Unfortunately, the “biological clock” is a real thing. With certainty, we know that female fertility begins to decline after age 30, and more aggressively after age 37.
When this happens, the chances of conception decreases, while the chances of infertility and/or miscarriage increases.
AGE & INFERTILITY
A key point to keep in mind when it comes to age and fertility is that your ovarian reserve, or egg supply, declines as you age.
A declining ovarian reserve means that it becomes harder to conceive over time. Unfortunately, just as egg quantity declines over time, so does egg quality.
QUICK FACTS
Egg Quantity
- Individuals with ovaries are born with 2 million eggs
- By puberty, that number declines to 400,000
- By age 30 — 100,000 eggs
- By age 45-55 — close to zero
Egg Quality
- Egg providers age 40+ experience a higher rate of miscarriage
- Egg providers age 40+ experience a higher rate of embryo abnormalities.
- Genetic testing (PGS and PGD) is an effective way to eliminate abnormalities
WHEN TO SEE A FERTILITY DOCTOR
- Individuals under age 35 should meet with a fertility expert after one year of actively trying to conceive (TTC)
- Individuals age 35-39 should meet with a fertility expert after 6 months TTC
- Individuals 40+ should meet with a fertility expert ASAP
- Donor egg IVF offers individuals 40+ the highest chance of a successful pregnancy
YOUR FIRST STEP
Whether you would like to schedule a consultation with a fertility doctor or just need some basic advice, don’t hesitate to call or email us!
