Fertility and Age: How It Affects Men and Women

Fertility, or the ability to get pregnant or father a child, is affected by age. For both men and women, age plays a key role in fertility. While people often hear about how age impacts a woman’s ability to conceive, age can also affect male fertility. In this blog, we’ll explain how age affects fertility for both men and women in simple terms.

How Age Affects Female Fertility

Women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s, but fertility starts to decrease after age 35. This decline is due to several factors, including the number and quality of eggs, as well as hormonal changes that naturally occur with aging.

1. Egg Quantity and Quality

• Peak Fertility: Women are born with a set number of eggs, and that number gradually decreases over time. By the time a woman reaches puberty, she may have about 300,000 to 400,000 eggs, but only about 400-500 will be ovulated in her lifetime.
• Egg Decline After 35: After the age of 35, the quantity of eggs starts to drop significantly, and the eggs that remain may have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which can affect fertility and lead to complications in pregnancy.

2. Decreased Ovarian Reserve

• As women age, their ovaries may not release eggs as consistently as they did in younger years. This reduced ovarian reserve can make it more difficult to conceive naturally.
• The decline in ovarian reserve typically becomes more noticeable around age 40.

3. Increased Risk of Miscarriage

• As women age, the risk of miscarriage increases due to a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs. By the time a woman is in her 40s, the risk of miscarriage can rise to over 50%.

4. Hormonal Changes

• Aging, women experience hormonal changes that can impact fertility. The production of oestrogen, progesterone, and other reproductive hormones may fluctuate, causing irregular cycles or difficulty ovulating.

How Age Affects Male Fertility

Age can gradually impact men’s fertility. Sperm quality tends to decline over time, particularly after the age of 40, and this can reduce fertility.

1. Sperm Quality

• As men age, sperm motility (movement) and morphology (shape) may deteriorate, which can lead to difficulties in achieving conception. Older men may also produce fewer sperm, which lowers the chances of fertilizing an egg.

2. Increased Risk of Genetic Abnormalities

• As men age, their sperm may have a higher risk of genetic issues, which can result in birth defects or developmental problems.

3. Hormonal Changes

• Testosterone levels in men decline as they age, which can affect sperm production and sexual function. Although male fertility tends to decline more gradually than female fertility, it’s still an important factor to consider when planning for a family later in life.

When to Seek Help

• If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it’s important to speak with a fertility specialist.
• Women over the age of 35 should consider seeking help after six months of trying, as fertility declines more rapidly after this age
• For men, if you have concerns about sperm quality or fertility, a visit to a specialist can help.
• Getting help early on can increase your chances of having a baby.

Can You Prevent Age-Related Fertility Problems?

While aging is natural, there are steps both men and women can take to improve their fertility.

For Women:

• Egg Freezing: If you’re not ready to have children, freezing your eggs before age 35 can help preserve fertility for later.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can improve fertility.
• Consult a doctor: Regular check-ups with a gynaecologist or fertility specialist can catch problems early.

For Men:

• Stay Healthy: Eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking or excessive drinking can help improve sperm quality.
• Manage Stress: Reducing stress can positively affect sperm health.
• Regular Check-Ups: If you’re concerned about fertility, seeing a doctor can help address issues early.

Conclusion

Age affects fertility for both men and women. Women experience a sharper decline in fertility as they get older, but treatments like IVF can help. For men, fertility decreases gradually with age, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve sperm quality. If you’re over 35 and trying to get pregnant, or if you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s important to talk to a specialist. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of becoming a parent.

At 9 Months Health Consultancy, we are here to support you on your fertility journey. If you have any questions or need guidance, reach out to us today.