If you’ve ever wondered how age affects fertility, the numbers may surprise you.
How Many Eggs Are Women Born With?
An egg supply is established before birth. In fact, the highest number of eggs you’ll ever have occurs while you’re still developing in your mother’s uterus.
Here’s how your egg count changes over time:
- 6–7 million eggs: Peak egg count during fetal development.
- 1–2 million eggs: Remaining at birth.
- 300,000–400,000 eggs: Remaining by puberty.
- About 400–450 eggs: The number that will ovulate during your reproductive years.
By the time menopause occurs, only a small number of eggs remain.
The Rate of Egg Loss
Your body naturally loses eggs every day—even when you’re not ovulating.
On average, women lose approximately:
- 10,000 eggs each year
- 800 eggs each month
- 30 eggs every day
This gradual decline is a normal part of reproductive aging and helps explain why fertility changes over time.
What Does This Mean for Fertility?
One of the most important facts about female fertility is that both egg quantity and egg quality decline with age. While every woman’s fertility journey is unique, understanding your ovarian reserve can provide valuable insight into whether you’re planning to have children now or in the future.
The key takeaway is simple: you are the most fertile today that you’ll ever be. That doesn’t mean pregnancy won’t happen later—it simply highlights why timing and proactive fertility care can make a difference.
When Should You Consider a Fertility Evaluation?
If you’re thinking about starting a family, have been trying to conceive without success, or want better to understand your reproductive health, a fertility evaluation can help answer important questions about your egg reserve and fertility potential.
At RMA, our award-winning fertility specialists use advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to help patients understand their options and achieve their family-building goals.
Ready to learn more about your fertility? Schedule a consultation today.
