Fertility—a topic that sparks curiosity, concern, and perhaps even a bit of anxiety for many individuals.

But here’s the thing. Being proactive about your fertility timeline can be empowering, whether you're actively trying to get pregnant, considering future family planning, or simply curious about your reproductive health.

It helps you make informed decisions about your reproductive health journey.

And we at Arva, are here for it!

So, let’s delve into the question with this blog post: How long will I be fertile for? And how will I know?

Read on!

How Your Fertility Timeline works

Fertility is not static but rather evolves over time, influenced by various factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Here's a general overview of fertility across different stages of life:

1. Adolescence and early adulthood

Puberty marks the beginning of reproductive capability, typically occurring between the ages of 10 to 14 for individuals assigned female at birth and slightly later for those assigned male at birth.

During adolescence and early adulthood, fertility is starting out its journey with menstrual cycles becoming regular, ovulation occuring monthly, and the likelihood of conception being high.

2. Prime reproductive years

For many individuals, their 20s and early 30s represent the prime reproductive years.

Fertility remains relatively stable during this period, with a high likelihood of successful conception for those trying to get pregnant. However, it's essential to note that fertility may gradually decline, albeit subtly, as individuals approach their mid to late 30s.

3. Late reproductive years

As individuals enter their late 30s and early 40s, fertility begins to decline more noticeably.

This decline is primarily attributed to age-related changes in the ovaries, including a decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs. While conception is still possible during this time, the chances diminish, and the risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities, increases.

4. Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically begins in a person's mid to late 40s.

During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate, menstrual cycles become irregular, and fertility declines significantly. Eventually, individuals reach menopause, marked by the cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive capacity.

What are some factors that affect fertility?

While age is a primary determinant of fertility, other factors can influence reproductive capability throughout life:

• Health and lifestyle: Factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions can negatively impact fertility at any age.

• Reproductive health: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and male factor infertility can affect fertility and may require medical intervention.

• Genetics: Family history and genetic predispositions can play a role in fertility outcomes.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, and certain chemicals may affect reproductive health.

The key players: egg, sperm and uterus

Fertility isn’t a one way road between the egg and sperm, but rather involves a lot of processes being in place, for it to occur successfully. Here’s an understanding of how the key components play a role:

How egg quality and quantity affect fertility

The quality (health and genetic makeup) and quantity (number available) of eggs, also known as ovarian reserve, are crucial determinants of fertility.

Age is a major factor here, with both egg quality and quantity declining as you get older, especially in your late 30s and early 40s. While this decline is natural, certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions can further influence these factors.

How uterine health affects fertility

A healthy uterus provides a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. Factors like uterine abnormalities or endometrial lining thickness can affect fertility:

• Uterine abnormalities: Fibroids, polyps, or other structural abnormalities in the uterus can create physical barriers to implantation or disrupt the proper growth of the embryo.

• Endometrial lining thickness: The endometrium is the lining of the uterus that thickens in preparation for pregnancy. An inadequate or overly thick lining can make implantation difficult.

  
  

How sperm affects fertility

High-quality sperm with good motility (movement) and morphology (shape) increases the likelihood of successful fertilization. Imagine sperm as tiny swimmers racing towards the egg. Their ability to move efficiently and have a normal shape is crucial for reaching and penetrating the egg. Sperm count also plays a role:

• Sperm motility: Healthy sperm should be able to move actively and purposefully towards the egg. Poor sperm motility can hinder their ability to reach the egg for fertilization.

• Sperm morphology: Normal sperm morphology refers to the shape and size of the sperm. Abnormalities in shape can affect their ability to fertilize the egg.

• Sperm count: A low sperm count means there are fewer sperm available to reach and fertilize the egg. Several factors, including hormonal imbalances, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), and environmental toxins, can contribute to low sperm count.

Proactive knowledge, personalized action: With Arva

Starting the journey to figuring out where you stand in your fertility journey can be daunting.

That’s when we decided to simplify the process for anyone going through this process.

We designed our fertility test that goes beyond a basic hormone panel. Our comprehensive analysis dives deeper, measuring a spectrum of hormones crucial for understanding your unique fertility profile. This allows us to provide you with a personalized report that includes:

• Ovarian reserve assessment: We analyze your AMH levels to provide insights into your remaining eggs.

• In-depth hormonal evaluation: A deeper look at hormones like FSH, LH, Estradiol, and Testosterone helps us understand potential imbalances that might be affecting your fertility.

• Thyroid function assessment: Thyroid health is intricately linked to overall hormonal balance and can impact fertility. Our test checks your thyroid function to identify any underlying issues.

• Insulin sensitivity analysis: We assess your insulin sensitivity through the HOMA-IR index, which can be helpful in managing PCOS or identifying potential risk factors.

And with a clear picture of your hormonal landscape, you can work with your healthcare provider or work with our health coaches at Arva to develop a personalized fertility plan.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone❤️