lqdesignlab.com

Working Hours:

Sun - Fri : 7.30 AM - 10.00 PM

  • +977 1 5530202 / +977 1 5442111
Book Appointment

Fertility challenges

  • Fertility challenges

Age and fertility

Lifestyle

Blocked fallopian tubes

Endometriosis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Miscarriage

Secondary infertility

Any Questions About Fertility challenges

Call Anytime!

+977 1 5430202

Introduction

As we age, various biological factors come into play that can affect our fertility. Understanding how age influences fertility is crucial for anyone planning to start a family. For women, fertility begins to decline significantly around age 30, with a more rapid decrease evident in their mid-30s. This decline in fertility is accompanied by a heightened risk of pregnancy complications, such as chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages. Men experience a more gradual decline in fertility, but those over 45 may face longer conception times, increased miscarriage risks, and a higher likelihood of mental health and developmental issues in their offspring. While individual experiences vary, understanding these age-related fertility changes is crucial for informed family planning decisions.

Female Age and Fertility

A woman’s fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after the age of 30. Younger women facing infertility are more likely to have medical causes, such as blocked fallopian tubes or issues related to their partner’s sperm quality. As women age, the causes of infertility often become less clear and are more frequently linked to declining egg quality. By the time a woman reaches her early 30s, the rate of egg loss accelerates, and by her mid-30s, fertility can drop more markedly. This decline in fertility is due to several factors, including decreased ovarian reserve and increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs, which can lead to increased miscarriage rates, particularly within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. As women approach their 40s, the chances of conceiving naturally continue to diminish, and the risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia rises. Moreover, advanced maternal age is associated with a higher likelihood of miscarriage and birth defects. However, advancements in reproductive technologies offer hope and options for women seeking to start or expand their families later in life.

Male age and fertility

While the decline in male fertility with age is often less pronounced than in women, recent research highlights that male age also plays a crucial role in fertility and pregnancy health. Male fertility typically begins to decline around ages 40 to 45, which is associated with a decrease in sperm quality. This decline can affect the likelihood of conception, sperm motility and morphology, leading to longer conception times and a greater risk of miscarriage. Moreover, children born to older fathers may face an increased risk of transmitting genetic abnormalities and developing mental health issues, though these occurrences are still relatively rare. For instance, children of fathers aged 40 or older are five times more likely to develop autism spectrum disorders compared to those born to younger fathers. There is also a slightly increased risk of schizophrenia and other mental health disorders later in life. These factors contribute to the complexity of age-related fertility issues and emphasize the need for proactive management and consultation.
Various factors can influence female fertility, making it challenging for some couples to conceive:
FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age for women to conceive?

The optimal age for women to conceive is in their 20s and early 30s. During this period, a woman’s fertility is generally at its peak, and the risk of pregnancy complications is lower. Fertility begins to decline after age 35, with a more significant drop in the mid-30s. Older women may experience decreased egg quality and quantity, which can impact the chances of conceiving and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Male fertility typically begins to decline around ages 40 to 45. As men age, sperm quality deteriorates, which can lead to decreased fertility and longer times to achieve conception. Advanced age in men is also associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and potential mental health issues in offspring, such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, though these risks remain relatively rare.

Yes, older women can still conceive naturally, but it may be more challenging. Factors such as decreased egg quality and an increased likelihood of pregnancy complications can affect natural conception. Women over 35 are advised to seek guidance from a fertility specialist to explore available options and receive personalized care tailored to their needs.

What are the risks of conceiving at an older age?
  • Higher incidence of miscarriage due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo.
  • Increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
  • Potential for the baby to have chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
  • Increased likelihood of needing assisted reproductive technologies to achieve pregnancy.

Managing age-related fertility issues often involves a combination of strategies:

  • Early consultation with a fertility specialist to assess reproductive health and discuss potential treatments.
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances.

Exploring assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which may offer increased chances of successful conception.

For older individuals trying to conceive, the following tests and evaluations are often recommended:

  • Hormone level assessments to evaluate ovarian reserve and reproductive health.
  • Ultrasound imaging to check for any structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
  • Genetic screening to assess the risk of passing on genetic disorders.
  • Semen analysis for men to evaluate sperm quality and quantity.

Enquire today

Speak to our Fertility Concierge team to get answers to your questions and plan your next steps.
Click Get Started Today
Appointment

Online Booking For Appointment

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum.
Scroll to Top