The Impact of Age on Fertility: What You Need to Know

The Impact of Age on Fertility: What You Need to Know

Age is one of the most significant factors when it comes to fertility. While it's a topic that often gets overlooked or brushed aside, understanding how age affects your reproductive health can be crucial for making informed decisions about family planning.

Whether you’re in your 20s and just beginning to think about starting a family, or in your 30s or 40s and exploring fertility options, it’s important to know how age plays a role in both male and female fertility.

How Age Affects Female Fertility

As a woman ages, both the quantity and quality of her eggs decrease. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and this number declines as they get older. Here’s how age impacts fertility for women:

1. Egg Quantity and Quality: From birth, women have about 1-2 million eggs, but by the time they reach puberty, that number has dropped to around 300,000-400,000. By the age of 30, most women will have lost about 90% of their eggs. As you age, the quality of your eggs also declines, leading to lower chances of successful fertilization and a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
2. Decreased Ovarian Reserve: As women approach their mid-30s, the number of eggs available for fertilization—known as ovarian reserve—continues to decline. By the age of 40, a woman’s chances of natural conception drop significantly, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), like in vitro fertilization (IVF), may become necessary to achieve pregnancy.
3. Higher Risk of Miscarriage: Women over 35 also face an increased risk of miscarriage. The likelihood of miscarriage increases with age due to the declining quality of eggs, which can lead to chromosomal issues in the embryo.
4. Ovulation Irregularities: As women age, they may experience irregular ovulation cycles, which can make it harder to conceive naturally. Hormonal imbalances may also develop, complicating conception.

How Age Affects Male Fertility

While age tends to affect female fertility more dramatically, men also experience a decline in fertility as they age, though it happens more gradually.

1. Sperm Quality Declines: Starting around age 40, sperm quality in men begins to decrease. This can affect sperm motility (movement), morphology (shape), and DNA integrity. Sperm quality issues are associated with a higher risk of genetic conditions and may contribute to difficulties with fertilization.
2. Decreased Testosterone Levels: Testosterone levels also decrease with age, leading to reduced libido and potentially affecting sperm production. This can result in a lower quantity of sperm, impacting a man’s ability to father a child.
3. Increased Risk of Genetic Abnormalities: Older age in men is also linked to an increased risk of passing on certain genetic conditions, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, due to changes in sperm DNA over time.

The Best Time to Start a Family

For women, fertility typically peaks in the early 20s and begins to decline in the late 20s to early 30s. For men, fertility remains relatively stable until their 40s, but there are still age-related declines in sperm quality and quantity. If you're planning to start a family, it’s important to consider these age-related factors and take steps toward preserving fertility if needed.

For women, fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing, can allow you to delay pregnancy without sacrificing your chances of success later on. For men, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking advice from a fertility specialist if you’re older can help preserve sperm quality.

Your Fertility Options

No matter your age, there are several options available to help you achieve pregnancy. If you’re concerned about the effects of age on your fertility, speak with a fertility specialist. They can guide you through options like fertility preservation, IVF, egg or sperm donation, and more.

Get Expert Guidance on Your Fertility Journey

If you’re concerned about age-related fertility changes or have questions about preserving your reproductive health, schedule a consultation with University Reproductive Associates. Our experts can provide personalized advice and treatment options to help you achieve your family-building goals.