Fertility After 35: Facts, Myths, and What You Can Still Control

Deciding to start a family later in life is more common than ever. Whether you’ve been focusing on your career, waiting for the right partner, or simply didn’t feel ready until now, you’re not alone.

Plenty of people are becoming parents in their late 30s, early 40s, and beyond. Still, once you hit 35, you may start hearing a lot of noise, warnings, outdated stats, and the occasional unsolicited comment. So what’s actually true, what’s exaggerated, and what can you still do to improve your chances?

Let’s clear the air.

First, What Really Changes in terms of fertility at 35?

Here’s the simple version: fertility doesn’t suddenly fall off a cliff when you turn 35, but it does begin to decline more noticeably.

Egg quantity and quality both decrease with age.
- You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have, and by 35, that reserve has naturally shrunk.
- Older eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to a lower chance of conception or higher risk of miscarriage.
Ovulation can become less predictable.
- Hormonal shifts may start to affect how regularly you ovulate, even if your periods are still coming each month.
Pregnancy risks increase slightly.
- There’s a higher risk of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm birth after 35, but most are manageable with good prenatal care.

Still, thousands of healthy pregnancies happen every year in people aged 35–45. Age matters, but it isn’t the whole story.

Further Reading: Fertility 101: How Your Body’s Reproductive Clock Works

Common Myths About “Advanced Maternal Age”

Let’s tackle a few myths that still circulate:

Myth 1: It’s nearly impossible to get pregnant after 35.

False. While fertility does decline with age, many people conceive naturally in their late 30s and early 40s. It might take longer, but it’s far from impossible.

Myth 2: IVF always works if you’re older.

Not exactly. IVF can help, but success rates also drop with age, especially after 40. Egg quality remains a limiting factor, even with assisted techniques.

Myth 3: If you have regular periods, your fertility must be fine.

Not necessarily. You can have normal cycles and still have lower-quality eggs. That’s why some people struggle to conceive despite what looks like a textbook cycle.

Myth 4: Everyone should freeze their eggs at 30.

Egg freezing is a great option for some, but it’s not right (or necessary) for everyone. It’s a personal, medical, and financial decision, not a must-do milestone.

What You Can Control

Here’s where you do have influence, regardless of what the calendar says.

1. Your Health Habits

Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
Exercise: Moderate physical activity supports hormonal balance and overall health.
Sleep and stress: Chronic stress and poor sleep can disrupt ovulation.
Avoid smoking, excess alcohol, and exposure to toxins: they all impact egg quality.

2. Timing and Cycle Awareness

Learn to identify ovulation signs: cervical mucus, ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), and changes in body temperature.
Aim to have sex every 1–2 days during your fertile window.
Consider working with a fertility coach or using a trusted app to track patterns.

3. Medical Support

If you’re 35 or older and haven’t conceived after 6 months of trying, it’s a good idea to check in with a fertility specialist.
Testing is relatively straightforward: hormone levels, ovarian reserve (via AMH), and a pelvic scan can offer useful insights.

And don’t forget: partner health matters, too. Sperm quality also declines with age, though more gradually. Encourage mutual wellness and testing if needed.

Should You Think About Egg Freezing or IVF?

It depends. If you’re not ready to conceive yet but want to keep the door open, egg freezing might be worth exploring, especially before age 38, when success rates are typically higher. If you're actively trying, IVF might be recommended depending on your test results, timeline, and goals.

But there’s no universal path. What’s “best” depends on your personal circumstances, values, and priorities.

Pregnancy after 35 comes with some added considerations, yes. But it also comes with perspective, confidence, and a deeper sense of what you want. You don’t need to rush blindly or panic, but staying informed and proactive can make a real difference.