Female Fertility – Age Charts, Tests, and More

A recent report by the UN indicates that the number of live births per woman is gradually declining globally, and female fertility is undoubtedly a crucial topic of discussion.


This article helps you understand how age affects female fertility and how to improve your fertility naturally. Also, you will learn about fertility tests and some common fertility treatments available.

woman in pink shirt and dark skirt sitting by a table, holding her stomach in pain

What is Female Fertility?

Female fertility is a woman’s potential to get pregnant and give birth to her biological baby. Naturally, you should conceive within one year if you practise frequent unprotected sex. You should be concerned about your fertility if you don’t conceive within this time.

 

Conception and pregnancy involve complex processes that depend on several factors, including:


  • Female production of healthy eggs/ova
  • Your male partner’s production of healthy sperms
  • Unblocked fallopian tubes, allowing sperm to reach the egg freely
  • The ability of the fertilised egg to successfully implant on the endometrium (lining of the uterus)
  • Healthy embryo that progresses to full-term
  • Adequate hormonal environment
  • Normal menstrual cycle

 

When one or more of these factors are impaired, it may result in infertility. Regular pelvic examinations can help detect any issues and prevent fertility problems.


Female Fertility Age Chart

Age is a significant factor influencing fertility in women. A woman in her late teens through mid-twenties has a higher probability of conceiving each month. In the early thirties, your fertility starts declining and speeds up from the mid-thirties. By age 40, your chance of a natural pregnancy reduces significantly. However, some women aged 40 have successful pregnancies despite their age. 


Higher ages increase the risk of diminishing quality and quantity of eggs.



  • Quantity- The number of female eggs starts declining from birth until menopause.
  • Quality- from age 35, the quality of female eggs begins reducing, with higher chances of genetic malformations. Also, as you age, there is an increased risk that you develop health conditions that can affect your fertility, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


Age Likelihood of getting pregnant
20-24 86%
25-29 78%
30-34 63%
35-39 52%
40-44 36%
45-49 5%
50+ <5%


Female Fertility Tests

Female fertility tests are diagnostic tests that can help assess your reproductive health and ability to conceive a child. Here are some standard female fertility tests:


Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound scans your reproductive organs like the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. This examination can identify conditions such as uterine abnormalities or polycystic ovary syndrome that can impact your fertility.


Genetic Testing

Certain genetic disorders can affect fertility. Tests like karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis, or carrier screening can identify congenital abnormalities affecting reproductive health.


Hormone Level Testing

This test involves analysing blood samples to evaluate the reproductive hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestrogen, and progesterone. These hormones play a vital role in egg maturation and ovulation. 


Ovulation Tracking

This method involves monitoring changes in basal body temperature and cervical mucus. It also includes using urine or blood tests to detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that triggers ovulation. Ovulation tracking helps determine whether you are ovulating and the timing of your ovulation. 


Ovarian Reserve Testing 

This test evaluates the number and health of your remaining ovum supply. Typically, this includes measuring levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and conducting an antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound to estimate the number of follicles in the ovaries.


Hysterosalpingography (HSG) 

HSG is an X-ray procedure that inspects the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity. This test helps detect structural issues, blockages, or abnormalities hindering fertility.


Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive technique involving inserting a thin, versatile tube holding a camera into the cervix, allowing the physician to see the interior of the uterus. Thus, they can spot and manage uterine adhesions, fibroids, or polyps that may affect fertility.


How Can I Increase My Fertility Naturally?

You can naturally improve your chances of natural pregnancy through simple lifestyle changes and diet modifications. These include:


  • Eating foods rich in folic acid and zinc
  • Eliminating alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine
  • Reducing carbohydrates and avoiding trans fats
  • Eating more fibre
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress
  • Staying hydrated
  • Taking more calories for breakfast


Overcoming Infertility – Fertility Treatment

Fertility treatments may vary depending on underlying conditions, age, and personal preferences. There are three primary fertility treatment methods;


Medications – Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH)

Your doctor may prescribe fertility pills depending on their findings after an examination. The drugs work like your body’s natural hormones to stimulate ovulation. They include:


  • Clomiphene (Clomid or Serophene)
  • Tamoxifen
  • Gonadotropins
  • Metformin is not a fertility medication but helps manage insulin resistance if you have PCOS.

Surgical Procedures

Your physician may recommend a surgical correction to enhance medication effectiveness or before exploring other fertility treatments such as IVF; they include: 


  • Fallopian tube surgery to correct blocked or scarred tubes, making it easier for eggs from the ovary to pass through
  • Surgery for fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS to restore fertility

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

ART treatments help increase the chances of fertilisation and successful pregnancy. Your fertility doctor may recommend this option if other treatments fail to work. ART treatment options include:


  • Invitro fertilisation (IVF) involves fertilising the egg with sperm in a lab and placing the embryo into the uterus.
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination Involves inserting healthy sperm directly into the womb when you are ovulating.
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is similar to IVF, but the sperm is injected directly into a mature egg rather than mixed. This treatment is best suitable for couples where the man has low-quality or quantity sperm.


Conclusion

Female fertility decreases with age, and starting your parenthood journey in your twenties is best. Taking fertility tests can help establish your fertility level if you want a baby. You can improve your chance of pregnancy by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. If you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 12 months, or at least six months if you are over 35, consult a reproductive endocrinologist. The specialist will help establish the cause of infertility and recommend a suitable fertility treatment based on your situation.


References




Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Causes Reduced Fertility Among Women?

    The most common causes of reduced fertility in women include age, ovulation issues, irregular menstrual cycles, weight, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

  • When Does Female Fertility Decline?

    Female fertility starts declining from around age 30, and the decline rapidly increases from 35.

  • What Is the Best Age to Get Pregnant?

    Women are in their most fertile years from their late teens to late twenties. This age group has a higher chance of a healthy pregnancy. 

Polina Pylypenko • July 23, 2021