By Dr. Shalini Singh (Consultant Fertility, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children)

Conception is a complex process influenced by age, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Understanding how age affects fertility is crucial for those considering starting or expanding their family. According to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, publication titled ‘Women and Men in India 2023’ – It is evident that from 2016 to 2020, Age Specific Fertility Rate in the age group of 20-24 and 25-29 has reduced from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6 respectively. The ASFR (Age-Specific Fertility Rate) for the age 35-39 for the above period has increased from 32.7 to 35.6 which shows the demand for fertility later in life. This trend encourages a review of male and female fertility with age, factors to be considered and possible options to ensure a healthy offspring at an elder age.

This article explores the impact of age on fertility in men and women, the reasons behind these changes, and ways to enhance reproductive health.

How Age Impacts Fertility in Women and Men

Age significantly affects fertility in both genders, with more pronounced effects in women. Understanding these changes is crucial for those trying to conceive, as fertility gradually declines with age, though the patterns differ.

Female Fertility and Age: Women’s fertility is primarily determined by the number and quality of eggs, which decrease with age. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which slowly diminish with age. Fertility starts to decline after age 30, with a sharper drop after 35, leading to lower conception chances and increased risks of miscarriage and Aneuploidies.  Indian women by age 40, experience significant reduction in fertility due to fewer and poorer-quality eggs, along with changes in uterus and associated medical comorbidities.

Male Fertility and Age: Men experience a more gradual decline in fertility with age. While sperm count may decrease, it typically remains sufficient for conception. Additionally, poor lifestyle, Obesity, Diabetes can affect sex drive and sperm production.

The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Fertility

 Lifestyle choices significantly affect fertility at any age. Key factors include:

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential. Women should prioritize folic acid and antioxidants, while men need zinc and vitamin C for sperm health. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol and caffeine are also crucial.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise promotes a healthy weight and overall well-being, especially in women. A balanced routine is important.

Stress management: stress in any form physical mental emotional can affect your chances of conceiving.

Smoking and Drinking: Both smoking and heavy drinking negatively impact fertility. Smoking reduces egg quality in women and sperm count in men, while alcohol can disrupt ovulation and sperm movement.

Environmental Toxins: Exposure to harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals can affect fertility. Minimizing contact with these toxins is vital, particularly for women trying to conceive.

Delayed Parenthood

Many couples are choosing to delay having children for personal, educational, and career reasons, aided by advancements in fertility options like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing. While these technologies offer flexibility,Fertility Options, IVF and egg freezing allow women to preserve their eggs at a younger age, potentially increasing future  pregnancy success rates. However, the effectiveness of these methods declines significantly as a woman ages. So informed decision making and timely intervention may help you reap the benefits of technology in a better way. It cannot be emphasised more that age is very important factor in IVF success rate also.

Maximizing Fertility at Any Age

 Age impacts fertility, but you can enhance reproductive health by:  life style changes, taking charge of your mental and physical health, regularly taking your supplements.  Women over 30 should consult a fertility expert for early tests on egg count and ovarian health. IVF can help reduce time taken to pregnancy if natural methods don’t work.

Women who want to delay motherhood can explore egg freezing to safeguard future fertility. Adopting Healthy Habits Eating well, avoiding harmful substances, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can boost fertility.

Conclusion

Age significantly impacts fertility, but it isn’t the sole factor in conceiving. Advances in reproductive medicine and lifestyle changes enable many to have children later in life. It’s crucial to understand the biological aspects of age and fertility and make informed choices based on your situation. Regardless of whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or older, actively caring for your reproductive health is vital for a successful fertility journey.