Fertility and Age: What Changes

As fertility technologies continue to advance, more people are choosing to conceive later in life. Many individuals are prioritizing their career and financial stability before starting their families, which makes family planning an increasingly important conversation. At the same time, fertility does naturally change with age. In this blog, we will look at what changes in women’s and men’s fertility with age, and when it may be helpful to reach out to a healthcare provider.

What Changes for Women

During women’s reproductive years, ovulation typically occurs on a monthly basis as part of the menstrual cycle. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released by the brain, and it signals follicles in the ovary to grow into a mature egg. Once the egg grows, it is released from the follicle; this is ovulation.

Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and unlike men, their bodies do not produce more gamete after birth. Therefore, egg quantity decreases with age, as does their quality, which can influence fertility. The ovaries gradually become less responsive to hormonal signals with age. You can think of this as the ovaries slowly transitioning after many years of activity. This stage is called the pre-menopause phase. A progressive decline in ovarian function typically begins in the late 40s, eventually leading to cessation of ovulation. Menopause is a point when a person has gone 12 months without a period, indicating the stopping of reproductive function.

What Changes for Men

Unlike women, men’s fertility does not decline as sharply with age. However, sperm characteristics such as count, morphology (shape), and motility (movement) can be affected over time. Many people still successfully father children later in life, with younger partners.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more common with age, and decreased sexual activity can lower the chance of conception. Additionally, the risk of certain genetic disorders increases with age. At Seattle Sperm Bank, our donors are age-restricted from 18 to 40 years old to prioritize reproductive outcomes and safety.

When To Check In With Providers

If you are trying to conceive, it is recommended to check in with your healthcare providers after 1 year of trying without success for people under 35, and after six months for people over 35. Individuals over 40 may benefit from seeking guidance even sooner.

A provider may recommend basic fertility evaluations such as hormone testing, ovulation tracking, and semen analysis to better understand potential barriers to conception. Depending on individuals’ circumstances and needs, they may discuss options such as timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Even if you are not actively trying to conceive, speaking with a provider about your reproductive goals can be helpful for future planning and overall health.

Conclusion

Fertility naturally changes with age, affecting the quality and quantity of eggs and sperm. While those changes can make conception more challenging, the fundamentals of conception and pregnancy remain the same. Understanding how fertility shifts over time can help individuals and couples make informed decisions about family planning and when to seek medical help. If you have questions or concerns about your fertility – whether you are planning for the near future or simply exploring options – consulting with a knowledgeable provider can be an empowering and supportive next step.