It’s no secret that fertility decreases with age, but it’s also true that there is no specific timeline when it comes to the ability to conceive. According to the American College of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the peak reproductive years for a woman range between the late teens and late twenties. However, for many women, this age range doesn’t coincide with their goals and lifestyles. As a general rule of thumb, fertility begins to initially decline around the age of 32 and then continues to decline at a more rapid pace around the age of 37, but there are a lot of different factors that can impact a woman’s fertility. In the blog, we are focusing on how your fertility changes with age, and what options are available to you along your journey to conceive.
Eggs and Fertility
There are numerous elements that can affect fertility: some are medical, some are genetic, and some relate to certain lifestyle choices. While these elements can impact different parts of the reproductive system, many primarily affect the eggs. The eggs are imperative when it comes to fertility. In order to conceive naturally, the eggs need to be genetically normal, and you need to have enough of them stored in your ovaries. When women age, not only does their supply of viable eggs begin to dwindle, there is an increased chance of the eggs being subjected to damage over time. Just as it becomes more likely for people to face health complications with old age, the same is true for eggs.
The Fertility Timeline
As we previously mentioned, the peak reproductive years span from the late teens to late twenties, with fertility beginning to decline significantly around the mid-thirties. With all that being said, fertility doesn’t come to a complete halt when you reach the age of 35. If you do find yourself struggling to conceive, there are still many options available to you. When discussing fertility timelines, it’s important to note that every woman is different. Some women may be successful in conceiving naturally into their 30s, some women have trouble conceiving in their peak reproductive years.
Conceiving in Your 30s
It’s important to be aware of the fact that conceiving in your 30s carries an increased risk of miscarriages and a decreased likelihood of getting pregnant on your own. Still, you can put yourself in a better position to become pregnant by leading a healthy lifestyle. This includes losing weight if you are overweight, staying active, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking if you currently smoke. While infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after having regular unprotected sex for a year, those attempting to conceive in their thirties may need to add an additional step to this definition. Timing is everything, and this is definitely the case when you’re trying to become pregnant. In addition to having regular, unprotected sex, it’s also a good idea to have sex while you’re ovulating. Ovulation cycles can be identified by using ovulation sticks or apps that can measure your temperature. If these changes still do not result in pregnancy, one of the fertility specialists at Carolinas Fertility Institute may be able to help.
Talk to A Fertility Expert
If you have questions or concerns about fertility issues or about the relationship between age and fertility, reach out to Carolinas Fertility Institute today. We offer a wide variety of services, from fertility evaluations to In Vitro fertilization. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation by calling our Charlotte office at (844) 686-2233 or our office in the Triad at (336) 448-9100.