Age

Age and Fertility | Although the direct relationship between the woman’s age and her decreasing reproductive ability is generally well known, women still postpone their first attempts to conceive to later years. Optimal fertile time is between the ages of 20 and 30. Age 25 seems to be optimal. Reproductive ability slowly decreases after age 30 and starts to decline rapidly around age 35. About 10 to 15 years prior to the onset of menopause, the decrease in the quantity of follicles in the ovaries starts to accelerate. At the same time, the blood level of the FSH hormone, which stimulates follicle growth, is increasing. These changes are reflected in the lower quality and potency of the follicles, which leads to decreased egg production. The decrease affects not only the number of eggs in the ovaries, but also their quality and suitability for conception. The menstrual cycle also demonstrates certain changes. It can remain regular, but the first phase (follicular), during which the follicle matures, shortens over time.