key to taking proactive steps for a healthy pregnancy journey.