When it comes to fertility, age can play a significant role in a couple’s chances of conceiving naturally. As women age, their eggs naturally decrease in number and quality, which can make conceiving them more challenging.

This guide will cover various aspects of age and fertility, including how age impacts female and male fertility, factors that influence fertility rates, and practical tips to increase the chances of successful conception.

Female Fertility and Age

Female fertility is primarily age-dependent. A woman’s reproductive system begins to develop during puberty, and she is born with around two million eggs in her ovaries.

As she ages, the number of eggs decreases steadily due to a process called atresia or cellular death. By the age of 35, the egg count falls to around 50,000, and the quality of the eggs begins to decline. This decline continues until menopause, which signals the end of a woman’s reproductive life.

The chances of conceiving also decrease as a woman ages. Women around 20 years old have a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month, while women in their early 30s drop to about 12% per cycle.

By age 40, this figure drops to 5%, and by age 45, it reduces to less than 1% per cycle.

Male Fertility and Age

While age is a more critical factor for female fertility, studies also show that male fertility drops as men age. Aging influences the quality and quantity of sperm, which can impact the chances of fertilization.

Semen volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology can all decrease with age, leading to challenges in conception and lower success rates.

Researchers suggest that by age 40, a man’s chance of conception declines to about 50%, while by age 50, it drops to around 10%.

Men are still capable of producing healthy sperm throughout their entire lives, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid risk factors that can affect fertility, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and excessive heat exposure to the testicles.

Factors That Influence Fertility Rates

fertility rates can also be affected by several factors besides age, including:.

Weight

Body weight can impact fertility rates in both men and women. Being overweight or obese can lead to hormonal imbalances that can interfere with conception.

At the same time, underweight individuals can experience irregular periods or stop ovulating entirely. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for promoting optimal fertility.

Diet and Lifestyle

A diet that’s high in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats and sugars can help promote fertility. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake and quitting smoking can improve fertility rates in both men and women.

Preexisting Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and thyroid disorders can impact fertility. Getting proper diagnoses and treatment for these conditions can help improve the chances of conception.

Sexual Activity and Timing

The timing and frequency of sexual activity can impact fertility rates. Having sex once every day or every other day during ovulation can increase the chances of successful conception.

Another helpful tip is to track the menstrual cycle to determine the optimum time for intercourse.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Conception

While conception rates may decline with age, there are several practical steps couples can take to improve the chances of successful pregnancy, including:.

Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Being physically active and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help improve fertility rates in both men and women. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve circulation to the reproductive organs, and promote hormonal balance.

Get a Checkup

Visit a reproductive specialist to get checked for any underlying health conditions that could impact fertility.

Women can have their hormone levels checked and undergo a transvaginal ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram imaging test to rule out any physical abnormalities. Men can have semen analysis to determine their sperm count and quality.

Take Supplements

Some supplements such as folic acid, iron, and zinc can help improve fertility rates in women. Additionally, men can take supplements containing amino acids like l-carnitine and l-arginine, which can help improve sperm quality and motility.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Reducing alcohol consumption can help reduce the likelihood of fertility issues in both men and women. Heavy and even moderate drinking can impact ovulation and the quality of sperm in men.

Quit Smoking

Smoking and tobacco use can impact fertility rates in both men and women. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage sperm and reduce the chances of successful conception. Quitting smoking can help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

Age is an essential factor in determining the chances of successful conception, and it impacts fertility rates significantly. While women are more affected by age-related fertility decline, men also experience reduced fertility as they age.

However, there are several practical steps couples can take to improve their odds of successful conception, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, checking for underlying medical conditions, taking supplements, and reducing alcohol consumption and tobacco use.