Every decade is marked by different milestones and transitions. Your 30s can present a new set of challenges — especially as you balance personal and professional goals. This could also include making more decisions about your fertility.
Because fertility begins to slowly decline with age, some people start thinking more seriously about their family-forming goals in their 30s. Ovaries have a finite number of eggs and as people age, the number and quality of eggs decrease, declining more rapidly in the mid-30s. While sperm production slows with age, this decline is much more gradual. And while infertility becomes more common as individuals move through their 30s, many people are still able to start or grow their families during this decade, both with and without fertility care. In fact, women in their 30s in the U.S. now have a higher birth rate than women in their 20s.
Fertility is a part of overall health, so it’s important to have a balanced diet, reduce stress, and reach or maintain a healthy weight. Menstrual cycles can also reveal important information about fertility. When a person’s menstrual cycle is regular and consistent (occurring approximately every 21-35 days), it suggests that hormones are in balance and that ovulation is occurring every month. Irregular menstrual cycles, on the other hand, could be a sign of underlying health issues like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Menstrual cycle tracking is one helpful way to determine regularity and consistency. Whether a person chooses to track their cycle using a calendar or an app, adopting this routine can lead to a better understanding of one’s cycle and may be an empowering way to gain insight into hormonal reproductive health.
Personal medical and family history can also provide additional insight into a person’s reproductive and overall health. Some conditions can impact the function of reproductive organs, potentially resulting in fertility challenges. These include:
Other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases (like thyroid disorders), and genetic disorders (like cystic fibrosis) can also affect fertility. Individuals who have been diagnosed with any of these medical conditions or with a family history of these issues are encouraged to work with their healthcare provider. If fertility is also a concern, healthcare providers can help guide the conversation around family-forming goals and offer helpful resources.
Despite headlines and health myths, a person in their 30s has a relatively high chance of getting pregnant. A healthy 30-year-old has a 20% chance of getting pregnant in a given menstrual cycle, compared to an individual over 40 who has less than a 5% chance. Because egg quantity and quality decline, there are additional considerations to make if an individual is trying to get pregnant in their mid to late 30s, but it’s not impossible. In fact, in the U.S., more women over 35 are giving birth, and the fertility rate for women ages 35-39 has increased by 67% over the past 30 years.
It’s estimated that 48 million heterosexual couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility worldwide — and infertility can affect people of all ages. The clinical definition of infertility, however, does change with age.
Infertility is defined as:
or
It’s important to remember that these are guidelines to help set expectations of a general timeframe. Every person and every couple is different, so it’s best to speak to a healthcare provider about individual health history and goals.
For individuals with a known medical condition that impacts fertility or for those who have been trying to get pregnant for 6-12 months, further testing may be necessary to determine reproductive options. Fertility tests may include:
These tests can help a healthcare provider diagnose fertility challenges and determine the best treatment options. Despite popular belief, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may not be the first line of treatment. IVF is a procedure in which retrieved eggs are fertilized by sperm in a lab and then transferred into the uterus as an embryo and is often costly and invasive. Other medications and procedures may be considered first, including:
For some, IVF may be the best option, but it’s important for individuals to discuss with a healthcare provider what treatment is best for them.
For those planning to start or grow their family through intercourse in their 30s, age does play an important role, but it’s not everything. Other factors such as relationships, career, and finances may also influence family-forming decisions. Whether you want to learn more about your fertility, are ready to start your family, or are exploring options for the future, Carrot has resources to support you.
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Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Carrot Fertility makes no representations or warranties and expressly disclaims any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app.
