Female age is one of the major factors in determining your chances for pregnancy success. Pregnancy rates start to decline at approximately female age 34. Pregnancies are less common over age 40 and rare over 42. In light of these facts, prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment is in your best interest to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Why do pregnancy rates decrease with age? One of the biggest reasons has to do with female ovarian reserve (# of eggs in the ovaries) and the quality of the oocytes (eggs) themselves. As the eggs age, there is the chance for increased chromosomal abnormalities. There are markers of ovarian reserve which can predict, to some degree, the quantity of eggs. These include basal FSH and antral follicle counts. The quality, however, does seem to go down with advanced age. After age 40, quantity doesn’t necessarily make up for quality.
Following this logic, it isn’t difficult to understand why a younger female patient with little ovarian reserve might have an easier time achieving pregnancy; the few eggs she has are more robust in quality. Did you know that a woman makes all of the eggs she’ll ever have before she is even born? Egg reserve depletion continues throughout a woman’s life until she reaches menopause.
Also, women of advanced age run the risk of having additional medical issues contributing to infertility. Miscarriage rates tend to be higher in women over the age of 40. If you are having difficulty conceiving, you must be your own advocate! Perhaps you’ve already discussed the situation with your Primary Care Physician or OB/GYN, maybe you’ve even completed a cycle or two of clomiphene citrate (Clomid) therapy. You’ll want to read our “Getting Started” post to see how visiting with a fertility specialist might be what’s in order for you. Drs. Celeste Brabec and Ryan Riggs are here at RRC to look at your specific situation and craft the best possible plan of action to help you achieve your dream!
