Age and Fertility
Fertility is often considered a key component of reproductive health, but as individuals age, fertility naturally declines. Both men and women experience changes in fertility as they get older, but the effects are particularly significant for women. Understanding the impact of age on fertility can help guide your family-building journey. Here, we break down how age affects fertility, when to seek help, and what you can do to maximize your chances of conception.
How Age Affects Female Fertility
Egg Quantity and Quality: Women are born with a set number of eggs, and this number steadily decreases over time. By the age of 30, a woman’s egg supply begins to diminish more rapidly. By age 35, both the quantity and quality of eggs decline significantly. The quality of eggs is crucial for successful fertilization and healthy embryo development. As women age, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases, which can result in difficulty conceiving or a higher risk of miscarriage.
Decreased Ovulation: Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from the ovaries each month. As women age, ovulation may become less regular, and the eggs produced may be of lower quality. Irregular ovulation can contribute to infertility by reducing the chances of conception during a woman’s most fertile periods.
Risk of Miscarriage: Older women, especially those over 35, face a higher risk of miscarriage. This is primarily due to the increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs as they age. Miscarriages are more common in women over 40, with one study showing that the miscarriage rate for women aged 40 and older is around 50%.
Menopause: Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and typically occurs around age 50. During this time, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and a woman can no longer conceive naturally. However, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as egg donation, offer options for women who want to become mothers later in life.
How Age Affects Male Fertility
Sperm Count and Quality: Unlike women, men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives. However, as men age, sperm count and quality can begin to decline. After the age of 40, sperm production decreases, and sperm may have reduced motility (ability to move) and lower morphology (shape). These changes can lead to a decrease in fertility and may also increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in the offspring.
Decreased Testosterone Levels: Testosterone levels naturally decrease as men age, and this can impact both sperm production and overall fertility. Low testosterone levels can result in a decreased sex drive, poor sperm quality, and a lower ability to conceive. Testosterone therapy is an option for some men, but it must be used carefully, as it can have unintended consequences for fertility.
Increased Risk of Genetic Abnormalities: Older men may have a higher chance of passing on certain genetic conditions to their children, such as autism and schizophrenia. Studies have shown that men over 40 may have an increased risk of fathering children with these conditions due to changes in sperm DNA integrity. While this doesn’t mean that older men can’t have healthy children, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with fathering children later in life.
When to Seek Fertility Help
For women, age is a critical factor in fertility. If you are over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months or more without success, it is advisable to seek help from a fertility specialist. For women over 40, it’s generally recommended to seek fertility treatment after three months of trying without success.
For men, age-related fertility declines tend to occur more gradually. However, if you are over 40 and struggling to conceive, it’s a good idea to seek a sperm analysis to check for potential issues. A fertility specialist can help assess sperm quality and offer guidance on improving fertility.
Fertility Treatments for Older Individuals
While age can impact fertility, it’s important to remember that many options are available for both men and women to help overcome these challenges.
For Women:
Egg Freezing: Women who are not ready to conceive but want to preserve their fertility can freeze their eggs when they are younger. This can extend a woman’s fertility window and provide more options for conception later in life.
Egg Donation: For women over 40 or those with diminished egg quality, egg donation is an option. With the help of a donor, a woman can still carry and give birth to a child, even if her own eggs are no longer viable.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is a common treatment for older women with fertility issues. IVF can use a woman’s own eggs or donor eggs, and embryos are implanted into the uterus for successful pregnancy.
For Men:
Sperm Bank or Donor Sperm: If sperm quality is an issue due to age, men can opt to bank their sperm when they are younger. If this wasn’t done in advance, sperm donation is an option for couples.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): ART techniques, such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF, can be used to increase the chances of conception for older men. These techniques can improve the chances of fertilization, even with lower sperm quality.
Ready to Take the Next Step
in Your Fertility Journey?
Whether you’re in your 20s or beyond 40, there are fertility options available to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood. Speak to a fertility specialist at Empower Fertility to learn more about how age impacts fertility and what treatments can help.