Ottawa doctor urges people to consider having children earlier

Dr. Justin White, a reproductive health specialist at the Ottawa Fertility Centre, tackles an important but often overlooked topic: family planning and fertility.

“Many people think that regular cycles mean they are fully fertile, but that’s a myth,” he says. According to him, the quality and quantity of eggs starts to decline as early as age 32, and the process accelerates after age 35. By age 38, most eggs are genetically abnormal.

The centre’s research has shown that more than half of Canadians expect to conceive within six months – although in practice it takes longer. Dr. White advises thinking about family planning in your 20s and 30s.

He stresses that early access to reproductive care increases the chances of success, reduces stress, and helps avoid many complications, including miscarriages and genetic risks.

In 2022, the average age of a mother in Canada was 31.6 years old, up from 29 years old in 2001. This, along with falling birth rates, makes the topic of fertility especially relevant.

The Ottawa Fertility Centre is located at the intersection of Heron Road and Prince of Wales Drive.