A baby girl is born with about one to two million egg follicles in her ovaries. Many of these naturally disappear, leaving around 300,000–400,000 by puberty, and the number keeps falling throughout life, faster after 35. By the early 40s, only a small fraction remain.
From about age 35, both the number and the quality of eggs decline. As a result, the chance of pregnancy each month falls, while the risk of miscarriage and of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby rises, because the remaining eggs are fewer and have been ageing for longer.
What women over 35 can do
- Seek assessment after 6 months of trying (or straight away after 40) rather than waiting a full year.
- Check ovarian reserve with an AMH blood test and an antral follicle count on ultrasound. These estimate egg quantity, not quality, but help plan treatment.
- Consider IVF earlier, with or without genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A) to select chromosomally normal embryos.
- Women who want to delay pregnancy can consider egg freezing, ideally before 35.
International Guidelines
In line with global standards, Dr. Sabry follows the latest recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Thus, patients receive care that is safe, ethical, and evidence-based.
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Why Choose Dr. Ashraf Sabry?
Dr. Ashraf Sabry, consultant in obstetrics, gynecology, fertility, and aesthetic gynecology, is recognized among the best OBGYN and fertility specialists in Cairo. With over 20 years of experience, he combines science and compassion to provide world-class care. Book your appointment through the contact page, WhatsApp, or call +201022224442.