Why Does Fertility Decline With Age

When it comes to fertility or having a conception, your age is a crucial player. After having puberty, you are highly fertile in your 20s. At or after 30 years of your age, a decline in your fertility starts. And by the age of 35, you have a sharp fall in your fertility and having a conception naturally at 45 is almost impossible. As per experts at the best IVF centre in India, your fertility declines with your age due to the following issues:

Poor ovarian reserve

As a female, you are born with a fixed number of eggs in your ovaries. With your age, the number of eggs goes down. It sees a significant fall as you turn 35.

Miscarriage

There are numerous studies stating the decline in female fertility with her age. Keeping the age in mind, researchers at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists conducted a study based on the clinical and scientific data available by 2014. As per their findings, 74% of females below 31 had pregnancy, 62% of females between 31 and 35 had the similar experience, and only 35% of females above 35 achieved pregnancy. The study also found a constant rise of miscarriages in women above 35.

Women trying to conceive through medical intervention have a higher success rate when they are younger and the success rate goes down in older women, especially the females who are above 35.

Cervical mucus

Some experts believe in the cohesion loss theory for fertility decline in females with age. In older women, cervical mucus is not smooth. Due to a lack of smoothness, a male’s sperm ejaculated through the penis during sexual intercourse does not swim well toward the uterus from the vagina. And as a result, a female partner doesn’t conceive.

Tubal blockage or damage

In older women, there is a higher risk of tubal blockage. This blockage happens due to scar tissue or infection in the fallopian tubes. Any damage or blockage works as a barrier and stops sperm from meeting to egg. Opening the tubes through surgery or IUI can help females with blocked tubes get pregnant.

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Menopause

Menopause is a stage in which a female has no menstrual periods. It happens to older women, especially the ones who have crossed 35 or are between the ages of 35 and 40. No menstrual periods mean no ovulation and egg release that are crucial for a woman to conceive. It means menopause is the end of reproductive age for a female.

Egg quality

Apart from the decline in the number of eggs, egg quality also goes down in older women. If you are above 35, you may not have healthy eggs in your ovaries. Further, either of your ovaries may not release a mature egg during ovulation in the middle of your menstrual cycle. An unhealthy egg is prone to have chromosomal issues and low fertilisation rate. As a result, you may not conceive even having unprotected sex at the right time.  

Conclusion

Your age is highly crucial for your fertility. With age, your fertility declines due to several reasons. Poor ovarian reserve, menopause, poor egg health, and tubal bolackage are a few to name. However, you can conceive through IVF, ICSI, and IUI if you want to become a mother in later part of your life, above 35 but not after 45.