The biological age of fertility isn't a single number, but rather a range influenced by several factors. Generally, women begin to experience a gradual decline in fertility starting around age 30.
Understanding Female Fertility Decline
While the ability to conceive doesn't suddenly disappear at a specific age, the chances of getting pregnant naturally decrease significantly after 35. This is due to a combination of factors:
- Diminishing Egg Reserve: As women age, their ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining) naturally declines. This means fewer eggs are available for fertilization.
- Reduced Egg Quality: The quality of remaining eggs also diminishes with age, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. This can lead to miscarriages or birth defects.
According to McConnell (01-Mar-2022), "It's not that fertility falls off a cliff starting at age 30, but the chance of getting pregnant really goes down after age 35.” This highlights the gradual nature of the decline, but emphasizes the significant decrease in fertility after 35.
Factors Affecting Fertility
It's crucial to remember that individual experiences vary. Factors such as overall health, lifestyle choices (smoking, diet, exercise), and genetic predispositions all play a role in determining a woman's fertility timeline.
Conclusion
While a precise biological age for the end of fertility is impossible to state, the data suggests a gradual decline begins around age 30, with a more significant drop after 35.
