Late Marriage and Infertility: When Should Couples Plan?

In today’s fast-paced world, career ambitions and personal freedom are pushing marriage and family planning later into life. While earlier generations typically married between 22 and 25, today’s young adults are delaying marriage until their early 30s. However, doctors warn that with late marriage comes an often-overlooked risk: declining fertility. Read More

According to experts, age is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Alongside unhealthy lifestyle habits and certain medical conditions, postponing family planning can make conception significantly more difficult.

Why Fertility Declines with Age

Dr. Kanika Sharma, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Delhi, explained the biological realities behind the trend:
“In the last few decades, women have made significant strides in their personal and professional lives. While this has brought empowerment and independence, it hasn’t slowed the ticking of the biological clock. Women’s fertility naturally decreases with age,” she said.

From a medical standpoint, the body’s reproductive processes slow down as women age. The number of healthy eggs diminishes, and the chances of natural conception decline. While medical treatments can assist, the body’s natural ability to conceive becomes increasingly limited with time.

The Ideal Age for Women to Have Children

When it comes to maximizing fertility potential, timing matters more than many realize.

“The best age for women’s fertility is before 32 years,” Dr. Sharma advised. “After 32, fertility begins to decline gradually, and after 38, it drops sharply.”

Despite greater social acceptance of late pregnancies today, the biological constraints remain unchanged. The quality and quantity of eggs decrease, and risks of miscarriage, pregnancy complications, and genetic abnormalities rise after the mid-30s.

The Emotional and Medical Realities of Late Parenthood

Many women only begin considering family expansion once they feel professionally secure — often in their mid-30s or later. Unfortunately, by then, natural conception may be harder, sometimes requiring assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

“Awareness is critical,” emphasized Dr. Sharma. “With early planning and timely intervention, women can still achieve their family goals even if they marry later. But they need to know their options and consult specialists when needed.”

Medical technologies such as egg freezing, fertility preservation, and advanced IVF techniques have opened doors for many older couples. Still, they come with their own costs, risks, and emotional tolls.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Dreams and Biology

Today’s youth are embracing independence and career growth like never before — a positive societal shift. However, experts stress the importance of balancing personal goals with biological realities.

If having children is part of a future plan, couples should be proactive. Consulting a fertility specialist early, even before planning to conceive, can offer valuable insights and help them make informed decisions.

Conclusion: Early Awareness is the Key to Future Success

The trend of late marriages is unlikely to slow down, but awareness about fertility timelines must rise alongside it. Understanding the body’s natural rhythms empowers couples to make decisions that align with both their dreams and their biology.

For couples aiming to expand their families someday, the best time to start planning is now — not after fertility begins to decline. With the right guidance and timely action, they can enjoy both professional success and personal fulfillment in building a family.

Reference : https://ferty9.com/blog/is-india-facing-an-infertility-crisis