Feeling Anxious About Your Biological Clock? What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever caught yourself worrying about timing, age, or whether you’re running out of time to have children, you’re not alone. Anxiety about your biological clock is incredibly common, especially as life, career goals, relationships, and health priorities intersect.
The good news? Fertility is more nuanced than a single number.
Read on as Steven A. Brody, MD, PhD, explains what you need to know about your biological clock and how our team at Fertility & Lifespan Medical Institute in San Diego, California, can help when you’re ready to explore your fertility options.
What people mean by “biological clock”
The term “biological clock” refers to the natural changes in fertility that occur with age, particularly your ovarian reserve. Your ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of your eggs.
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, which means this reserve is finite. Egg quality typically begins to decline around age 32, with a more noticeable decline after age 37. To put it into perspective, you have as many as 500,000 eggs during puberty, around 25,000 at age 37, and 1000 (or fewer) by age 51.
While fertility does decline over time, it doesn’t suddenly disappear overnight. Many people conceive later than expected, especially with advanced fertility treatments.
Your age matters, but it’s not the whole story
Age is one factor in fertility, but it’s not the only one. Your hormonal health, ovulation patterns, underlying conditions, lifestyle factors, and physical health all impact your fertility.
Two people of the same age can have very different fertility profiles. That’s why individualized testing and evaluation matter more than assumptions based on age alone.
Testing can bring you (and your partner) peace of mind
If you’re feeling anxious about your biological clock, fertility testing at Fertility & Lifespan Medical Institute can help answer questions instead of leaving you guessing.
Dr. Brody may recommend:
- Hormone testing
- Ultrasound imaging to evaluate your ovarian and uterine health
- Cycle tracking to understand timing and patterns
Once you have a clear picture of your hormone health and egg reserve, you can make informed decisions based on data rather than fear. For example, you may choose to freeze your eggs before further decline. Or, you may decide to move forward with fertility treatment or explore options such as egg donation.
Note: Men aren’t subject to the same biological clock since they continue to produce sperm throughout their lives. However, sperm count and quality still impact your fertility profile. Dr. Brody may recommend a semen analysis to provide a clearer picture of your fertility health as a couple.
You have more options than you may realize
If you’re thinking about delaying childbirth, you’re not alone. In fact, the number of women having children at age 35 or older has increased by about 23%. Simply knowing your options and understanding your fertility profile can ease anxiety and help you feel more confident about your next steps.
Fertility care offers more flexibility than ever before. Depending on your goals and timeline, Dr. Brody may suggest medical support for ovulation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or simply monitoring your reproductive health.
Having options doesn’t mean you have to act immediately. It means you get to choose what’s right for you.
Knowledge turns worry into a plan
Do you have questions about your fertility or future planning? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brody at Fertility & Lifespan Medical Institute today to get personalized answers, compassionate care, and a plan that fits your life and timeline. Call our office at 858-216-2096 or use our online form.
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