“As women age, their fertility naturally declines, making it more difficult to conceive. Factors such as a decrease in egg quality, reduced ovarian reserve, and hormonal changes all contribute to the challenges women face when trying to get pregnant later in life. However, modern fertility treatments and proactive measures offer hope for those looking to expand their family beyond their prime reproductive years.
As women age, fertility declines due to factors like decreased egg quality and hormonal changes,”” explains Dr. A. Jhansi Rani, IVF Specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF Hyderabad. “”However, solutions like fertility preservation, IVF, and donor eggs offer hope for women trying to conceive later in life. Consulting a specialist early to explore options can improve the chances of successful conception.
Women in their 30s and 40s often experience lower fertility rates due to aging eggs and diminished ovarian reserves. The likelihood of natural conception declines significantly after age 35, and by age 40, the chances are about 5-10% per month. Additionally, the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities increases with age, which can further complicate the journey to parenthood.
However, there are effective solutions available. Fertility preservation techniques, such as egg freezing, allow women to store healthy eggs when they are younger for use later in life. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another option, offering the ability to fertilize eggs outside the body and select the best-quality embryos for transfer. For those with more significant challenges, donor eggs can provide a viable path to pregnancy.
Consulting a fertility specialist early, even before fertility issues become apparent, can help women understand their options and plan ahead. With advances in fertility treatments, women now have greater flexibility to pursue motherhood later in life with improved chances of success.”