age is one of the most significant, and most sensitive, topics in conversations about fertility. we want to talk about it honestly, without invented statistics or unnecessary alarm, and with care for anyone reading this who is finding the subject difficult.
how fertility changes with age in women
people are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and both the number and quality of these eggs naturally decline over time. this decline is gradual and begins well before it becomes especially noticeable, with a more marked change generally occurring from the middle to late thirties onwards, and continuing into the forties. this is a well established biological process, though the exact pace varies between individuals.
alongside changes to the eggs themselves, other factors linked to age, such as a higher likelihood of certain gynaecological conditions, can also play a role in fertility as people get older.
how fertility changes with age in men
male fertility also changes with age, though generally more gradually than female fertility. research has associated increasing age in men with subtle changes in sperm quality and quantity, and a modestly increased likelihood of taking longer to conceive. change in male fertility with age is an area of ongoing research and is generally considered less abrupt than the changes seen in female fertility.
why this topic can feel difficult
conversations about age and fertility can understandably bring up complicated feelings, whether that's about timing, circumstances, or things outside anyone's control. we want to be clear that needing more time to conceive, at any age, is not a personal failing, and it doesn't mean a healthy pregnancy isn't possible.
what can help, and what can't
a generally balanced, nutrient rich diet, alongside not smoking, moderating alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight range, is recognised as supportive of overall health and wellbeing at any age. however, no diet, seed, or supplement, including seed cycling, can reverse or meaningfully slow the natural changes in egg or sperm quality that come with age. we think it's important to say this clearly rather than imply otherwise.
if age is a factor for you
if you're aware that age may be a relevant factor in your own circumstances, it can be worth speaking with your gp sooner rather than later, particularly if you're over 36 and have been trying to conceive for six months or so without success, compared with the year generally suggested for younger couples. earlier conversations can allow more time for any appropriate testing, support or, where relevant, referral to fertility services.
fertility support at any age
whatever your age, a wide range of investigations and treatments are available through the nhs and private fertility clinics, and many people go on to have healthy pregnancies with appropriate support. a gp or fertility specialist can talk you through options relevant to your individual situation, which will always be more useful than general statistics about age.
a compassionate closing note
we've deliberately avoided quoting specific figures or percentages in this article, because individual fertility cannot be reduced to a single number, and we don't want anyone to read this and feel defined by a statistic. if age or timing is weighing on you, please know that support is available, and speaking with a healthcare professional is always a reasonable, worthwhile step.