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Unfortunately, the “biological clock” is not just a myth. After the age of 30, fertility begins to decline for most women.
Understanding the biological clock can help individuals and couples make informed decisions. It is important for couples to communicate with each other about when they want to start a family.
Age and Infertility
When trying to conceive, the quality of a woman’s eggs is crucial. On average, after the age of 35, the quality and quantity of eggs begin to decrease in every woman. This decline becomes faster after the age of 40. As the number and quality of eggs decrease, getting pregnant becomes more difficult and the risk of miscarriage increases.
Factors to consider are listed below:
- After the age of 30, 12% of eggs have the potential to become a baby.
- The chance of miscarriage for women in their twenties is less than 10%. This rate rises up to 90% for women over 45 years old.
- 25-35 years old is the most optimal time for a healthy pregnancy.
As a woman ages, the number of eggs she has decreases continuously. Regardless of whether she uses birth control pills or is pregnant, hundreds of eggs are lost each month.
Recommendations:
- Women under 35 should consult a specialist after trying to conceive for 1 year.
- Women aged 35-39 should consult a specialist after trying to conceive for 6 months.
- Women aged 40 and above should consult a specialist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
When a woman is 40 years old, the chances of getting pregnant are greatly reduced due to having fewer eggs. As age progresses, the quality of eggs also decreases.
This decrease in egg quality also reduces the chances of normal fertilization. Additionally, the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal disorders increases.
Each patient is unique.
Each patient has their own personal journey and each case has its own challenges. A treatment protocol for one person will often be very different from that of another patient.
Therefore, we use personalized tests and treatments from diagnosis to treatment. This helps our patients make smart choices and achieve positive outcomes.
Below is a brief summary of some of the tests and technologies that can help you fulfill your dream of becoming a parent.
Tests that Measure Egg Quantity
We determine ovarian reserve by performing both hormonal measurements through blood tests in the laboratory and by counting the eggs through ultrasound.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), and ultrasound provide accurate information about your ovarian reserve/egg source. These tests to measure egg quantity are performed on the 2nd or 3rd day of your menstrual cycle.
Egg Quality and Genetic Testing
As mentioned earlier, when a woman’s eggs start to decline in quality, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos also increases. For women in their late 30s and over 40, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is higher due to the quality of the remaining eggs in the ovarian reserve. While we cannot determine the quality of eggs before treatment, age is a significant determinant.
During IVF, we can predict the quality of the embryo through genetic testing before transferring the embryo into the uterus. This helps us select chromosomally normal embryos.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) selects embryos with the highest chances of success. This technology is especially important for older women or women who have experienced miscarriages.
In our article, we discussed “why age is important for getting pregnant.” Visit our blog page for more information on pregnancy, IVF, and women’s health issues.
