Is age a factor for infertility?

Infertility is a problem that relatively few women suffer from in comparison to the overall population. However, when it does occur, the condition may be a result of the spouse, environmental conditions or internal conditions of the hopeful mother. Infertility stems from a variety of reasons and each couple having trouble conceiving should immediately consult their respective physicians. In some instances, infertility is not the root cause of a failure to conceive, only the methodology in family planning. But couples wanting to start a family should be aware of some of the facts associated with infertility and age.

Infertility and Age

In her 20′s, a woman’s chance of conceiving ranges between 20 and 25 percent each month. This is directly in relation to her relatively high number of eggs. Though by the age of 27 the average egg count has dropped by 90 percent from the time she is born, 10 percent remain. And 10 percent is absolutely enough to become pregnant during her 20′s with a healthy baby. However, even the most healthy of women must take prenatal vitamins:

It is important for all women contemplating pregnancy to start prenatal vitamins at least one month prior to starting to try to become pregnant since there is evidence that extra folic acid prior to pregnancy decrease the incidence of certain types of birth defects.–Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine

However, women in their 20′s unable to conceive after 12 months may be suffering from some form of infertility and should seek the advice of her physician.

In her early 30′s, a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant drops from between 20 percent and 25 percent to approximately 15 percent monthly. This drop in percentage is a natural result of aging. As a woman ages, she produces less viable eggs each fertility cycle, hence driving up infertility as less eggs are available for sperm to reach. Extra omega 3 fatty acid supplements are also recommended by the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine.

In her late 30′s–those over 35 years of age–a woman’s chance of getting pregnant falls yet again to just 10 percent per month. Both women in their early and late 30′s unable to become pregnant after 6 months of trying might have an infertility problem.

By her 40′s, a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant per month falls to just 5 percent from 10 percent. Women in their 40′s trying to become pregnant should seek medical advice from their doctor after 3 months of trying but not succeeding in becoming pregnant.

Age and Miscarriage

With age comes a greater risk of normal infertility cycles or low fertility cycles as less viable eggs are produced. But also with age comes a greater risk of miscarriage after conceiving. As with dwindling egg and success rates during aging, conversely, miscarriage rates rise. These may or may not be the after effects of infertility treatment.

In their 20′s, miscarriage rates are just 5 percent to 10 percent. Women in their early 30′s have a miscarriage rate of about 20 percent. Women between 35 and 40 years of age have a 25 percent miscarriage rate. The rate increases to 33 percent among women in the 40′s.

This explains why family planning and knowing when to have intercourse is so vital to not wasting valuable time.