Fertility is closely linked to age. Understanding how reproductive capacity changes over time is key to making informed decisions about when to try for a pregnancy or consider assisted reproduction options. At Clínica Fertia, we approach every case individually, taking into account each person’s biological stage.
Female fertility by age
Female fertility is highest between the ages of 20 and 30. From age 35 onward, there is a sharper decline in ovarian reserve and egg quality, factors that directly influence the chances of pregnancy.
Key stages in female fertility
- Before age 30: the probability of natural pregnancy per cycle is approximately 25-30%.
- Between 30 and 35: ovarian reserve is usually good, although fertility begins to decline gradually.
- Between 35 and 40: egg quality declines more rapidly and the risk of miscarriage increases.
- After 40: the natural pregnancy rate is usually below 10% per cycle. At this stage, many women turn to treatments such as IVF or egg donation.
Male fertility: does age matter too?
Although the impact is more gradual, male age also affects fertility. Over the years, changes can be observed in semen quality, such as a decrease in ejaculate volume or sperm motility.
Main age-related changes in men
- Up to age 40: most men retain good fertility.
- From age 40: changes may appear in sperm motility and morphology.
- After age 50: a higher risk of genetic abnormalities in embryos has been associated with this age group.
Although men can conceive at more advanced ages, age should also be taken into account in reproductive planning.
When should you consult a fertility clinic?
Knowing when to seek help can make all the difference. Here are the general recommendations by age:
- 20 to 30 years: if you’re not trying to conceive right away, it may be worth considering fertility preservation.
- 30 to 35 years: if there’s no pregnancy after 12 months of trying, a medical evaluation is recommended.
- 35 to 40 years: it’s advisable to seek consultation after 6 months of trying without success.
- Over 40 years: ideally, you should go directly to a specialized center to consider options such as IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) or egg donation.
Options if fertility is compromised
When age starts to affect fertility, there are effective assisted reproduction treatments that can help you achieve pregnancy:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): especially indicated for women over 35 or with low ovarian reserve.
- Egg donation: a safe and effective option for women with low-quality eggs or advanced age.
- Fertility preservation: freezing eggs, or egg vitrification, at a younger age to use them later.
- Artificial insemination (AI): useful for young women with irregular ovulation or mild infertility.
Understanding reproductive age helps you decide
The fertility-by-age table is a helpful tool for assessing where each person stands in their reproductive stage. At Clínica Fertia, we help you interpret this data based on your specific situation, offering you the best medical and scientific options available so you can make decisions with confidence and support.
