Couples preparing to start a family must comprehend the connection between age and fertility. Even while more individuals are postponing motherhood these days, age still has a significant effect on both natural conception and the success of reproductive procedures like IVF, particularly for women.

Here are some facts concerning female fertility decline, fertility beyond age 35, and what it actually implies for your family-building journey that research and IVF specialists want every couple to know.

Age and Fertility: The Science Behind the Numbers

Age-related decreases in fertility affect both men and women, but the impacts on women are more pronounced and predictable. Approximately 1 to 2 million eggs are present at birth in females, which decreases to 300,000 to 500,000 by puberty.

Over time, both this supply and the quality of eggs eventually diminish.

Peak fertility: Women have a 25–30% monthly probability of becoming pregnant when they are in their 20s to early 30s.
After age 35, fertility: Fertility starts to diminish about age 32, slowly and picks up speed after age 35. Pregnancy rates fall to roughly 5% per cycle by the age of 40, and they continue to decline precipitously into the 40s.
Quantity and quality of eggs: In addition to fewer eggs, the remaining eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which raises the chance of genetic diseases and miscarriage.

Beginning in their 40s, males also experience a loss in fertility, primarily in the quality of their sperm, but the effects are more diverse and often weaker than those experienced by women.

Female Fertility Decline: Why and When Does It Happen?

The steady decline in a woman’s egg production, both in quantity and quality, as she matures, is referred to as female fertility decline. This occurs due to a natural process known as atresia, in which the quality of the remaining pool declines and thousands of eggs are lost each year.

Before age 30: Women have about a 75% probability of becoming pregnant within a year before the age of thirty. For most, age has little effect.
Ages 32–35: The chance of getting pregnant each cycle begins to decline as the number and viability of eggs diminish.
Ages 35 to 40: A substantially greater decline occurs. Natural pregnancy and fertility interventions have far lower success rates after age 35.
After age 40: the chances of chromosomal issues, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications increase, and less than 10% of women become pregnant each month.

Other medical conditions, such as fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, or a history of ovarian surgery, can also accelerate the decline in fertility.

Fertility After 35: What Are the Real Odds?

The idea that IVF or fertility medications can “override” the biological clock is a frequent misperception. Even with assisted reproductive technologies, a woman’s age still significantly affects her chances of becoming pregnant, even though treatments can help.

IVF success rates by age:

Since egg quality is the limiting factor, an IVF doctor may suggest using younger women’s donated eggs as a viable option for older women.

You can also consult an expert at a trusted IVF clinic in Kolkata for personalized fertility guidance.

How Does Age Affect Men's Fertility?

Although men’s age and fertility problems are less severe, research indicates that men over 45 have a lower chance of becoming pregnant, a higher risk of miscarriage, and a higher chance of certain genetic and developmental defects in their offspring.

However, the age of the female spouse significantly influences the success rate of most couples.

What Should Couples Do?

1. Don't Put Off Assessment

See a fertility expert or IVF physician right away if you are over 35 and haven’t gotten pregnant within six months, or if you are over 40 before you begin trying. More choices are available with early evaluation. Start with a consultation at Dr. Biplab Deb’s Fertility Centre.

2. Recognize Egg Freezing

In their 20s or early 30s, when egg quality is still optimal, women who wish to postpone having children may consider freezing their eggs.

3. Consult an Expert

To help you make informed decisions, a fertility specialist can assess ovarian reserve using tests such as antral follicle count or AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone). If you’re exploring assisted reproduction, visit Dr. Biplab Deb’s IVF Treatment Centre in Kolkata.

4. Take Lifestyle Aspects into Account

You may maximize your fertility at any age by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating well, abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol, and addressing long-term health issues.

Final Thoughts

Although choosing whether to have children is a very personal decision, couples can plan with reasonable expectations if they are aware of how age impacts fertility. It is a biological fact, not a fiction, that female fertility declines after the age of 35.

For up-to-date, personalized advice, connect with a trusted IVF specialist at Dr. Biplab Deb’s Clinic. While modern medicine can help your journey, it cannot stop the clock.

Understanding the relationship between age and fertility enables you to make informed decisions for your family’s future.