How Age Affects Fertility and What a Fertility Centre Can Do About It?

Fertility is a crucial aspect of reproductive health, and age plays a significant role in determining a person’s ability to conceive. Both men and women experience changes in fertility as they age, but the impact is more pronounced in women. While advancements in medical science have made it possible for many couples to conceive later in life, age-related fertility decline remains a challenge.

A Fertility Centre In Bihar provides specialized treatments and expert guidance to help individuals and couples overcome age-related fertility issues. By understanding the effects of age on fertility and seeking timely medical assistance, individuals can improve their chances of parenthood.

How Age Affects Female Fertility?

Women are born with a fixed number of eggs (approximately 1-2 million at birth). Unlike men, who produce new sperm throughout their lives, women gradually lose eggs over time. As they age, both the quantity and quality of eggs decline, making conception more difficult.

1. Decline in Egg Quantity and Quality

• By puberty, the number of eggs reduces to about 300,000.

• By the mid-30s, fertility starts declining significantly.

• After 40, the chances of natural conception drop drastically.

• Older eggs are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders like Down syndrome.

2. Hormonal Changes Affecting Ovulation

As women age, their ovaries produce fewer reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to:

• Irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation).

• Shorter or unpredictable menstrual cycles.

• Increased difficulty in getting pregnant naturally.

3. Higher Risk of Pregnancy Complications

Age not only affects the ability to conceive but also increases the risk of:

• Miscarriage.

• Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Preterm birth and low birth weight.

How Age Affects Male Fertility?

While men remain fertile for a longer period than women, their fertility also declines with age. The decline is gradual but can still affect reproductive success.

1. Decrease in Sperm Quality

• Sperm count and motility (movement) decrease after 40.

• Older sperm may have more DNA fragmentation, leading to reduced fertility.

2. Reduced Testosterone Levels

• Aging leads to lower testosterone production, affecting sperm production and libido.

3. Increased Risk of Genetic Mutations

• The chances of passing on genetic mutations and disorders increase with paternal age.

• Studies suggest that older fathers may have a higher risk of fathering children with conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

Fertility Challenges for Older Couples

1. Difficulty in Natural Conception

Due to a decline in egg and sperm quality, conception becomes more challenging with age. Couples in their late 30s and 40s may take longer to conceive naturally.

2. Higher Risk of Miscarriage

With age, the likelihood of miscarriage increases, especially in women over 35. This is often due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo.

3. Increased Need for Fertility Treatments

Many couples in their late 30s and 40s turn to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF to improve their chances of pregnancy.

How a Fertility Centre in Bihar Can Help?

A Fertility Centre In Bihar offers a range of medical treatments and solutions to help individuals and couples struggling with age-related fertility issues. With advanced technology and expert care, these centres provide hope to those facing conception difficulties.

1. Fertility Assessments and Diagnostic Tests

The first step in addressing age-related infertility is to undergo a thorough evaluation. Fertility centres provide:

• Ovarian Reserve Testing: Measures hormone levels (AMH, FSH) to assess egg quantity.

• Semen Analysis: Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology.

• Ultrasound and Imaging: Examines reproductive organs for any abnormalities.

2. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

A. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

• The most effective fertility treatment for age-related infertility.

• Involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory and transferring the healthiest embryo into the uterus.

• Success rates depend on the woman’s age and overall health.

B. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

• A less invasive option where washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus.

• Works best for mild fertility issues but has lower success rates for older women.

C. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

• Used for severe male infertility cases.

• Involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg.

D. Egg and Sperm Freezing (Fertility Preservation)

• Ideal for individuals who want to delay parenthood.

• Younger individuals can freeze their eggs or sperm for future use.

E. Donor Eggs or Sperm

• Recommended for older couples with poor egg or sperm quality.

• Increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Fertility at an Older Age

While medical treatments help, adopting a healthy lifestyle can also enhance fertility. Fertility centres provide guidance on:

1. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

• Eat nutrient-rich foods, including leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains.

• Increase intake of fertility-boosting nutrients like folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

2. Regular Exercise

• Moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and improves hormonal balance.

• Avoid excessive exercise, as it can negatively impact ovulation and sperm production.

3. Stress Management

• High stress can disrupt hormone levels and reduce fertility.

• Practices like yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be beneficial.

4. Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol

• Smoking reduces ovarian reserve and lowers sperm quality.

• Excessive alcohol consumption affects hormone levels and fertility.

When to Seek Help from a Fertility Centre?

Couples should consider consulting a Fertility Centre In Bihar if:

• A woman is over 35 and has been trying to conceive for six months without success.

• A woman is under 35 but has been trying for more than a year without success.

• The male partner has known fertility issues (low sperm count, poor motility, etc.).

• The couple has experienced multiple miscarriages.

Conclusion:

Age is a critical factor in fertility, affecting both men and women. While fertility naturally declines with age, modern medical advancements provide numerous solutions to overcome these challenges. A Fertility Centre In Bihar offers specialized treatments such as IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and donor programs to help individuals achieve their dream of parenthood.

Also Read: Uterus Meaning In Hindi?

By understanding the impact of age on fertility and seeking timely intervention, couples can take proactive steps toward conception. Combining medical treatments with a healthy lifestyle and stress management techniques can further enhance reproductive success. With the right approach, expert guidance, and a positive mindset, age-related fertility issues can be effectively managed, giving hope to aspiring parents.