Female fertility reaches its climax in the early twenties and, according to the latest findings, begins to decline around the age of 30 and more significantly declines after the age of 35.
By this age, the amount of follicles which the female body was endowed with at birth has shrunk to only twelve percent, and his amount further decreases to somewhat over three percent at the age of 40. Additionally, as her body ages, the quality of her eggs tends to decline.
Women over the age of 35 have a higher risk for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pregnancy loss. While only nine percent of pregnant women aged around 20 years have miscarriages, this figure increases to over 50 percent at the age of 42 years. Women who are older also risk having a baby with genetic defects.
To add to the frustration of a prolonged period of unsuccessful attempts, over time the pressure to become pregnant can reduce not only sexual satisfaction, but also the frequency of attempts.
Women under age 35 should seek medical advice after twelve months of unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy. For women over age 35, advice should be sought after only six months of unsuccessful attempts.
