Hey friends! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of age and fertility, especially when it comes to egg freezing.
Eggs: A Finite Resource
Did you know that women are born with millions of eggs? It’s true! But for reasons we don’t fully understand, many of these eggs won’t make it to maturity or ovulation. In fact, around 1,000 eggs perish for every single egg that matures and gets released. As we age, not only do we lose eggs, but the quality of the remaining eggs also declines. This can lead to higher rates of miscarriages and chromosomal issues later on if pregnancy occurs.
During a woman’s reproductive years, about 5 to 25 eggs are available in each cycle, known as “finalists.” These eggs can respond to FSH and mature, but here’s the catch: natural mechanisms ensure that only one of these will typically be ovulated, unless you’re lucky enough to have fraternal twins!
By the time menopause hits, which usually happens around age 51, a woman has very few eggs left that can respond to FSH. But interestingly, most women start losing their ability to conceive in their early 40s—about 5 to 10 years before menstruation and ovulation stop entirely.
Your 20s: The Golden Years
If you’re in your mid-20s, you’re in a prime position! Storing eggs at this age offers the best chances for future success. With Preimplantation Genetic Testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), we see that eggs from this age have the highest quality, giving you the best shot at creating healthy embryos. For a 25-year-old undergoing IVF, the average is about 6 healthy euploid embryos from 12-18 eggs.
Your 30s: A Gradual Decline
As women transition into their early to mid-30s, the number of viable embryos starts to drop. Between ages 30 and 35, you can expect about 3 euploid embryos, while ages 38 to 40 may only yield an average of 1 euploid embryo.
Your 40s: A Tougher Road
In your 40s, things become more challenging. The odds are slim, with less than one healthy euploid embryo per IVF cycle. For those considering delaying pregnancy, freezing eggs sooner rather than later can be beneficial.
If you’re feeling inspired and want to explore your options, check out this essential items for your emergency go-bag, which is another great read on our blog. And if you’re looking for an at-home option, this BabyMaker at-home insemination kit comes highly recommended. For more info on donor insemination, don’t miss this excellent resource from the American Pregnancy Association here.
In summary, understanding the relationship between age and fertility is crucial, especially if you’re considering egg freezing. The earlier you start, the better your chances for future success!