Fertility at 35: Is There Really a Cliff? How Much Time You Have

If you are 35 or approaching it, you have probably heard warnings about a sudden fertility cliff. It is one of the most common messages women encounter — but the reality is more nuanced and more hopeful than the headlines suggest.

How Fertility Changes with Age
Fertility does decline with age, but it is a gradual curve, not an overnight drop. On average, egg quantity and quality begin to decline more noticeably in the mid- to late-thirties, but many women conceive naturally well into their late thirties and even early forties.

Why Fertility Is Individual
What matters more than age alone is the unique combination of biological factors shaping your personal fertility timeline. Ovarian reserve, as measured by markers like AMH and antral follicle count (AFC), varies widely among women the same age. Some women at 35 have egg reserves comparable to women in their late twenties, while others may see an earlier-than-average decline.

Other Factors That Impact Fertility
Other aspects of health also strongly influence fertility, including thyroid function, metabolic health, inflammatory markers, and ovulation quality. Lifestyle factors — nutrition, sleep, stress, fitness — play a critical role in supporting egg health and reproductive resilience at any age.

Why Proactive Testing Is Key
Population-based statistics about fertility after 35 do not define your individual potential. Your body may follow a different curve, and proactive testing and personalized care can reveal where you truly stand. This allows you to plan based on your own biology, not assumptions.

At Rita, we believe that 35 is not too late — it is a smart time to take a closer look. Understanding your fertility profile and identifying ways to optimize your reproductive health now can give you more options later.