Studies and fact sheets point out age as an important factor that influence fertility of an individual. Whether it is male or female, age is a concern for both. As age affects the overall condition of a person, fertility is also affected. Fertility declines over time. The most fertile time for both male and female is the early twenties. When compared to men, women’s fertility declines more quickly as they age. In women, fertility problems occur after the age of 35. Male fertility is said to decline after the age of 40. but, it is seen that many men are able to become fathers in their 50s
Infertility rate is increasing day by day in our society. Age-related infertility is also not uncommon. The lifestyle changes and cultural changes also contribute to the age-related fertility issues. As the age increases, the number of eggs that remain in the ovaries decreases. By the age of 35, infertility increases in women. There is only 20% chance of getting pregnant in a healthy woman after 30 years. It becomes less than 5% when the woman is 40. Only 5 out of 100 may get pregnant after 40 years. The fertility of a woman may decline further as she nears menopause. A woman’s menstruation cycle may stop by the age of 51. Getting pregnant after 40, either through natural process or with the help of IVF is hardly possible. Age affects the production of eggs and, both the quality and quantity.
Unlike women, men’s fertility decreases slowly. It is because, the sperm quality does not decrease with the increasing age. A healthy man may produce healthy sperm until his 60s. Researchers point that, there are cases where men in the 70s are conceived with their young partners. When they age, their testes get smaller and softer, sperm motility and shape declines. This may affect their fertility. Men who maintain good health may not experience changes in reproductive and sexual function.