Women’s fertility has long been associated with a sharp decline after the age of 35, but recent research suggests that this oversimplifies the complexities of female fertility. While it is true that fertility challenges may increase as women enter their late 30s, the narrative of a sudden drop in fertility is being challenged by experts.

Lorraine Kasaven, an obstetrician-gynaecologist and clinical research fellow at Imperial College London, highlights that while there is a noticeable acceleration in the decline of egg quality and quantity after the age of 35, the rate of decline varies among individuals. This means that the impact of age on fertility is not a uniform experience for all women.

Research indicates that infertility, defined as the inability to conceive spontaneously after a year of trying, becomes more likely as prospective parents grow older. However, it’s important to note that not conceiving within this timeframe does not rule out the possibility of natural conception in the future. In fact, studies have shown that a significant proportion of women in their late 30s who initially struggled to conceive eventually became pregnant naturally, especially if their partner was younger.

For those who turn to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), there is still considerable hope. Data from 2020 revealed that a substantial percentage of egg retrievals for 35- to 37-year-old female patients in the US resulted in live births. Although the success rates were lower compared to younger age groups, the figures demonstrate that ART can offer viable options for women in their late 30s.

These findings challenge the traditional narrative surrounding female fertility and provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between age and fertility. While age undoubtedly plays a role in fertility, the idea of a sudden and drastic decline at 35 is being re-evaluated, offering hope and reassurance to women navigating their reproductive journey.