As a fertility centre that has guided thousands of couples on their parenthood journey, we understand how deeply age, lifestyle, and everyday habits influence reproductive health. While science has opened extraordinary possibilities through IVF, ICSI, IUI, and advanced reproductive technologies, the foundation of fertility still relies on overall health and timely decisions. In this blog, we share evidence-based insights every couple should know—combined with the compassionate guidance we offer at Dr. Padmaja IVF Fertility & Maternity.
How Age Impacts Fertility
Female Fertility & Age
Biologically, women are born with a finite number of eggs. Naturally, egg quality and quantity decline over time.
•Fertility begins to decline noticeably after age 32.
•By age 35, the decline becomes sharper.
•After 40, chances of natural conception drop to 5% per cycle (ASRM data).
Age also increases the likelihood of:
•Chromosomal abnormalities
•Miscarriages
•Difficulty achieving pregnancy even with regular cycles
At Dr. Padmaja IVF, we regularly counsel women about early evaluation, ovarian reserve testing (AMH, AFC), and timely planning. For many women who prefer delaying pregnancy, egg freezing has become a transformative option.
Male Fertility & Age
Male fertility also changes, though more gradually.
Research shows:
•Sperm motility decreases by 0.7% per year after age 40
•DNA fragmentation is significantly higher in men above 45
•Chances of conception fall by 30% when the male partner is above 50
Our centre provides detailed semen analysis, lifestyle guidance, and advanced options such as ICSI for men with low sperm parameters.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Fertility
- Stress
High stress affects ovulation, sperm production, hormones, and libido.
Nearly 30% of infertility cases today show a stress-related component. - Weight & Nutrition
Both underweight and overweight ranges impact hormones and reduce fertility by up to 40%.
A balanced diet rich in protein, good fats, zinc, folate, and antioxidants can significantly improve reproductive health.
- Smoking & Alcohol
•Smoking can reduce egg count by 50%.
•Alcohol affects ovulation and reduces sperm quality.
- Sleep & Work Patterns
Irregular sleep cycles disturb hormonal balance.
Shift workers—especially night shifts—often experience lower fertility due to melatonin disruptions.
At Dr. Padmaja IVF, we provide personalised lifestyle assessments for both partners before beginning any treatment to maximise success rates.
When to Seek Medical Help
It’s time for a fertility evaluation if:
•You are under 35 and unable to conceive even after 12 months
•You are 35+ and unable to conceive after 6 months
•You have irregular periods, known reproductive issues, or low sperm parameters
•You plan to postpone pregnancy and want to understand fertility preservation options
Our team offers comprehensive assessments, counselling, and evidence-based treatment paths tailored to each couple’s needs.
Conclusion
Age and lifestyle play a decisive role in fertility, but they don’t define your journey. With timely evaluation, healthy choices, and advanced fertility care, couples can take control of their parenthood dreams. At Dr. Padmaja IVF Fertility & Maternity, we blend compassionate care with modern reproductive science to guide you every step of the way—because informed decisions today shape your future tomorrow.
About the Author
This blog is penned by a devoted content specialist passionate about raising awareness around fertility treatments and emotional well- being. With in- depth disquisition on motifs like IVF and fertility, the thing is to give precious perceptivity for couples on their trip to parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How does age affect fertility in women?
A woman’s fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35, due to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of eggs. This can make conception harder and increase the chances of genetic abnormalities or miscarriage.
- Does age impact male fertility too?
Yes. While men produce sperm throughout life, sperm motility, count, and DNA quality gradually decrease after 40, which can affect the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
- Can lifestyle changes improve fertility for couples trying to conceive?
Absolutely. Healthy habits like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, maintaining ideal weight, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can significantly improve reproductive health in both men and women.
- How does stress influence fertility?
Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, menstrual cycles, and sperm production. While a single stressful event doesn’t cause infertility, long-term stress can make conceiving more difficult.
- Does being overweight or underweight affect fertility?
Yes. Both extremes can disrupt hormone production and ovulation. A healthy BMI helps maintain balanced reproductive hormones and improves the chance of natural conception.
- How do habits like smoking, drinking, or drug use affect fertility?
These habits reduce egg and sperm quality, damage reproductive organs, and increase the risk of miscarriage. Quitting these habits greatly boosts fertility for both partners.