Fertility and Aging: What Every Man and Woman Should Know

August 7, 2024
1:46 pm

Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting chapter in many people’s lives, but it’s important to understand the crucial role that fertility plays in this narrative. Fertility, the ability to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby, is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricate dance of fertility and aging, shedding light on what both men and women should know to enhance their chances of conceiving.

Female Fertility and the Ticking Clock

For women, fertility is at its peak in the early 20s, gradually declining after the age of 30, and taking a more rapid descent after 35. By the age of 40, most women experience a significant decline in fertility¹. This decline is attributed to the diminishing quantity and quality of eggs. As women age, they naturally have fewer eggs, and the remaining ones are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to complications like miscarriage or birth defects.

The Complex Interplay of Male Fertility

While male fertility is less directly affected by age compared to females², it’s not immune to the passage of time. Sperm quality and quantity decline with age, impacting male fertility. Moreover, older men are more likely to grapple with medical conditions that can affect fertility, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low testosterone levels³.

The Influence of Lifestyle Factors

Beyond age, lifestyle choices significantly shape fertility for both men and women. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels can all act as adversaries to reproductive health. Conversely, adopting a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, consuming a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances can act as a proactive measure to improve fertility and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Improving Chances of Conceiving

If you’re considering starting a family or are currently on that journey, there are proactive steps you can take to enhance your chances of conceiving:

Start trying early: Time is of the essence, especially for women over the age of 35.
Preconception check-up: A visit to the doctor can identify potential fertility issues and create a plan to address them.
Healthy lifestyle choices: Eating well, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight positively impact fertility⁴.
Avoid harmful habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage sperm and eggs, reducing fertility.

Seeking Help If Needed

If you find yourselves facing challenges in conceiving, it’s crucial to seek assistance. After a year of unsuccessful attempts, consulting with a fertility specialist is recommended. Fertility treatments, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to advanced procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be tailored to your specific medical history and fertility goals.

Understanding the dynamics of fertility and aging empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions on their journey to parenthood. Whether you’re at the beginning of your family planning or facing challenges, taking proactive steps and seeking professional guidance ensures that you’re equipped to navigate the complexities of fertility with confidence and resilience. Check your fertility status by filling out our questionnaire and embrace the possibilities of this transformative journey.

References ^[1] Äimälä, A-M. (2021) Age and fertility. Teoksessa Tuomi, J. (toim.) Preconception health and care -Handbook for education. Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulun julkaisuja, sarja B, raportteja 135, s.37 – 53. ^[2] Harris ID, Fronczak C, Roth L, Meacham RB. Fertility and the aging male. Rev Urol. 2011;13(4):e184-90. PMID: 22232567; PMCID: PMC3253726. ^[3]How Male Fertility Changes With Age. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/health/mens-health/male-fertility-by-age/
⁴Sharma R, Biedenharn KR, Fedor JM, Agarwal A. Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2013 Jul 16;11:66. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-66. PMID: 23870423; PMCID: PMC3717046.
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