Know your options to beat the biological clock
Couples planning to have a baby must account for the correlation between fertility and aging. In developed countries, the average age of a woman at first childbirth is 28 to 30, and more couples are seeking fertility treatment. At our Southern California fertility center, we’ve seen that couples often overestimate their chances for having a baby as they age. We offer the necessary information and treatment options to circumvent fertility problems that become more prevalent with age.
Female fertility and aging
The quality and quantity of eggs a woman produces decline with age. Women reach peak fertility in their 20s. Fertility declines in the 30s, particularly after age 35. A typical 30-year-old woman has a 20% chance for getting pregnant during each cycle in which she tries. By age 40, the success rate drops to 5% and it nears zero for women once they reach their mid-40s. The average age for menopause is 51, but some women experience early menopause.
Male fertility and aging
Quite late into life, a man can still father a child, but sperm quality deteriorates somewhat as men age. Lower levels of testosterone may cause decreased libido, and illnesses that limit sexual and reproductive function occur in some—but not all—older men. Men with such problems should consult a primary care physician or specialist. Studies also point to potential health problems in the offspring of older fathers.
Help for fertility setbacks at our Southern California fertility center
Couples and singles who want or need to delay having a baby, despite a ticking biological clock, do have options. Our Southern California fertility center team will carefully explain fertility treatments, including medications, in vitro fertilization, IVF, intrauterine insemination, IUI, and egg and embryo freezing, which can thwart aging’s impact on reproductive potential.
Egg freezing, a way to preserve optimal eggs before they’re depleted, has gained popularity since the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, in 2012, found the method no longer experimental and more employers made it eligible for full or substantial insurance coverage. You can learn more about candidates for egg freezing and the process that addresses fertility and aging.
Act on correct information
Couples wanting to start a family or add a child should understand the optimal timing and treatments for infertility. A woman’s age when fertility treatment starts is a key factor in choosing the best option. Our Southern California fertility center is considered a pioneer in reproductive medicine. Contact us for personalized, timely advice on fertility and aging.