As women age, their fertility naturally declines. The chances of getting pregnant decrease slowly in their late 20s and early 30s and then rapidly after the age of 35. However, factors other than age can also impact the chances of pregnancy.
In this article, we will discuss when the chances of pregnancy start to decline.
How age affects fertility?
Age is a major factor affecting fertility. Women are born with a fixed number of eggs in their ovaries. These eggs mature, and during a woman’s menstrual cycle, one is released into the fallopian tube each month.
As women age, the number of eggs decreases and the quality of the remaining eggs declines, leading to a decrease in fertility.
Women in their late 20s have a chance of 20% to get pregnant in a given cycle. This chance gradually declines to 5% at the age of 40. It is also important to note that the chance of having a miscarriage increases with age.
Other factors affecting fertility
Age is not the only factor affecting fertility. A woman’s fertility can also be influenced by:.
1. Lifestyle factors:
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use all negatively affect fertility. Being overweight or underweight can also make it more difficult to conceive.
2. Hormonal imbalances:
Disorders that lead to hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders, can prevent ovulation and decrease fertility.
3. Medical conditions:
Some medical conditions, such as endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes, can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive.
4. Medications:
Some medications, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can affect fertility. Other medications, such as hormonal birth control, can temporarily prevent pregnancy.
Related Article
At what age does the likelihood of pregnancy decrease?
When to seek help
It is important to see a doctor if you have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success. Women over the age of 35 should see a doctor after six months of trying.
A doctor can assess the fertility of both partners and recommend treatment options if necessary.
Treatment options
There are several options available for couples struggling with infertility:.
1. Fertility medications:
Medications such as Clomid can help women ovulate regularly, increasing their chances of getting pregnant.
2. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART):
ART includes procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory and then implanted in the uterus.
Other ART methods include intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).
3. Donor eggs or sperm:
If a woman’s own eggs are of poor quality, she may choose to use donor eggs. If a man has low sperm count or poor sperm motility, donated sperm may be an option.
4. Surrogacy:
If a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy for medical reasons, a surrogate can carry the pregnancy for her.
Conclusion
The chances of getting pregnant start to decline gradually in the late 20s and early 30s and more rapidly after the age of 35. However, factors other than age, such as lifestyle and medical conditions, can also affect fertility.
It is important to seek medical help if you have been trying to conceive without success for more than a year. Treatment options are available, including fertility medications, assisted reproductive technologies, and surrogacy.
