Female fertility is a topic of great importance, especially as more and more women are postponing pregnancy until a later age. While age is just a number in many ways, it plays a crucial role in determining a woman’s reproductive potential. The biological clock affects the health of the reproductive organs and the overall ability to conceive naturally. Dr Poonam Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, shares her views with Zee News Digital.
How age affects female fertility
A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, which is known as her ovarian reserve. With each menstrual cycle, the number of available eggs decreases and their quality deteriorates over time. At age 35, fertility begins to decline significantly, and by age 40, the chances of natural conception are considerably lower.
Egg quality is another key factor that is affected by age. As women age, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs increases, leading to higher rates of miscarriages and conditions such as Down syndrome.
Why does fertility decline with age?
Declining female fertility is largely related to changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls the release of reproductive hormones. As women age, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increase, indicating that the body is working harder to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. In addition, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which reflects ovarian reserve, declines as women age.
Aging also affects the uterine lining, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg, further reducing the chances of successful implantation. This combination of factors leads to a natural decline in fertility with age.
Who is more prone to decreased fertility?
Women who delay childbearing until their 30s or 40s are most affected by age-related declines in fertility. In addition, those with pre-existing conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or ovarian cysts, may experience reduced fertility at an earlier age. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity and poor diet, can also accelerate the decline in reproductive health.
Reproductive organs affected by aging
As we have already said, the ovaries are the ones that undergo the most significant changes with age, as egg production decreases. However, other reproductive organs are also affected. The fallopian tubes can become less efficient at transporting eggs and the cervix can produce less fertile cervical mucus, which is essential for the movement of sperm. The uterus can undergo changes that make it difficult for the embryo to implant and the risk of uterine fibroids also increases with age, which can interfere with pregnancy.
Prevention and measures to maintain fertility
While aging is inevitable, there are steps you can take to maintain fertility for as long as possible.
1. Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with regular exercise, can improve reproductive health. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and controlling weight are key to maintaining hormonal balance.
2. Fertility tests; Regular gynecological check-ups and fertility tests, such as AMH and FSH levels, and ultrasounds to assess ovarian reserve are crucial for women over 30. Early detection of fertility problems can provide more options.
3. Preservation of fertility: For women who are not ready to conceive, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is an excellent option. By freezing eggs at a younger age, women can preserve their fertility for future use.
4. Consult a specialist: For women over 35 who are planning to become pregnant, it is essential to consult a fertility specialist. This can help optimize reproductive health and increase the chances of conception through assisted or natural reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The impact of age on female fertility is a major concern for many women. Understanding how age affects the reproductive system, taking proactive steps to preserve fertility, and consulting with a physician can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health. While aging is beyond our control, modern medical advances and a healthy lifestyle can help expand the fertility window for women who choose to start a family later in life.
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