Fertility Facts: Why Age Matters for Men & Women

Couples are waiting longer to have children. The average age of first-time mothers is 30 and first-time fathers is 31, with many couples having babies well into their 40s. While there are benefits to starting a family later, there are also challenges that can occur because of aging.

Infertility: A Couples Issue

• Female and male factors contribute to infertility at similar rates.
• About 15% of cases have no identifiable cause.

“It’s surprising to many people that male factors are found in at least 40% of couples experiencing infertility, so a full evaluation of both partners is important.” – Rebecca Flyckt, MD, Medical Director of the University Hospitals Fertility Center

20s: High Fertility

Women

• Egg number and quality are generally at their highest.
• The chance of pregnancy each month is highest.
• Risks of miscarriage and genetic conditions are lowest.

Men

• Sperm quality and fertility are generally at their highest.

30s: Fertility Starts to Change

Women

• Fertility is generally stable until about age 32.
• Egg number and quality begin to decline gradually, then more rapidly around age 37.
• Pregnancy may take longer.

Men

• Fertility usually remains high.
• Sperm quality, count and motility may begin to decline around age 35, which may increase the risk of miscarriage.

40s: Pregnancy Becomes More Challenging

Women

• Fertility drops significantly.
• Perimenopause may begin, even when periods are still regular.
• By age 45, the chance of pregnancy each month is less than 5%.

Men

• Fertility continues to decline gradually.
• Changes in sperm quality, count and motility increase after age 40.
• Semen volume and testosterone levels may decrease.

50s and Beyond: Fertility Is Very Low

Women

• Most enter menopause by the early to mid-50s.
• Pregnancy using your own eggs is very unlikely, even with IVF.

Men

• Pregnancy may still be possible.
• Sperm quality, semen volume and sexual function continue to decline.
• Risks of miscarriage and genetic conditions increase.

Everyday Ways to Support Fertility

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking & environmental toxins.
• Limit alcohol & caffeine.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Take folic acid when planning a pregnancy.
• Prevent sexually transmitted infections.
• Get enough sleep.
• Manage stress.
• Avoid excessive vigorous exercise.

Benefits of Starting a Family Later

Although fertility declines with age, waiting to have children may offer other advantages:

• Greater financial and career stability
• More emotional maturity and life experience
• More time to grow as an individual or couple
• Potential benefits for children’s health, education and emotional well-being

The right time to start a family is different for everyone.

Source

University Hospitals: What to Know About Fertility at Every Age