Trying to Conceive After 30? Age & Fertility Explained

That double line on your test… You can't wait for!

You must have imagined it so many times, the moment when those faint lines finally show up. But month after month, test after test, the lines stay blank. It may be heartbreaking and exhausting, and may even make you question yourself.

But stop blaming yourself, because the truth is: it’s not your fault. There are many reasons why conceiving might be harder, and one of the key factors is age, especially pregnancy after 30.

Your body changes with age, and so does your fertility. Understanding why this happens can bring clarity and, more importantly, help you take the right steps forward.

Let's Explore:

Why is it hard to get pregnant after 30
Correlation between age and fertility
Tips to get pregnant after 30

Why It May Be Harder to Conceive after Your 30s?

For a woman trying to conceive, the chances of pregnancy after 30 may decrease. The reason behind this is that women are born with a set number of eggs. Over time, the number decreases, and not just the number, but even the quality of eggs may decline. This makes fertilisation harder compared to the younger age.

There are other issues as well, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, which also become a bit higher after the mid-30s. These can often affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health. There are chances of having twins, needing a C-section, or facing miscarriage or premature birth.

But it is crucial to know that many women in their 30s and even 40s can have healthy pregnancies. There is just a need for extra care, regular checkups, and sometimes a little patience.

Correlation Between Age and Fertility

A. Female Age and Fertility

1. Ovulation and Menstrual Cycle

Girls start their reproductive years after puberty, when ovulation and menstruation kick in.
During reproductive years, i.e., late teens to 30s, cycles are regular, and each month eggs are released.
But in the late 30s to early 40s, monthly cycles shorten, and skipped ovulation becomes more common. Finally, periods stop at menopause.

2. Female Egg Quantity (Ovarian Reserve)

Females are born with around 1 million egg-containing follicles.
But by the girl reaches puberty, this number reduces to approximately 300,000. And only nearly 300 eggs are actually ovulated in a woman's lifetime.
Follicles (immature eggs) are lost through the body’s natural process known as atresia (degeneration).
As a female gets older, their ovaries stop reacting to fertility hormones. This leads to irregular cycles, poor response, and decreased chances of pregnancy.

3. Female Egg Quality

Age not only reduces the number of female eggs but also their quality.
In older age, a higher proportion of eggs have chromosomal abnormalities (abnormalities in the genetic blueprints).
The poor egg quality may lead to lower chances of fertilisation, more chances of miscarriage and greater risk of conditions like Down syndrome (abnormal brain and body development).

4. Chances of Female Fertility (pregnancy) by Age

At 30: around a 20% chance per cycle of conceiving.
At 40: < 5% per cycle success.
By the mid-40s, natural conception is rare, even before menopause.

B. Male Fertility and Ageing

Unlike women, a man produces sperm throughout his life.
The sperm quality, including motility and shape, declines gradually, often noticeably in the 60s or beyond.
Older men may have smaller testes, low testosterone hormone, and higher risks of genetic mutations in sperm.
However, despite changes, men may sometimes father children even in their 60s or 70s.

Tips to Get Pregnant After 30

If you are trying to conceive, here are some simple tips that can help you increase your fertility after 30:

Try to eat fewer carbs
Keep stress at bay
Know about fertility awareness methods
Have well well-balanced Mediterranean-style diet
Stay active (try ovary-related exercises)
Ask your doctor about the required vitamin and mineral supplements
Consider an infertility evaluation
Most importantly, make a preconception appointment

Before getting pregnant, schedule an appointment to visit with your healthcare professional about your overall health. Know the required lifestyle changes that can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Visiting an infertility treatment centre in Jaipur can address concerns you might have about fertility or pregnancy for your age. Experts at the fertility centre in Jaipur will help boost the odds of conception and give you options if you have trouble getting pregnant.

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Conclusion

Knowing how your current age affects fertility gives you a clearer picture of your chances of conceiving. If you’re in your 30s or beyond and planning a pregnancy, it is a wise decision to consult a doctor. Get your tests done, and take the right steps early to improve your chances of success.

FAQs

Q: When should I consider an infertility evaluation?
A: If you are older than 35 years and not pregnant after 6 months of trying, it’s a good idea to see your doctor at the infertility treatment centre in Jaipur. For females over 40, evaluation before trying is often recommended. If you have a pre-existing condition like endometriosis, don’t wait; get evaluated early.

Q: What are the chances of pregnancy as you get older?
A: The chances of pregnancy in your 20s and early 30s, approximately 1 in 4 women getting pregnant each cycle. By age 40, that plunges to about 1 in 10. Yes, male fertility also declines with age, though the change is far slower than in females.

Q: What are the risks and benefits of pregnancy after 30?
A: Many women have healthy babies after 30, but it may take extra effort to conceive. Risks like twins, high glucose (sugar), and high blood pressure become more common after 35. With good medical care provided in Surya Hospitals and healthy lifestyle choices, most women still have safe pregnancies.