Yes—advancing age can significantly affect fertility, in both women and men. While age is just a number in many areas of life, when it comes to reproductive health, it plays a crucial role in the ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy.
Whether you’re planning to start a family soon or considering delaying parenthood, understanding how age impacts fertility can help you make informed decisions.
How Does Age Affect Female Fertility?
A woman is born with all the eggs she’ll ever have. As she ages, both the quantity and quality of her eggs decline—especially after age 35.
Key ways female fertility is affected by age:
- Decline in Egg Quantity (Ovarian Reserve):
The number of viable eggs decreases with age. This makes it harder to get pregnant naturally. - Reduced Egg Quality:
Older eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to miscarriage or failed implantation. - Higher Risk of Pregnancy Complications:
Advanced maternal age increases the risk of conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetic disorders (such as Down syndrome). - Irregular Ovulation:
Hormonal changes with age can lead to less frequent or less predictable ovulation, further complicating conception.
How Does Age Affect Male Fertility?
While men can produce sperm well into older age, sperm quality also declines over time.
Effects of age on male fertility include:
- Decreased Sperm Motility and Count
- Increased DNA Fragmentation in Sperm
- Longer Time to Conception
- Higher Risk of Genetic Mutations Passed to Offspring
These changes become more noticeable after age 40–45.
What Are the Options for Older Individuals or Couples?
If you’re concerned about age-related infertility, there are several options to explore:
- Fertility Evaluation – Testing ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and sperm quality can provide a clear picture.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) – IVF, ICSI, and egg/sperm donation can improve the chances of conception.
- Fertility Preservation – Egg or embryo freezing is a good option for those who wish to delay pregnancy.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices – Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking/alcohol, and managing stress can support fertility at any age.
Final Thoughts
While age is a natural factor in fertility, it doesn’t have to define your family planning journey. Thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, many individuals and couples are successfully conceiving later in life.