The Male Side of Infertility
“Her biological clock is ticking”. You’ve heard this one before. That deep need and strong desire for a woman to get pregnant and start a family. Not long ago, the idea of the internal clock was more than enough justification for 20 and 30ish-aged women to start their countdown. However, with new technologies, ageless celebrity births, and the alternative options facing Generation X and Y women, pregnancy may not be an immediate priority. For many, the idea of the biological clock is not as prevalent and meaningful as it was, or is it? Let’s see.
Does age really matter?
In reality, it does. When it comes to pregnancy and fertility every woman assumes she will be able to get pregnant, until she can’t. Many factors contribute to successful conception, but age is probably the most dominant. A woman’s body changes as she ages and those changes impact fertility. A woman getting pregnant before the age of 35 is usually more fertile and less likely to experience complications. For those that are late starters, a four-year window, up until 39 is still relatively okay. However, when a woman hits the 40-year mark the dynamics of fertility shift dramatically.
What Happens After 40?
After 40, women see a decrease in eggs and their viability. The success of the pregnancy often diminishes. Older women have a higher incidence of birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirths. Production of AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) decrease. Produced by cells surrounding a woman’s eggs, AMH levels are often tested to help doctors determine how fertile or infertile a woman might be.
Can I still get pregnant?
Women over 40 can still become pregnant. They just need to understand the challenges and the risks. The truth is, it’s not nearly as easy as it looks on TV. Often celebrity late-births occur with the aid of donor eggs, which may not be realistic for the average woman. Women over 40 should work diligently with their physicians, follow the recommended regimen and remain patient.
Holistic Gynecology combines conventional medicine with natural treatments in order to promote and increase general wellness and manage gynecological issues.
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