Is the fertility cliff real?

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Is the fertility cliff real?

Thanks for asking. Many women have heard of the so-called fertility cliff, the idea that their chances of getting pregnant drop dramatically after the age of 35 And people who do choose to have a baby are labelled geriatric or high-risk, leading to what is called a care cascade, such as greater monitoring and testing, which can be intrusive and unnecessary. Where did the fertility cliff come from? This concept first came about from a study done in 2004 However, they used data from French birth records from the 17th and 18th century, which is not really relevant to modern women, as it was based on a population with very different living conditions, health care, nutrition and life expectancy compared to modern women. Moreover, the study did not account for other factors that could affect fertility, such as frequency of intercourse, male fertility or contraceptive use. Does fertility change with age? Fertility does decline with age, but not as abruptly or universally as the fertility cliff suggests. For example, a study from 2013 that used data from modern Danish women found that 86% of women aged 35 to 39 conceived within a year of trying, compared to 91% of women aged 30 to 32

Another study from 2017 that used data from American women found that 81% of women aged 38 to 39 who had been pregnant before conceived within a year of trying. These studies suggest that there is a gradual decline in fertility rather than a sharp drop off. What are some of the other factors that affect fertility? Well, age is an important factor in fertility. It's not the only one. There are many other factors that can influence a person's ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy such as the number and quality of eggs that a person has in their ovaries, ovulation, the release of an egg which could be affected by stress, illness, medication, or hormonal imbalances, sometimes resulting in irregular or missed ovulation. Other things like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ectopic pregnancy can also affect how easily someone conceives. An important factor is also the quality and quantity of sperm. Things such as age, lifestyle, health issues, medication, genetic disorders, low sperm count, poor sperm mobility can all reduce the chances of fertilising an egg or creating a healthy embryo. What should you do if you want to get pregnant and you are over 35?

Well, you should not be discouraged by the myth of the fertility cliff, but you can still take steps to optimise your chances of conceiving by tracking your ovulation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so avoiding smoking and alcohol, and taking prenatal vitamins. You can also consult a fertility specialist if you want to explore options such as egg or embryo freezing. There you have it. Now you know if the fertility cliff is real. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.

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