Are you thinking about starting a family in your 30s or beyond? You’re not alone. More people than ever are waiting to have children; a journey that can feel overwhelming, especially with evolving science, pervasive misinformation, and risks to consider. Fertility is often thought of as a women’s issue, yet men’s choices, age, and health play an equally critical role in reproductive outcomes. It is also important to remember that families can have a diverse makeup, and fertility planning may look different for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Impact of Historical Gaps in Women’s Health Research
For years, limited research on women’s health created significant gaps in understanding fertility. Until 1993, fertility studies often excluded women, leading to myths, stigma, and misinformation about reproductive health.
These gaps delayed advancements in fertility education and care. While breakthroughs like 1993’s assisted reproductive technologies (ART) were developed, many conditions were left misunderstood. In Canada, no equivalent legislation was passed, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) only began requiring sex- and gender-based analysis (SGBA+) in the 2000s. Common issues that can affect fertility, such as PCOS and endometriosis, were underfunded, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, lack of public fertility awareness and pervasive myths kept many from seeking help.
Today, strides are being made as researchers and healthcare providers address these gaps, dispel common myths, and provide clear, accurate information. Their efforts empower individuals to make well-informed decisions about reproductive health and family planning.
The Reality of Later Parenthood
The historical gaps in women’s health research continue to influence perceptions and decisions around reproductive health, including the shift to later parenthood. As the average age of mothers at childbirth rises, it’s important to address the impact of waiting longer to start a family. In Canada, this age is now 31.6, having steadily increased over the past several decades, from age 24 between 1950 to 1970; 26.8 in 1977 and 28.5 in 2011.
Approaching fertility in your 30s and 40s can bring both challenges and benefits, and it deserves an honest conversation about how age can impact fertility as well as the advantages to waiting.
The Biological Clock: What Actually Happens Over Time
Fertility naturally declines with age for both men and women, though at different rates. For women, the decline in fertility accelerates in their 30s, with age 35 often marked as a key milestone. Both the quantity and quality of eggs decrease significantly around this time. As maternal age increases, risks of age-related genetic conditions, such as chromosomal abnormalities and congenital anomalies, also rise.
Men over 40 face declining sperm DNA quality, which can increase miscarriage rates, genetic abnormalities, and the likelihood of conditions like autism and schizophrenia in their children.
Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions, but it’s important to remember that many people in their late thirties and forties have healthy pregnancies, so risk is only part of the story.
The Advantages of Waiting
Choosing to start a family later often comes with many positives. Financial stability, career progress, and greater emotional maturity can help you become a confident parent. Studies also suggest that children of older parents tend to benefit from more stability and better resources in the form of greater educational attainment, intelligence, and long-term socioeconomic advantages. Women who have babies later in life are sometimes healthier and live longer. This could be due to hormonal effects from pregnancy or simply being in good overall health.
Additionally, family makeup is not limited to heterosexual couples, and fertility planning has expanded to become more inclusive. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples now have greater access to options like surrogacy, adoption, and assisted reproductive technologies, allowing them to create families that reflect their unique journeys. This shift highlights the evolving definition of family and the growing support for diverse paths to parenthood.
Separating Fertility Facts from Fiction
When it comes to fertility, misinformation is everywhere—especially online. From trendy myths gaining traction on social media to long-standing misconceptions, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. While these topics are widely discussed, it’s always best to consult a trusted healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Fiction: Microplastics Affect Fertility
Microplastics have become a significant topic of concern in the health world, frequently dominating media coverage, leading to questions about how it might affect fertility.
Plastic is everywhere in our daily lives, and microplastics are found in water, food, and even inside our bodies. While chemicals in plastics, like BPA and phthalates, are known to disrupt hormones, there is currently no conclusive evidence linking microplastics to hormonal disruptions or fertility. The best studies so far show that microplastics are widespread in reproductive tissues and fluids. For example, microplastics have been found in all semen samples in a multi-site study of 113 men; however, no consistent links have been observed between microplastics and implantation, pregnancy, or live birth outcomes.
Scientists are still studying the impact, but small lifestyle changes can help. Use glass or steel containers, avoid microwaving plastic, and choose organic foods to reduce exposure.
Fiction: Birth Control Affects Long-Term Fertility
Stopping hormonal birth control does not hurt your future fertility. Natural cycles may take a little while to return, especially with certain longer-acting options, but this is usually just a temporary adjustment.
Fiction: Fertility Is Primarily a Women’s Issue
Infertility often involves factors affecting both partners, making it crucial to evaluate and manage male and female causes together. Research shows that men contribute to 50% of fertility issues, yet this is frequently overlooked. With global studies revealing a decline in sperm quality, it’s essential for men to be included in any fertility assessment.
Fact: Lifestyle Changes Can Significantly Impact Fertility
You can’t change your genetics, but you can change your habits. Improvements in diet, exercise, reducing stress, prioritizing sleep and decreasing harmful substances can make a real difference in fertility for both partners.
Men’s Role in Fertility: What You Need to Know
Men haven’t always been included in fertility education, but this is changing. It’s important for men to understand their role and how their choices affect outcomes.
The 90-Day Window
Sperm needs about 74 days to grow, so what you do in the months before trying to conceive matters. Better habits, such as eating well, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and lowering stress, can quickly improve sperm health.
Environmental Factors Matter
Heat can lower sperm production. Men should avoid hot tubs and possibly saunas. These small changes can raise sperm counts and boost fertility.
The Epigenetic Factor
Studies now show a dad’s habits and environment affect not only if they can conceive, but also the long-term health of their children. Things like diet, stress, and toxic exposures can change sperm and might even impact future generations.
Understanding Parental Leave for Fathers
Men should look at their parental leave rights so that they can fully take advantage of bonding time with their children and partner as a family unit.
For Women: Building a Foundation for Healthy Pregnancy
- Start a prenatal vitamin with 0.4mg of folic acid at least 90 days before trying to get pregnant. This helps healthy development and reduces birth defect risks.
- Incorporate healthy lifestyle habits.
- Make sure your vaccinations and cancer screenings are up to date.
- If you plan to wait to have children, consider checking your ovarian reserve with a blood test like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), or talk with a doctor about egg freezing.
When to Seek Help
If you are under 30 and have tried to conceive for a year, or if you are over 30 and haven’t conceived after six months, talk to your healthcare provider. Early assessment can lead to faster solutions, especially if you have irregular periods, prior reproductive issues, or a family history of fertility challenges.
The Future of Fertility
Advances in reproductive medicine are transforming the possibilities for families. Egg freezing has become safer and more effective, IVF success rates continue to improve, and new screening techniques offer greater confidence in selecting embryos.
Access to fertility care is also expanding, with new government programs and improved insurance coverage making treatments more accessible to those in need.
Taking Control of Your Reproductive Future
Modern fertility combines the latest science with smart, everyday decisions. While you can’t control every factor, you can make informed choices about timing, habits, and medical treatments.
Harrison is here to help clients navigate their fertility journey with expert advice and the latest local resources.
