We often hear that there is a certain age for having a child. Everyone should become a parent in time. In fact, with increasing age, fertility decreases and the dream of becoming a parent may be shattered. The special thing is that the problem of fertility is seen not only in women but also in men. Does age really affect fertility or not? What is the right age to have a child? Prime IVF‘s ‘Head of Fertility’ Dr. tells. Nishi Singh.
Effect of age on fertility
Dr. According to Nishi, as the age increases. However, ovarian reserve decreases and our fertility potential also starts decreasing, which impacts our dream of becoming parents. Many couples are unable to become parents due to this reason.
Why is AMH test necessary?
Now the question is that when the fertile ovarian reserve decreases then how will we know that our ovarian reserve is decreasing. In response to this, the doctor recommends AMH test. This test is especially for those women who are above 35 years of age and are unable to conceive. AMH test is done through blood.
Normal range of AMH test
Although the normal range of AMH test varies with age, a normal range is considered to be 1.5-4.0 ng/ml. Low AMH levels may indicate an increased risk of fertility. To understand the connection between age, ovarian reserve and fertility potential through an example, suppose your age is 25 years, then your AMH up to 3 is considered normal. Similarly, AMH2 is normal at the age of 30. But as the age increases, your AMH is decreasing, at 40 your AMH becomes 1.5 and by the age of 45 it comes to less than 1. Similarly, with increasing age, AFC count also gets affected.
Understand fertility potential
AMH and AFC count together indicate your fertility potential. If you are 40 years old, your AFC count is only 3 or 4, so only one or two embryos are formed with great difficulty. As a result, fertility, which is the ability to conceive, will reduce.
How to become a parent whenever you want?
According to the doctor, if you want to become a parent late, then do not delay in getting your eggs frozen. This work should be done by the age of 28-29. Further, at the age of 35 or 40, whenever they want to become parents, they can take the help of IVF with the help of their frozen eggs and become parents.
Time.news Interview: The Decline of Fertility with Age
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Nishi Singh! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your expertise as the Head of Fertility at Prime IVF brings tremendous insight into a topic that resonates with many. Let’s dive right in – how does age truly affect fertility in both men and women?
Dr. Singh: Thank you for having me! The impact of age on fertility is a significant concern. As women age, particularly after the age of 35, the ovarian reserve begins to decline. This means there are fewer viable eggs available, which directly affects fertility potential. Simultaneously, men also experience a decrease in sperm quality and quantity as they age, although these changes happen more gradually compared to women.
Editor: That’s fascinating! So, is there a “right” age for individuals or couples to consider starting a family?
Dr. Singh: The ideal age can vary widely based on personal circumstances, including health, career, and relationship status. However, from a biological perspective, the earlier people start trying to conceive—ideally in their twenties or early thirties—the better the chances of a successful pregnancy. Unfortunately, many feel pressured to put off parenthood due to various social and economic factors, which can lead to challenges later.
Editor: You mentioned ovarian reserve and sperm quality. How can individuals know where they stand in terms of their fertility?
Dr. Singh: This is where tests like the AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test come into play. The AMH test is crucial because it gives an indicator of the ovarian reserve. A higher level of AMH means a greater number of follicles and potential eggs, while lower levels indicate a reduced ovarian reserve. For men, sperm analysis can help assess sperm count and motility, which are critical for conception.
Editor: That makes sense. Are there any steps couples can take to encourage fertility as they age?
Dr. Singh: Absolutely. Leading a healthy lifestyle plays a significant role. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, minimizing stress, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing medical conditions like diabetes or obesity. Additionally, it’s important for couples to have open discussions with healthcare providers about their family planning options and any fertility preservation strategies they might consider, such as egg or sperm freezing.
Editor: As more people are choosing to delay parenthood, are we seeing a trend in fertility issues becoming more common?
Dr. Singh: Yes, unfortunately, we are witnessing a rise in infertility issues related to age, and it’s not just among women. The stigma around male infertility is diminishing, and more couples are recognizing that fertility is a shared responsibility. This increased awareness is prompting couples to seek help sooner rather than later.
Editor: With all this information, what is your top takeaway message for our readers regarding age and fertility?
Dr. Singh: My primary message would be to educate themselves and plan ahead. Individuals and couples should have open conversations about their family planning goals as early as possible. If they decide to delay parenthood, understanding the implications of age on fertility and exploring options for preservation can be tremendously beneficial.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Singh, for sharing your insights! It’s clear that while age does affect fertility, being informed and proactive can help many individuals fulfill their dreams of parenthood.
Dr. Singh: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial we keep the dialogue going.