Age is the single most important factor in determining your chance of getting pregnant. The relationship of age and fertility can be explained in the chart here. It shows you the chance of getting pregnant each month. It is used as a guide only.
How Does Your Age Affect Fertility?
- As a woman, you are most fertile in your early 20’s.
- It is a gentle decline after that.
- By the age of 35, the chance of pregnancy per month is halved.
- From then on your fertility starts to decline more rapidly.
- By the age of 40, it drops to about 20%.
- After that, it dramatically declines until the age of 50.
Why Does Your Fertility Decline With Age?
- The number of eggs in the ovaries declines with age.
- There is a higher chance of blockages of the fallopian tubes due to infection, which can then turn into a pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Hormonal imbalance that may occur as we age can affect the ovulation process.
- Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids and premature menopause are common conditions that can make it harder for you to conceive as these conditions gain momentum over time.
- As you get older, your partner is also getting older. Although age affects a man’s fertility less dramatically, sperm disorders do increase with age. So make sure you consider the male factor, too.
What Can You Do About It?
- Plan early, preferably before the age of 35.
- Eat well, exercise and rest appropriate for 3 to 4 months before you try conceiving. Check out our Blog on How To Increase Your Chance of Getting Pregnant.
- Get blood tests and semen analysis from your doctor to get a diagnosis of your reproductive health.
- Seek fertility acupuncture/Chinese medicine as they have been tried and tested as holistic and natural therapies.
When Do You Need To Seek Help?
- If you are under 35 years of age and have not been able to fall pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse.
- If you are over 35 and have not been able to conceive after 6 months of trying.
- If you are over 40 and have not been successful conceiving after 3 months of trying.
You Might Be Also Interested In
- Getting pregnant over 35
- Top foods to increase fertility
- The benefit of acupuncture for fertility
- How to increase your chance of getting pregnant
- When is the best time to get pregnant
- Stress affects fertility
- 7 ways of boosting male fertility
- Causes of male infertility
How does a man’s age affect fertility? Find out in our next Blog. Feel free to leave a comment or contact us on 0404 017 477 Roseville NSW, Australia.
The Author 
Jaime Kerr is a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner with over 18 years of experience. Her special interest is in fertility/pregnancy support and pain management. Her gentle approach towards healing using acupuncture and Chinese medicine makes you feel safe and empowered. To contact her please call 0404 017 477 Roseville, NSW, Australia.
