In today’s world, it’s increasingly common for both men and women to delay family-building plans to focus on careers, finances, education, and other personal goals. While postponing parenthood offers new opportunities and benefits, it can also impact your chances of successfully having a child. Age is a significant factor in fertility and reproductive ability, especially for women, although men are also affected. While it may be more challenging to have a child later in life, it’s not impossible.
At PCRM, our fertility specialists have helped many patients 35, 40, and older achieve their family-building dreams with the help of innovative fertility treatments.
Age and Fertility in Women
Women typically experience their peak fertility years between the ages of 18 and 24, as they have a higher number of quality eggs during this period.
By the time a woman reaches 25, she has already experienced a significant reduction in her egg count. Between the ages of 25 and 30, fertility declines gradually but remains relatively high. Around age 30, the number and quality of available eggs begin to decline more noticeably, and this decline accelerates around age 35.
At age 40 and older, the number of remaining eggs is lower, and there is a higher chance that these eggs may not be viable. Additionally, there is an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, miscarriages, and pregnancy complications as women age.
Age and Fertility in Men
Age's impact on fertility is often considered only a female issue, but it affects male fertility as well. Unlike women, men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives; however, men aged 40 and older are more likely to experience changes in sperm count, motility, and shape. Additionally, older men are more likely to have sperm with fragmented DNA, which can significantly impact conception and pregnancy outcomes. There is also an increased risk of passing on genetic disorders as men age.
Fertility Treatment for 40+ Aspiring Parents
While having a child after 40 comes with challenges, it’s not impossible, especially with the help of assisted reproductive technology. The most commonly recommended fertility treatment for patients aged 40 and older is in vitro fertilization [IVF], which involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm outside of the body, and transferring the ensuing embryo into the uterus.
IVF is useful for 40+ aspiring parents for multiple reasons. It uses hormonal medications that help facilitate the optimal environment for ovulation and, later, embryo implantation. It also makes it possible to perform advanced techniques to help improve the chances of successful conception and pregnancy, including:
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg for fertilization.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing [PGT]: A screening measure in which a small sample of embryonic cells is tested for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders before embryo implantation.
- Frozen Embryo Transfer [FET]: A procedure in which embryos are frozen after creation and thawed for implantation at a later time.
Third-party reproduction is also a viable fertility treatment option for 40+ patients, including egg donation and sperm donation.
Choose PCRM for 40+ Fertility Treatment in Greater Vancouver and Edmonton
Serving British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada, PCRM is committed to giving aspiring parents their best chances of successfully having a child. Using the most advanced fertility treatment techniques, we have helped countless patients aged 40 and older achieve their family-building dreams. If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a parent, connect with us today.