More couples today are starting families later than their parents did. Education, careers, finances, finding the right partner and simply feeling ready are all good reasons to wait. Delaying pregnancy is a personal choice, and many people who start later go on to have healthy families.
It still helps to understand how age affects fertility and pregnancy, so that you can plan with accurate information rather than guesswork. This article explains what changes with age, what it means for the chances of conceiving and for pregnancy itself, and the steps you can take now.
Why age matters for fertility
A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. Their number falls steadily throughout life, and the quality of the remaining eggs also declines with age. Older eggs are more likely to have chromosomal errors, which makes conception less likely and miscarriage more likely.
This is why age is the single most important factor in female fertility. Our article on age and fertility explains the biology in more detail.
How fertility changes over time
- Twenties and early thirties: fertility is usually at its highest, and most couples conceive within a year of trying.
- Mid thirties: fertility begins to decline more noticeably, and it may take longer to conceive.
- After about 37: the decline becomes faster, and the risk of miscarriage rises.
- After 40: the chance of conceiving each month is much lower, and many women need medical help. Read more in can a woman get pregnant at 40?
These are general patterns. Some women have a lower egg reserve earlier than average, and others conceive easily later in life. A test such as AMH can give an indication of your ovarian reserve; see our guide to low AMH.
Age and pregnancy health
Age affects not only the chance of conceiving but also the course of pregnancy. With increasing maternal age, the risk of some complications rises, including:
- Miscarriage
- Chromosomal conditions in the baby, such as Down syndrome
- High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Placental problems, premature birth and caesarean delivery
Most women over 35 still have healthy pregnancies. Regular prenatal care, the screening tests your doctor recommends and, where needed, specialist high-risk pregnancy care help to pick up and manage problems early. Our article on the pregnancy age limit covers this further.
Men’s age matters too
Male fertility declines more gradually, but it does change. Sperm quality and movement tend to fall with age, especially after about 40 to 45, and it may take longer to conceive. A semen analysis is a simple first test for the male partner.
Other factors that add up over time
Waiting longer also gives more time for other conditions to develop or progress, such as endometriosis, fibroids, thyroid problems or tubal damage from past infections. Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and weight also have a greater combined effect over time.
If you are planning to delay pregnancy
Have a preconception check-up
A check-up can identify problems that are easier to treat early. Your doctor may suggest hormone tests, an ultrasound scan, and checks such as thyroid function and rubella immunity.
Consider egg freezing
Freezing eggs at a younger age can give you the option of using them later. Results depend strongly on your age at freezing and the number of eggs stored, so it is best discussed before about 35. Read more about egg freezing and fertility preservation.
Look after your health
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol
- Aim for a healthy weight and stay active
- Start folic acid at least three months before trying to conceive
- Manage long-term conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease
Know when to seek help
If you are under 35, see a doctor after 12 months of trying. If you are 35 or older, see one after 6 months, and if you are 40 or older, seek advice before you start trying. Our guide on when to see a fertility specialist explains what to expect. If treatment is needed, options range from simple measures to IVF.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does female fertility start to decline?
Fertility declines gradually from around the early thirties and more quickly after about 35 to 37. The change is gradual rather than sudden, and it varies from person to person.
Is it safe to get pregnant after 35?
Many women have healthy pregnancies after 35. The risk of some complications, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and chromosomal conditions in the baby, is higher, so good antenatal care and the screening tests your doctor recommends are important.
Does a man’s age affect fertility?
Yes, but more gradually than a woman’s. Sperm quality tends to decline with age, particularly after about 40 to 45, and it may take longer to conceive when the male partner is older.
Can egg freezing protect my fertility if I want to delay pregnancy?
Egg freezing can give you a chance of using younger eggs later, but it is not a guarantee of pregnancy. Results depend mainly on your age when the eggs are frozen and how many eggs are stored, so it is best discussed before about 35.
When should I see a doctor if I am planning to delay pregnancy?
A preconception check-up is useful at any age. If you are over 35 and have been trying for six months without success, or over 40 and planning to try, see a fertility specialist promptly.
Planning ahead
Choosing when to start a family is your decision. Knowing how age affects fertility simply helps you make it with confidence. If you would like to discuss your plans, you can meet our doctors at our Basavanagudi, Koramangala and Ballari centres, or contact us to book an appointment.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified doctor who knows your history.