One of the most common misconceptions surrounding fertility is that it only affects women. However, research shows that the age barrier affects both men and women.

In this article, we will explore why being older affects fertility and what you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.

Age and female fertility

Female fertility begins to decline after the age of 30, with a more significant decline after the age of 35. This decline is due to the fact that women are born with a finite number of eggs.

As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, making it harder to get pregnant.

Age and male fertility

While women have a clear age limit on fertility, men’s fertility declines more gradually. Male fertility generally starts to decline in their late 30s and early 40s. As men age, their sperm count decreases, and the quality of their sperm decreases.

Research also suggests that more older men have sperm with DNA damage, which can lead to infertility or health issues for their offspring.

Chances of getting pregnant at 35 and older

For women over the age of 35, the chances of getting pregnant naturally decreases significantly. The chance of a woman getting pregnant each month at age 30 is about 20%, while at age 40, it’s only about 5%.

The risk of miscarriage also increases with age. Women over 35 have a higher risk of miscarriage than younger women. In addition, older women are at a higher risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

Treatment options for women over 35

If you’re over 35 and having difficulty getting pregnant, there are options available. One option is fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

IVF involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and then transferring the embryo to the uterus. While IVF can be successful, it can also be expensive and time-consuming.

An alternative option is intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, increasing the chances of fertilization. However, IUI is less successful than IVF and may require several attempts.

The impact of lifestyle factors on fertility

Lifestyle factors can also have a significant impact on fertility. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and being overweight can all negatively affect fertility. Women who smoke have a lower ovarian reserve than non-smokers.

Heavy drinkers may experience disruptions in their menstrual cycle, which can affect ovulation. Being overweight can also lead to hormonal imbalances, making it harder to get pregnant.

Fertility preservation

For women who want to delay starting a family, fertility preservation may be an option. Fertility preservation involves freezing eggs or embryos for future use.

This can help women who want to focus on their career or other life goals before starting a family. However, fertility preservation is expensive and not always covered by insurance.

The impact of age on men

While men’s fertility declines more gradually than women’s, age can still have an impact. As men get older, their sperm count and quality decrease.

This can make it harder to get pregnant, and there is a higher risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities.

Lifestyle factors and male fertility

Just like women, lifestyle factors can also affect male fertility. Smoking can reduce sperm count and motility, making it harder to conceive. Heavy alcohol consumption can also reduce sperm count and quality.

Being overweight or obese can also negatively affect male fertility.

Conclusion

While aging can have a significant impact on fertility for both men and women, there are options available. If you’re having difficulty conceiving, talk to your doctor about your options.

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight can also increase your chances of getting pregnant. Fertility preservation may also be an option if you’re considering delaying starting a family.