The Impact of Age on Fertility: Understanding the Biological Clock
October 27, 2023
As couples embark on their journey to conceive, they often encounter various challenges along the way. One significant factor that can affect fertility is age, particularly for women. Understanding the impact of age on fertility and the concept of the biological clock is crucial for individuals seeking to start a family. Out here, we will explore how age affects fertility, discuss why timely fertility treatments are essential and provide support for those facing these challenges.
How does age affect fertility?
- From a biological standpoint, women are born with a finite number of eggs that gradually decline over time. As women age, their egg quality decreases, making it harder to conceive naturally. This decline in egg quality also increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages.
- For men, while there is no definitive end to sperm production like women have with menopause, studies suggest that advanced paternal age may result in a higher risk of genetic disorders and certain health conditions in offspring.
Understanding the Biological Clock
The term 'biological clock' refers to the natural decline in fertility that occurs as individuals age. Women experience a more pronounced effect due to their limited number of eggs. While every woman's biological clock is unique, it's generally believed that female fertility starts to decline after the age of 35 and significantly decreases after 40.
The biological clock can be a source of frustration and anxiety for individuals trying to conceive later in life. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support from fertility specialists.
Why are timely fertility treatments essential?
- Seeking timely fertility treatments can make a significant difference for couples facing age-related fertility challenges. Treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) can help individuals overcome age-related fertility issues and increase their chances of achieving pregnancy.
- In the IUI procedure, a prepared sperm is directly placed into the uterus, optimising the chances of fertilisation. IVF procedure involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory and transferring the resulting embryos back into the uterus.
- Both the IUI treatment and IVF procedure have proven successful in helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood, even in cases where age-related factors may hinder natural conception.
At Apollo Fertility, we understand the emotional toll that fertility struggles can take. Our experienced team of fertility doctors and specialists provide comprehensive care and support throughout your fertility journey. We offer a balanced approach by evaluating and offering treatment options for female as well as male infertility.
While there are no guarantees, certain lifestyle changes may improve fertility. Maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress levels, and following a fertility diet can positively impact fertility.
Advanced parental age carries an increased risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring. Genetic counselling and prenatal testing can help assess these risks and provide guidance during pregnancy.
Fertility treatments like IVF or IUI can help overcome age-related fertility decline to a certain extent. However, success rates may vary depending on individual circumstances and factors such as the quality of eggs or sperm.
