Odds of Getting Pregnant by Age

Key Takeaways

• Age is one of the largest factors affecting people’s ability to conceive, especially so for those assigned female at birth.
• AFAB individuals begin to see a gradual decline in fertility in their early 30s, with a more pronounced drop-off starting shortly before turning 40.
• Individuals assigned male at birth can potentially remain fertile for their entire adult lives. However, an increase in erectile dysfunction is seen around age 40, and a decrease in sperm quality around the same time can have negative health outcomes for offspring.

Pregnancy by Age

A 2016 study revealed that the average age of first pregnancy in the United States had risen from 21 to 25, a decrease in the number of pregnancies in women below 30. Conversely, the average age of first pregnancy in women 35 and above increased. In other words, more women are now choosing to conceive much later on in life. 

Understanding egg quality & quantity

Assigned at birth females with ovaries are born with 1 to 2 million eggs, which they’ll have in their lifetime. The number of eggs keeps on dwindling with time. A decline in the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries can begin to impact fertility in the early 30s. 

There are only 6 days in each cycle where conception is favorable, as eggs dwindle, many older women are now having to rely on assisted reproductive technologies to help with conception. On the other hand, those trying to conceive naturally must understand the timeframe they are working with to increase their chances of conception. 

However, every individual is different, and some older women have conceived quickly and naturally. 

Chances of getting pregnant in your 20s

There are higher chances of conception when you are in your early 20s because women in their 20s are at their peak in fertility and 90% of their eggs still have normal chromosomes. In this age bracket, you have a 25% chance of getting pregnant in one menstrual cycle. Studies also show that one has a 71% chance of getting pregnant within a year of trying.  

Additionally, your chances of a miscarriage are also low. All you have to do is to time your sexual activities with your ovulation period and unless there are underlying issues, you can get pregnant within a year. 

In the mid to late 20s, you are still in your most fertile age and your chances of getting pregnant are still quite high. 

Chances of getting pregnant in your 30s

When 30 clocks in, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy begins to drop, but not extremely. The chances to conceive naturally within a year still stand at 79% percent. However, your chances of miscarriage begin to rise. While you may not need assisted fertility treatments, you can consult your doctor if you suspect there is an underlying issue.  

When you hit your mid to late 30s, you still have great chances of getting pregnant naturally, but these chances stand at 67%. However, this is the age bracket where fertility begins to decline, especially due to reduced egg quality. At this age, women with ovaries have eggs but the eggs tend to have more chromosomal defects. 

Chances of getting pregnant in your 40s

When a woman reaches 40, fertility begins to decline much more rapidly. Women at 40 still have a 56% chance of becoming pregnant within a year, but that percentage continues to fall with each year above the age of 40. The risk of miscarriage also begins to rise significantly. 

Nevertheless, natural conception still remains a possibility in your 40s but the chances are lower. Not only that, but 90% of the eggs produced have chromosomal abnormalities, the uterine lining thins and the blood supply to the uterus decreases, making it harder for implantation to happen.

This is where assisted reproductive technology like IUI and IVF.  At Ivy Fertility, the expert team of healthcare professionals offers guidance to couples struggling in their fertility journey and offers different treatment options depending on the fertility challenges they face. 

Male Fertility

Male fertility is also affected by age. According to a 2022 study, men do have a biological clock, but it shows up later in life than in women. This study also found that there is a significant increase in the likelihood of erectile dysfunction in individuals over the age of 40. While they continue to produce sperm later in life, the quality of this sperm declines with age, and the shape and quality can change.

Fertility FAQs

What age are women most fertile?

The most fertile age for women is their early 20s. However, women in their 30s and 40s can still conceive naturally. 

How many eggs are people born with?

A woman is born with approximately 1–2 million eggs in her ovaries. However, this number is higher when in fetal development as they are born with around 6 million eggs, or oocytes. By the time a female gets to puberty, the total number of egg reserves drops to around 300,000.

When does fertility decline?

In assigned women at birth, fertility begins to decline in their late 30s and between the ages of 35 and 40, the likelihood of conceiving naturally drops by nearly 25 percent. In assigned males at birth, their fertility begins to decline after the age of 40. 

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy can be an exciting journey to anticipate. Age can be a factor in how quickly you can get pregnant. Fertility levels in assigned females at birth gradually decline from puberty, but that decline increases in the late 30s and early 40s. In assigned males at birth, fertility does decrease when they are above 40 and the quality of sperm could have concerning health outcomes for children. If you’ve been trying for more than a year, you can talk to a healthcare professional who will be able to let you know if there’s an underlying issue outside of age that could be preventing you from having a child.