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Age and Fertility: Everything You should Know

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Age and fertility have a very close and vital connection. If you are planning to put off having a baby till you are older, you need to keep certain points in mind.

Contents

How does age affect a woman's fertility?
How does age affect a man's fertility?
What can I do to ensure I have a healthy late pregnancy?

Medical evidence shows that as women get older, it becomes more difficult to become pregnant and the risk of miscarriage increases. Men’s fertility also decreases with age, though to a lesser extent.

The relevance of Age and Fertility today

In current times, age-related fertility complications are becoming more common, as more and more women are waiting until their 30s to start a family. Even though women today are healthier, more aware, and taking better care of themselves than before, improved health at a higher age does not counteract the natural age-related decline in fertility.

How does age affect a woman's fertility?

In normal cases, a woman’s fertility declines with age, particularly after the age of 35 because both the quantity and quality of eggs gets lower.

An egg travels from your ovaries to your womb every month from puberty to menopause. Although it appears that your body is making a new egg every month, this is not the case. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, which are stored in the ovaries. As you get older, your eggs get older as well.

In her early to mid-20s, a woman has a 25 to 30 percent chance of getting pregnant. Female fertility usually starts to decline as the woman enters her early 30s, and the decline is accelerated after the age of 35. By age 40, the chance of getting pregnant is around 5 percent.

It is true that many women over the ideal childbearing age do have healthy pregnancies and babies. However, complications in pregnancy such as miscarriage can also increase with age.

How does age affect a man's fertility?

A man’s ability to have a baby also declines with age, though not as much as that of a woman. If the male is over 40, it can be harder for the woman to get pregnant, especially if she is also over 40.

Specific changes in fertility and sexual functioning occur in men as they grow older, though they are normally not as marked or noticeable as the changes in women. Some reasons why older men may have lower chances of pregnancy are declined sex drive, deteriorating sperm quality, and lower levels of male sex hormones.

Increasing male age decreases the woman’s chances of pregnancy. There is also in increased risk of miscarriage and foetal death. Some studies show that children of older fathers could have a greater risk of mental health problems.

What can I do to ensure I have a healthy late pregnancy?

The most important thing to ensure if you are planning to have a baby at any age is to make sure you are healthy before you get pregnant. This is especially relevant if you are planning a late pregnancy. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure your body is in the best condition it can be in readiness for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Maintain a healthy BMI

2. Take folic acid for at least 2-3 months before conception

3. Engage in regular physical activity

4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet

5. Stop smoking

6. Cut caffeine down to under 200mg a day

7. Avoid alcohol

If you choose to delay pregnancy until after the age of 35, make sure you are fully updated with the information about appropriate testing and treatment as well as your chances of success with infertility therapy. By being aware of all your options, you and your partner will be better prepared to make the best decisions regarding your planned pregnancy.

Explore More Articles on Fertility

Causes of Infertility in Men & Women

Top Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Fertility

Ovulation and Your Fertility Window

Impact of Sleep on Fertility

Sperm Health & Fertility: Everything You Need to Know

The Impact of Stress on Fertility

How Do You Get Pregnant?

Lifestyle Choices & Infertility: What You should Know

Exercise & Fertility: Is There a Link?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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