“Fertility is a crucial aspect of family planning, and it changes significantly as men and women age. Understanding how age impacts the chances of conception can help individuals make informed decisions about when to start their family.
In your 20s, fertility is at its peak for both men and women. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and in their 20s, these eggs are at their healthiest. The chances of conceiving within a year of trying are about 25-30% per cycle. Men’s sperm count and quality also tend to be at their best during this time. For most people, the 20s offer the highest likelihood of natural conception.
In your 30s, fertility begins to decline. By the age of 35, a woman’s chances of getting pregnant each cycle drop to around 15-20%, and the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities increases. Men may also experience a gradual decline in sperm quality. Although many couples conceive naturally in their 30s, others may require fertility assistance as the biological clock ticks on.
In your 40s, fertility declines sharply. By age 40, a woman’s chances of conception drop to about 5% per cycle. The quality and quantity of eggs are significantly reduced, and risks of complications rise. While men can still father children later in life, sperm quality also diminishes, making conception more challenging. Fertility treatments such as IVF can help, but success rates are lower in this age group.
Talking about the same, Dr. Sugata Mishra, IVF Specialist, Birla Fertility and IVF Kolkata said, “”Fertility declines naturally with age, especially for women. In your 20s, fertility is at its peak, with a high likelihood of conception. In your 30s, the chances start to decrease, particularly after age 35, when fertility drops significantly. By the 40s, both egg quality and quantity decline sharply, reducing the odds of conception to about 5% per cycle. Men also experience a gradual decline in sperm quality as they age. Early planning can help mitigate age-related fertility issues.””
Understanding how fertility changes with age empowers individuals to make proactive choices about their reproductive health.”
Fertility Specialist on Fertility in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s: How the Chances of Conception Change
