Yes. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. As age increases, both the number and quality of eggs decline, making conception more difficult and increasing the risk of miscarriage.
Fertility gradually declines after age 30, becomes more noticeable after 35, and decreases more rapidly after 40.
Fertility Timeline
Absolutely. Many women conceive naturally after age 35, particularly when their husband or partner has normal semen parameters. However, it may take longer to achieve pregnancy, and the chances of conception each month are lower, while the risk of miscarriage is higher compared to younger women.
Egg quality is essential for successful fertilization, healthy embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. As women age, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases, raising the risk of miscarriage and reducing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
You may benefit from a fertility assessment if any of the following apply to you:
Many women assume their fertility will remain unchanged as they age. Fertility often begins to decline long before menopause, and many women are unaware of how age can affect their chances of conception.
Unfortunately, no test can accurately tell you how much reproductive time you have left. However, seeking expert fertility advice early can help you better understand your fertility potential and available options.
Y
Yes. Egg freezing allows women to preserve younger, healthier eggs before age-related fertility decline occurs.
Many women choose egg freezing because they are:
Freezing eggs at a younger age can help preserve future reproductive options and provide greater flexibility when planning a family.
IVF can improve pregnancy chances. However, maternal age still plays a major role. Success rates are generally higher when using younger eggs.
For women with significantly diminished ovarian reserve or poor egg quality, donor eggs may provide an excellent pathway to parenthood.
Seeking expert fertility advice early can give you more options and improve your chances of success.
The Earlier You Know, The More Options You Have
Age is one of the most important factors affecting fertility.
A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, and both egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age. While many women go on to have healthy pregnancies in their late 30s and 40s, fertility generally starts to decline after age 35 and decreases more rapidly after 40, making it more difficult to achieve pregnancy.
Female fertility is closely tied to ovarian reserve — the number and quality of eggs available for fertilization. Women are born with approximately 1–2 million eggs, but this number declines steadily over time. By puberty, only about 300,000–400,000 remain, and fewer than 500 will be ovulated during a woman’s reproductive years.
Egg quantity decreases: The number of viable eggs declines sharply after age 35.
Egg quality diminishes: Chromosomal abnormalities become more common, increasing the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders.
Hormonal shifts: Levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, affecting ovulation and endometrial receptivity.
Uterine and metabolic changes: Age‑related conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and thyroid dysfunction can further impact fertility.
A landmark study published in Human Reproduction found that the probability of conception per menstrual cycle drops from 25–30% in women under 30 to less than 10% by age 40. By age 45, natural conception becomes rare, with success rates below 2%.
Data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) show that IVF success rates decline with age:
Under 35 years: ~50% live birth rate per cycle
35–37 years: ~38%
38–40 years: ~25%
Over 40 years: <10%
However, using donor eggs can restore success rates comparable to younger women, as embryo quality depends primarily on egg age rather than uterine age.
Older maternal age is associated with higher risks of:
Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome)
Miscarriage
Gestational diabetes and hypertension
Preterm birth and low birth weight
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Emotional maturity and financial stability | Declining egg quality and quantity |
| Better preparedness for parenting | Increased risk of miscarriage and chromosomal issues |
| Access to advanced fertility treatments | Lower IVF success rates with own eggs |
| Opportunity for career and personal growth. | Higher pregnancy complications |
At Viva Fertility Clinic, we use evidence‑based approaches to support women of all ages:
Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, FSH, and antral follicle count)
Egg freezing for fertility preservation
IVF with personalized stimulation protocols
Donor egg or embryo programs
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to reduce chromosomal risks
While age‑related fertility decline is a natural biological process, modern reproductive medicine offers effective solutions. Early assessment and proactive planning can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive future.
At Viva Fertility Clinic, we believe fertility care should be compassionate, personalized, and grounded in science — empowering every woman to pursue motherhood on her own timeline.
Stay informed with expert insights, fertility tips, and the latest advancements in IVF to support your parenthood journey.
Plot 33 Janet Duniya Street, Apo 900104, Abuja, Nigeria
Every patient’s story matters to us, and we strive to make their journey as supportive, transparent, and successful as possible.
We are committed to delivering safe, high‑quality, and effective medically assisted reproductive and preimplantation genetic testing services that maximize our patients’ chances of success in the shortest possible time.
Enjoy special savings on select IVF treatment packages, available until 31st January 2027 — start your journey to parenthood today!
