Hi, I’m Dr. Firuza Parikh, and today I want to clarify a topic that affects nearly every hopeful parent at some point — how age influences fertility. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so let’s walk through what the data really says — based on studies from the ASRM, ESHRE, and peer-reviewed journals.
Myth: Women are fertile until menopause.
Fact: Fertility begins to decline much earlier — from the early 30s — with a sharper drop after 35.
At age 30, monthly chances of natural conception are about 20–25%.
By age 40, this drops to 5–10%, largely due to reduced egg quality and quantity.
📚 Source: ESHRE Capri Workshop, Hum Reprod Update. 2010; CDC ART Report 2022
Myth: Men don’t have a biological clock.
Fact: Male fertility also declines, although more gradually.
From age 40, sperm motility decreases, and DNA fragmentation increases, impacting embryo quality.
Advanced paternal age is linked to increased risk of miscarriage, autism, and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
📚 Source: Sharma R et al., Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; Kumar N, Clin Exp Reprod Med 2015
Myth: IVF can reverse age-related infertility.
Fact: IVF success is strongly age-dependent.
Even with top labs and protocols, the quality of the egg dictates outcomes.
IVF success rates: <35 years: ~45–50% per cycle; 38–40 years: ~20–25%; >42 years: Often <10%, even with good embryo morphology
📚 Source: CDC ART Success Rates 2022; Sunkara SK et al., Hum Reprod 2011
Myth: Regular periods mean you’re fertile.
Fact: Menstruating regularly doesn’t always reflect egg health.
Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, AFC) is essential, especially after 30.
Genetic competence of the egg — not cycle regularity — determines fertility.
📚 Source: Broekmans FJ, Hum Reprod Update 2009; La Marca A, Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009
Male Perspective — Often Overlooked
At Fertiltree, we emphasize complete couple-based fertility evaluation.
In men >40, we assess sperm DNA fragmentation, not just count and motility.
📚 Source: Zini A, Sperm DNA Damage: Clinical Relevance in Male Infertility, 2020
What Can You Do?
✅ 1. Be proactive:
If you’re over 30 and planning a pregnancy — consider a fertility assessment.
If you’re not ready yet, egg/sperm freezing offers a science-backed way to preserve your future options.
📚 Source: Cobo A et al., Fertil Steril 2016
✅ 2. Don’t delay fertility conversations:
Fertility preservation is safest and most effective before age 35.
The earlier you plan, the more options you have — naturally or through ART.
Final Thought
This isn’t about fear — it’s about facts and future planning.
Fertility is a window — not a switch. The earlier we understand our biology, the better we can align it with our life goals. At Fertiltree, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — with science, sensitivity, and support.