What Affects Fertility Most?
At Novalynn Fertility, we understand that navigating the world of fertility can be complex and overwhelming. Several factors influence a person's ability to conceive, from lifestyle choices to underlying medical conditions. However, when it comes to the single most important factor affecting fertility, especially for women, the answer is clear: age.
Leading fertility specialists consistently emphasize the profound impact of age on reproductive potential. While factors like diet, exercise, and overall health do play a role, they don't override the biological reality of aging eggs.
Why Age is Paramount for Female Fertility
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have in their lifetime, and these eggs age along with them. As a woman gets older, both the quantity and quality of her eggs decline.
Egg Quantity (Ovarian Reserve): The number of eggs a woman has naturally diminishes over time. This decline accelerates significantly after the mid-30s.
Egg Quality: Even more crucial than quantity is egg quality. Older eggs are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to difficulty conceiving, increased risk of miscarriage, and higher chances of genetic conditions in a baby.
The Better Health Channel, an Australian government resource, states directly that "Age is the single most important factor affecting a woman's fertility." They note that a woman in her early to mid-20s has a 25-30% chance of getting pregnant each month, but by age 40, this chance drops to around 5% per cycle.
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a fertility specialist in Texas, also states on her blog that egg quality is better when younger, and so if given the opportunity to freeze your eggs at 30 years versus at 37 years, earlier will always be better.
She goes on to say, that even with IVF, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy is compromised by age, “After the age of 30 years, the probability for ongoing pregnancy decreases by about 1.5% per year. In addition, miscarriage rates (largely due to genetic abnormalities) even with IVF cycles increases with age. Miscarriage rates are 15% in women under 35 years, 25% in women at age 40 years, and more than 70% in women over 44 years of age.”
Male Fertility and Age
While the impact of age is more pronounced and widely discussed for women, it's important to acknowledge that male fertility also declines with age, though typically at a slower and more subtle rate. Studies show that male age over 45 can increase the time it takes for a partner to conceive, and may also be associated with higher risks of miscarriage and certain developmental disorders in offspring.
Beyond Age: Other Influential Factors
While age stands as the primary determinant, other factors can significantly influence fertility for both men and women:
Medical Conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, or issues like varicoceles in men can impact fertility.
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, extreme weight (both underweight and overweight), and high stress levels can negatively affect reproductive health.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals can also play a role.
Hormonal Imbalances: Proper hormonal balance is crucial for healthy reproductive function in both sexes.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Untreated STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, or affect sperm production and function in men.
Taking Control of Your Fertility Journey
Understanding the most important factor affecting fertility empowers you to make informed decisions about your family planning. While we cannot stop the biological clock, early awareness can open up various options.
At Novalynn Fertility, we believe that knowledge is power. Our fertility test kits are designed to provide you with valuable insights into your reproductive health from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're curious about your ovarian reserve with our exclusive AMH and Vitamin D At-Home Test Kit, or looking for a more comprehensive picture with our Comprehensive Women's Fertility At-Home Test Kit, Novalynn Fertility is here to support your journey. Get tested today and take the first step towards understanding your fertile potential.