Does fertility really decline when you hit 30?

[Bella_12]

I’ve read alot online that fertility declines when you hit 30, is this actually true??

[Tara2016]

Hiya, I don't know whether it is true however I'm about to reach 30 and this year my fertility levels rapidly declined and my AMH levels and follicle count was very poor recently whereas last year my fertility was fine x

[Bella_12 in reply to Tara2016]

I haven’t had my AMH levels checked, do the nhs do that if you ask? I’ve recently turned 30 and feel like my clock is ticking from what I’ve read, although my friend who had her son when she was 37 said your fertility as a woman declines from 35 x

[Tara2016 in reply to Bella_12]

You have to get it done privately but it's just a blood test so cost around £45 from what I remember. Some clinics do not check this so it's useful to ask if they do. Luckily on my last round I stimulated enough without high dosages but this time I need much higher stimms x

[Aleelilook]

I’ve heard 35 is when it goes downhill! But I think it’s such a generalisation to be honest with you xx

[Hidden]

I'm 33 and keep being told "it's ok, you're still young" despite having been trying since I was 31 and knowing that even if I get pregnant now, I'll be 34 before having a baby, and if through IVF I'll be 35. How old you are makes no difference to the support and advice you'll get from doctors so try not to worry about it, there's enough other things we stress ourselves out about. You can't stop yourself from aging! Xx

[Bella_12 in reply to Hidden]

There’s so many different ppl that say different things it’s such a mine field! I wish you all the best with your journey! I can’t help but worry about ageing I just think if I haven’t got pregnant in the last 4 years in my 20s how will I now I’m older!😩

[Hidden in reply to Bella_12]

I completely understand, I'd worry the same as you. Have the NHS given you any idea why you've not been lucky so far? Or do you have any thoughts yourself? I completely agree with Yammie in terms of getting private tests if you've got any idea of what you're looking for. Wishing you the best of luck xx

[Bella_12 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I’ve had scans which showed I had cysts on one overy but my symptoms have gone now and my cycles are regular, I’m going for bloods next week too and then waiting to see the consultant. I might pay for the bloods for AMH to be done as it’s not a huge expense. I think il call my local private hospital on Monday. Thanks everyone xx

[Yammie1973]

Hi, I'm 44 and about to do my 2nd cycle of egg collection. If I had to rely on the NHS, I would never have gotten that far. As far as my GP was concerned, I was past it as soon as I turned 30.....egg quality is a genuine factor to look at and research as well as your AMH levels....which the NHS don't offer.....funny that!!!! It depends ENTIRELY on a case by case basis. Get an AMH test done privately if you can and take it from there.....don't just beleive everything you are told by the local GP and the NICE.

[Molly28]

I'm 36 and had my AMH tested by NHS in March of this year (I'm in Scotland so don't know if it's different in other parts of UK) and my consultant said it was perfect so I think it must vary from person to person.

[Positive2022]

Hi, i'm 34 and was told I'm still 'young' and not to worry. I am still awaiting further investigations though. Wishing you all the best with your TTC journey xxx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

It declines from the day your period starts but apparently there’s a big drop off at 35. My ivf clinic said there’s a big drop off in their success rates at 40+ too.

[WaywardGirl]

I think there are so many factors that can affect fertility! Age is certainly one, but I am 40, fit and healthy (ran a marathon 4 days before we started on the Gonal F), with a good diet, non-smoker etc and we seem to be getting fairly good results from our IVF so far (we're having day 5 BET tomorrow and so far have 6 still in the running).

My issue was severe endometriosis which took ages to diagnose and hasn't been treated yet (they thought that getting moving on IVF was a priority).