Age and Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

In the past, the average age for couples getting married in the U.S. was in their 20s. In 2022, according to the popular bridal website The Knot, the average age for females marrying in the U.S. will be 33 years old, and that of males will be 35 years old. These numbers imply that a woman waiting until after marriage to start a family is likely to have a more difficult time conceiving than in past years.

Most women of childbearing age may not understand how important age is to their chances of getting pregnant. Healthy females in their 30s believe that as long as their menstrual cycles are regular, they should be able to conceive quickly.

However, while some are fortunate to achieve pregnancy quite quickly, others aren’t so lucky. Here’s why.

Challenges to conceiving after age 35

There are many reasons why a woman may have difficulty conceiving. There is a progressive decline in a woman’s ovarian reserves (egg quantity/quality) with advancing age. Unlike men, who typically produce sperm throughout their lives, women can no longer produce eggs after menopause. There is thus a limited supply of eggs. This supply continuously decreases as women age. Additionally, the remaining eggs are also aging. This aging of the eggs results in lower pregnancy rates.

Other reasons that may make it difficult to conceive after age 35 include the following:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids in the uterus
• Other uterine disorders
• Scarring around the cervix or fallopian tubes due to previous surgery or infection
• Chronic health problems, including diabetes or high blood pressure
• Obesity

There is also a higher chance of miscarriage after age 35. Generally, this is due to a reduction in the quality of the eggs and the higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities. Data show that as many as a third to half of all women who get pregnant between the ages of 35 to 45 miscarry.

Can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?

If you’re 35 or older and are doubtful about the possibility of getting pregnant, it’s wise to schedule an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist. In reality, a healthy woman 35 years or older should spend no more than six months “trying” to get pregnant on her own. A consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist is key to getting the ball rolling.

A reproductive specialist will review your medical history, take stock of your current lifestyle, review your medications and supplements, and examine any other factors that might affect your ability to conceive.

He or she can help you track your fertility signs and pinpoint the best time to have intercourse. They can also do hormonal and other tests to check your egg quality. Fertility specialists can also recommend achieving and maintaining a physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy lifestyle, leading to a more optimal prognosis for conception.

While there’s nothing wrong with waiting until you’re 35 to have children, it can be difficult to muddle through the challenges of delaying pregnancy. However, we can help. Advanced Reproductive Medicine offers the expertise, support, and personalized care that all patients require, regardless of age. Our ultimate goal is to help you experience the joys of parenthood, and we are excited to guide you on your journey in a caring and compassionate manner.

To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please schedule a consultation, or call us at 732-339-9300.