Understanding the Impact of Age on Fertility
Age plays a crucial role in both male and female fertility. As individuals grow older, their reproductive health changes, affecting the chances of conception and pregnancy success. While modern medical advancements have made fertility treatments more accessible, natural fertility declines with age.
At Samrudh Fertility and Urology Centre in Bangalore, Dr. Indu Madhusudan provides expert fertility solutions, helping couples navigate age-related fertility challenges and achieve their dream of parenthood.
Female Fertility and Age
1. Decline in Egg Count and Quality
- Women are born with a fixed number of eggs (1-2 million at birth).
- By puberty, this reduces to around 300,000–400,000 eggs.
- After age 35, the quantity and quality of eggs decline rapidly, reducing conception chances.
2. Increased Risk of Chromosomal Abnormalities
- With age, eggs may develop genetic abnormalities, increasing the risk of conditions like Down syndrome.
- This also raises the likelihood of miscarriages and failed pregnancies.
3. Higher Risk of Pregnancy Complications
- Older women face a greater risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature birth.
- The chances of needing a C-section delivery also increase.
4. Reduced Ovarian Reserve and Menopause
- Ovarian reserve (the number of healthy eggs) declines significantly after age 40.
- By menopause (typically around 50 years), natural conception is no longer possible.
Male Fertility and Age
1. Decrease in Sperm Quality
- While men produce sperm throughout life, sperm quality declines after age 40.
- Sperm motility (movement) and morphology (shape) are affected, reducing fertility.
2. Higher Risk of Genetic Mutations
- Aging sperm may carry more DNA mutations, increasing risks of autism, schizophrenia, and genetic disordersin offspring.
3. Reduced Testosterone Levels
- After age 30, testosterone levels drop by about 1% per year.
- Low testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction, low libido, and reduced sperm production.
4. Increased Time to Conception
- Older men take longer to conceive, even with a younger partner.
- A man over 45 has a higher chance of infertility and miscarriage in his partner.
How to Improve Fertility at an Older Age?
✅ Healthy Diet: Eat a fertility-boosting diet rich in antioxidants, folic acid, and vitamins.
✅ Regular Exercise:Maintain a healthy weight to support hormone balance.
✅ Reduce Stress: Practice yoga, meditation, or counseling.
✅ Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These habits damage eggs and sperm.
✅ Consider Fertility Treatments: Options like IVF, ICSI, and egg/sperm freezing can help.
✅ Regular Health Check-ups: Monitor reproductive hormone levels.
When to Seek Medical Help?
- Women over 35 trying to conceive for more than 6 months.
- Women under 35 trying for over a year without success.
- Men over 40 with low sperm count or erectile issues.
- History of miscarriages, irregular cycles, or genetic conditions.
At Samrudh Fertility and Urology Centre, Dr. Indu Madhusudan provides personalized fertility assessments and advanced treatments to help couples overcome age-related fertility concerns.
Conclusion
While age significantly affects fertility, early planning, a healthy lifestyle, and expert fertility guidance can improve the chances of conception. If you’re concerned about age-related fertility issues, consult Dr. Indu Madhusudan at Samrudh Fertility and Urology Centre in Bangalore for personalized solutions.
