In what way does age influence fertility in women?

As women age, their fertility undergoes significant changes, particularly influenced by the natural decline of ovarian function and the quality of oocytes. Fertility generally begins to decline in a woman's early 30s and becomes more pronounced after age 35. This decline is attributed to several factors, including a decrease in the number of viable eggs and an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which can affect conception and the health of a pregnancy.

In contrast to the options that suggest a constant level of fertility or an increase in fertility with age, the well-documented trend is that the chances of conception decrease as a woman enters her 30s and particularly after age 35. Understanding this pattern is crucial for women when considering family planning and reproductive health decisions. Thus, the notion that fertility typically declines after age 30 accurately reflects the biological realities affecting women's reproductive capabilities.