Fertility can be a tricky thing for couples struggling to conceive. There’s so much to consider. Timing is one crucial factor; your success depends on ovulation. Lifestyle also weighs heavily on your ability to conceive. Of course, one of the biggest factors affecting fertility and your ability to conceive is age.
When you begin wondering about your own fertility, you may come upon the common rule of thumb, which is: Seek medical intervention if you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months without success. For women over the age of 35, schedule a consultation with a doctor after six months of unprotected sex without conception. But does that advice apply to everyone? And when should age-related fertility really concern you?
Each woman is different, and you and your doctor know best how long is long enough before you seek medical intervention. The average 37-year-old woman has a pretty good chance, barring any conditions that impact her fertility, of conceiving within 12 months. It may take longer than it would if you were in your early 30s or even our 20s, but pinpointing your ovulation window and maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps facilitate success.
Why Does it Take Longer to Conceive at 37?
Most women conceive within a year, but as the common rule of thumb states, if you’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after six months, you should consult your doctor. That way, you can track your progress more closely, ensure you’re still ovulating, and find out your options.
Conception typically takes longer as you get closer to menopause. Your egg quantity begins to diminish, and compared to when you were younger, the quality of your eggs is inferior to what it once was. This is just a natural consequence of aging.
The good news is that for most women, conception in their late 30s is entirely possible as long as they are healthy and reproductively sound. In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the chances of conception for a woman between the ages of 37-39 are 46% within six months and 67% within 12 months.
How Can I Improve My Odds of Conceiving at 37?
Although you can’t stop that old biological clock, there are some things you can do that help with fertility and conception. Here are our tips for improving your odds of conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Track Your Ovulation
Use an ovulation predictor kit to help you know your most fertile days. These kits are highly effective (90%-99% accurate) at detecting the hormonal spike in your body that indicates ovulation. When you track your ovulation and time intercourse to coincide with your most fertile days surrounding ovulation, your odds improve significantly.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eliminate alcohol, if you smoke, quit, and take steps to manage your stress. All of these facts weigh heavily on fertility and pregnancy. Smoking and alcohol, recreational drugs, and chronic stress may interfere with ovulation and increase your risk for a miscarriage.
Follow a Fertility-Friendly Diet
A fertility-friendly diet begins with plenty of folic acid-rich leafy greens, antioxidant-loaded fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein. Many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet to their patients for several health issues; however, the biggest thing you can do to help yourself and your future baby is to ditch the processed stuff, including sugar. Eliminate these items, including fast food, from your diet, and you’ll improve your fertility and your overall health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
For optimal fertility, your hormones must be in balance. Being overweight or underweight impacts your hormonal balance, so make sure you maintain your healthiest weight. If you need to lose weight or gain weight for a healthy BMI, talk to your doctor to find the best approach.
Include Fertility-Friendly Supplements
Providing your future baby with the best possible version of yourself includes making sure you’re getting enough of the right vitamins and minerals to support healthy fertility and pregnancy. It’s nearly impossible to get everything you need from your diet alone. That’s why we recommend a nutritional supplement specifically formulated for fertility and pregnancy.
Exercise
Exercise is a form of self-care and helps in so many ways. Regular exercise aids in maintaining a healthy weight, helps you manage stress, improves circulation, necessary for a healthy reproductive system, and helps balance your hormones. You don’t need to be a gym rat to reap all the benefits. A simple daily yoga practice, a 30-minute walk, swimming, or bicycling around your neighborhood should suffice.
Next Steps
If you’re over 35 and concerned about your fertility, don’t wait. Please reach out to LA IVF and schedule a consultation. Yes, age does play a role in your ability to conceive, but you do have options. Contact LA IVF today, and let’s discuss your next steps.
