As age increases, a woman’s body undergoes various changes, including those related to reproduction. One of the most significant changes occurs in the ovum or egg cells.
As women grow older, the number of ovum (egg cells) they possess gradually decreases, along with their quality. This decline can affect the chances of a successful pregnancy, as high-quality ovum is essential for fertilization.
But does age truly impact the quality of a woman’s ovum? To gain a deeper understanding, let’s explore how age affects ovum quality and its impact on pregnancy.
The Effect of Age on Ovum Quality
As age increases, both the quality and quantity of a woman’s ovum tend to decline. The ovum, which has been present since birth, gradually decreases in number over time while also experiencing a reduction in quality, which may influence the success of conception.
Ovum quality is affected by various factors, including age, history of ovarian surgery, and existing ovarian conditions (such as tumors). Below is an overview of ovum quality based on age:
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In Their 20s
At this age, women are at their peak fertility. The quality of egg cells remains excellent, and the risk of pregnancy complications (such as hypertension or diabetes) is relatively low. This is considered the best time for planning a pregnancy.
In Their 30s
At this stage, both the number and quality of ovum begin to decline. Although the chances of conception remain, the reduced ovum quality may impact fertilization success and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. During this period, it is crucial to have regular check-ups with a doctor to monitor reproductive health and ovum quality.
In Their 40s
By the time a woman reaches her 40s, both the number and quality of ovum have significantly diminished, making natural conception increasingly difficult. Pregnancy risks, such as miscarriage or babies born with certain conditions (such as Down syndrome), also rise. Many women opt for assisted reproductive methods such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to enhance their chances of conception.
While the best sperm quality occurs between the ages of 25–40, the optimal ovum quality is typically at age 24. Understanding the effects of age on ovum quality can help women plan their pregnancies more wisely and take the necessary steps to maintain fertility.
Ovum Quality and Pregnancy Risks at an Older Age
Ovum quality plays a crucial role in pregnancy success, particularly at an advanced maternal age. As a woman gets older, the quality and quantity of her remaining ovum decline, which may increase pregnancy risks. Below are some key factors regarding ovum quality and pregnancy risks at an older age:
1. Decrease in Ovum Quantity
As age progresses, the number of ovum continues to diminish. By the 30s, the number of remaining egg cells is significantly lower compared to the 20s, and this decline becomes more pronounced in the 40s. The smaller pool of egg cells can make fertilization more challenging.
2. Declining Ovum Quality
Beyond quantity, ovum quality also deteriorates with age. Older egg cells have a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, which can affect embryo development after fertilization.
3. Increased Risk of Miscarriage
Lower-quality ovum is more prone to miscarriage. In their 40s, women face a heightened risk of miscarriage due to decreased ovum quality, making pregnancy at an advanced age more delicate and requiring extra care.
4. Higher Risk of Babies Born with Certain Conditions
At an older maternal age, the likelihood of giving birth to a baby with specific conditions, such as Down syndrome, increases due to chromosomal abnormalities in aging ovum.
5. Reduced Chances of Pregnancy
As women age, their chances of conceiving naturally decrease due to diminishing ovum quality and quantity. However, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF (in vitro fertilization) can still provide viable pregnancy opportunities.
6. The Importance of Regular Check-ups
For women aged 35 and older, routine medical check-ups are crucial. Doctors can monitor ovum health and provide recommendations for suitable pregnancy programs.
Despite increased risks at an older age, with proper planning and medical support, women and their partners can still have a healthy pregnancy experience.
Maintaining Ovum Health Despite Aging
Preserving ovum health despite aging is vital for women planning pregnancy or undergoing fertility treatments. Although ovum quality tends to decline over time, several strategies can help maintain egg cell health. Below are some simple tips:
1. Healthy Diet
Consuming nutritious foods is essential for supporting ovum health. Women should focus on antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains to protect egg cells from damage.
2. Regular Exercise
Routine physical activity helps regulate hormonal balance and overall health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming are good options.
3. Managing Stress
Excessive stress can disrupt hormonal balance and ovum health. Women and their partners can try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies to manage stress.
4. Adequate Sleep
Getting enough quality sleep allows the body to recover and maintain hormonal balance, which is essential for ovum health.
5. Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption can harm ovum quality. Women are advised to avoid these habits for better reproductive health. Smoking contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals that can impair ovarian function, damage ovum DNA, and reduce ovarian reserves.
Alcohol, especially when consumed excessively, can disrupt hormonal balance, interfere with ovulation, and increase infertility risks. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is crucial for maintaining reproductive health, improving pregnancy chances, and supporting a healthy fetal development.
6. Regular Medical Check-ups
Women should visit a doctor regularly to ensure their ovum remains in good condition and to receive appropriate pregnancy program recommendations.
With these simple steps, women can maintain ovum health despite aging, increasing their chances of successful conception.
If you are over 35 and planning a pregnancy with your partner, consulting a doctor is highly recommended. This ensures you receive proper guidance and the necessary medical support to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Londero, A. P., et al. (2019). Maternal Age and the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), pp. 1–10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31337350/
