Ask the Pros: How Age Affects Female Fertility with Dr. Kahn
Most women don't think about their fertility until they're ready to start a family — but by then, time may already be working against them. Dr. Jenna Kahn, Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist at Main Line Fertility, recently sat down with 6ABC's for the "Ask the Pros" segment to talk about one of the most common fertility questions she hears: how does age really affect your chances of getting pregnant.
The Truth About Age and Egg Health
Here's something that surprises a lot of women: your eggs don’t just decline in quantity — they decline in quality too, making it harder to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. Fertility generally peaks in a woman's 20s, and by age 40, the chance of conceiving naturally drops to less than 5% per month.
A recent survey found that 70% of American women have never discussed their fertility health with a doctor — and that's exactly the gap Dr. Kahn wants to close.
What You Can Do Right Now
The good news is that there are real, effective options for women who want to be proactive. Dr. Kahn's top recommendation? Egg freezing. "Frozen eggs essentially keep their age," she explains. "A woman who freezes her eggs at 33 and uses them at 40 has close to the same odds of success she would have had at 33 — and that's a powerful thing to be able to offer someone."
The process takes about two weeks from start to finish. After a few days of medication to stimulate the ovaries, eggs are retrieved in a quick outpatient procedure under sedation, then evaluated and frozen in the embryology lab. Patients go home the same day and most experience minimal discomfort.
When Is the Right Time to Freeze?
Dr. Kahn generally recommends freezing before age 35, when egg quality tends to be at its best. For women facing a medical event like a cancer diagnosis, egg freezing can be especially important to preserve future fertility options.
Understanding your fertility timeline is one of the most empowering things you can do for your future self — and it starts with a conversation. If you're curious about egg freezing or want to learn more about your options, the team at Main Line Fertility is ready to help. Schedule a consultation today.