A recent survey by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association uncovered that a significant number of fertility patients wished they had been more informed about the correlation between age and fertility potential when they were younger. Out of 416 respondents, many expressed regret over not understanding this critical link sooner.
So, what exactly is the relationship between age and fertility?
Our goal is to actively educate individuals on how age affects fertility, helping both women and men understand the importance of seeking early intervention. Many people tend to delay fertility treatments, believing that conception will naturally occur regardless of age. However, as Dr. Alex Greene from our team points out, the longer you wait to address fertility concerns, the fewer options you may have available.
Dr. Lisa Chen elaborates, stating, “The age of a woman is the most significant factor impacting her egg supply. As women grow older, their egg count diminishes, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in those eggs increases.” Unfortunately, there is no treatment available that can enhance the quantity or quality of a woman’s eggs.
For women, fertility is closely tied to egg quality. Typically, a woman’s fertility peaks in her mid-20s, begins to decline around age 27, and sees a more pronounced drop after age 35. Hormonal changes also come into play, particularly with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are crucial for egg development and release each month, says Dr. Chen.
Additionally, the number of eggs available is a key concern. Dr. Mark Johnson notes that women are born with their lifetime egg supply—around 1 to 2 million—and by the time they reach menopause, typically in their early to mid-50s, only a few hundred may remain. To put this into perspective, the natural pregnancy rate for women over 30 is between 20 to 30 percent per month, but by age 40, it plummets to less than 5 percent.
When Should You Seek Help?
We are dedicated to informing and empowering individuals about the necessity of early fertility intervention and the significant role age plays in fertility. That’s why we follow established guidelines that recommend when to seek help based on a woman’s age.
Being well-informed can significantly enhance your confidence during this journey. Connect with us through webinars, blogs, patient stories, and more. To dive deeper into related topics, check out our post on basal body temperature charting.
Also, for couples navigating their fertility journey, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Furthermore, if you’re looking for comprehensive information about pregnancy, Healthline is a fantastic resource.
In summary, understanding the impact of age on fertility is crucial for those planning to conceive. The earlier you seek information and assistance, the better your chances are for a successful pregnancy.