When we start the discussion of fertility, there are many myths and facts that have made most individuals confused especially with the matter of age. Are you among those individuals who are facing this issue related to age and fertility because of uncleared points related to fertility, don’t stress, we are here to answer every question that is common among couples who are facing difficulty in planning about building their family further. Continue reading clear all your doubts and make the correct decision related to starting your family.
Myths and Facts Clearing fertility Issue:
Various myths and facts that should be known by the couples related to fertility and reproductive systems and mentioned below. Get the correct information related to fertility facts and clear the doubts of every individual with whom you communicate.
Myth 1: Women are infertile after 35.
Fact: This is one of the common myths that is usually discussed among individuals when they say that women are infertile after 35 but it is not completely true. According to medical diagnosis, it is seen that women start losing their fertility rate when they reach their 30s but it is not that they completely become infertile. It is observed that there are still women who become pregnant in their 30s and 40s. This information is gathered by going through the report of ASRM, where the age and chances of getting pregnant per month are mentioned. Below is the information to be more specific about the age and fertility of women:
| Age | Chance of getting pregnant per month |
| 30 | 20% |
| 35 | 15% |
| 40 | 5% |
These statistics may sound alarming but does mean that women are infertile after 35. Most women are pregnant in their 30s and 40s by choice and with modern fertility treatments the preconception age isn’t quite as relevant.
Myth 2: Men’s fertility doesn’t decline with age
Fact: Another myth that is becoming quite common nowadays is related to men’s fertility which states that men’s fertility is consistent and there is no declination in the fertility of the men. Sure, men can father children at older ages than women but men do start to suffer from fertility issues when they reach a certain age.
The ASRM(American Society of Reproductive Medicine) says the average man’s fertility begins to drop around age 40 and plunges after age 50. The blame lies in a decline in sperm quantity and quality, and an increase in DNA damage.
A study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that men over 40 were more likely to experience:
- Failure to develop normally
- Reduced sperm count and motility
- Increased DNA damage
- Fewer success rates with IVF
While women’s fertility loss rates are much more dramatic than those for men, men’s fertility decline should still be part of the equation if you’re trying to get pregnant.
Myth 3: Age only affects women’s fertility
Fact: It’s a common misconception that only women’s fertility is affected by age. Although age can reduce fertility in both men and women, as can the health of the pregnancy, age does not have to be a challenge in your quest for a baby.
Advanced paternal age (APA) has been linked to an increased risk of:
- Birth defects
- Genetic mutations
- Autism and schizophrenia
Similarly, advanced maternal age (AMA) has been linked to an increased risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Down syndrome, Chromosomal abnormalities
- Gestational diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy
Myth 4: Fertility treatments can help you fully overcome infertility
Fact: There are many treatments introduced to help people who are facing difficulty in conceiving and have given successful results but the results are not guaranteed. After seeing the successful results there was a myth that has become common in society which mentions that these fertility treatments can help you fully overcome infertility.
Fertility treatments are highly effective but cannot completely counteract the effects of age-related decline:
- IVF Success Rates: Women under 35 have a 40-50% chance of success per IVF cycle, and women over 40 typically have 5-15% success.
- Egg Freezing: Freezing eggs at a younger age (early 20s or early 30s) have better odds of a newborn than women freezing eggs after 35.
But for women over 40, options like egg donation improve success rates greatly, since the eggs are unharmed in any way from age.
Facts To be taken care for maintaining fertility:
1. Lifestyle can affect fertility at any age.
Age plays a role in fertility, but lifestyle factors can, too. Factors such as:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption above the limit recommended for healthy persons
- Examples of poor diet and exercise habits
- Stress
No matter the age, it can reduce fertility in people of both sexes.
2. Fertility Optimization at Any Age1.
While age affects fertility, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of conceiving:
- Know Your Fertility Window: So, track ovulation with basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits or cycle monitoring.
- Adopt a Healthy LifestyleA good eating plan is a nutrient-rich one filled with antioxidants, good fats and folic acid.
- Keep a healthy weight because being underweight or overweight affects hormone levels.
- Stop smoking, excessive alcohol and environmental toxins.
- Manage Stress
- Chronic stress can also derail just the hormonal balance and ovulation. Add stress reducers including yoga or meditation.
- Think Fertility Preservation: For those who are not ready for parenthood, egg or sperm freezing is great!
- Seek Early Evaluation: If women are over 35 or have been trying to get pregnant for longer than six months, they should talk to a fertility specialist.
Conclusion
At last, we can conclude by clearing that age is an important factor in fertility, but it’s not the only factor that is responsible for affecting fertility. Lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and fertility treatments can all play a role in determining fertility. By understanding the facts and myths surrounding age and fertility, individuals and couples can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.