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According to an expert, a healthy couple in their early 20s has a 25–30% chance of conceiving every month, making it the best age for natural pregnancy
After 40, a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant each cycle decrease by 5%, accompanied by a notable reduction in the quality and quantity of eggs. (Representative/Shutterstock)
After childhood, individuals transition through youth and often into marriage. While having children after marriage is common, it’s more accurate to describe it as a societal norm rather than a strict rule of nature.
Biologically, women begin producing eggs after puberty, typically around the age of 13, with these eggs maturing to enable fertilisation. Conversely, men generally start producing sperm capable of fertilisation between 14-15 years of age.
However, the successful fertilisation of an egg by a sperm relies on numerous factors, and it’s not guaranteed even when both partners have reached puberty. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand that a 15-year-old male, despite producing sperm, might not necessarily be fertile. This begs the question: at what age does human fertility peak?
20s are the best age for women
The age of 20 is considered biologically optimal for female fertility. According to a Times of India report, fertility expert Dr. Sugata Mishra said that both men and women reach peak fertility in their 20s, with women being at their most fertile at age 20.
At this age, women have their full complement of eggs, and these eggs are at their healthiest. Dr. Mishra states that a healthy couple in their early 20s has a 25 to 30 per cent chance of conceiving each month. This age represents the time when pregnancy is most likely to occur naturally for most individuals. Additionally, male fertility also peaks in this age range, with both sperm count and quality being optimal.
Does fertility become weak at the age of 30?
As age increases after 20 years, fertility starts declining. By the age of 35, the chances of a woman getting pregnant in every cycle fall by about 15-20 per cent. The risk of miscarriage and chromosome-related disorders also increases.
On the other hand, a gradual decline in the quality of sperm can also be seen in men. This does not mean that after 20-25 years of age, a woman or man will not have children. By the age of 30, most men and women are naturally fertile and can still conceive naturally. However, the chances of natural conception do gradually decrease with time.
What are the chances of pregnancy after 40?
According to experts, after 40 years, there is a significant decline in the fertility of both men and women. A woman’s chances of becoming pregnant each cycle decrease by 5%, accompanied by a notable reduction in the quality and quantity of eggs. Additionally, the risk of egg-related complications rises with age. Similarly, men experience a decline in both the number and quality of sperm.
While the decrease in male fertility at 40 is not as steep as in women, it is nonetheless present. Despite these challenges, natural conception after 40 is possible, though the likelihood is significantly reduced. Consequently, many individuals in this age group turn to IVF technology to assist in conception.
