Whether it is your first child or a new addition to your family, making the decision to conceive after the age of 40 is both exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Most women know that the chance of conceiving a healthy, viable pregnancy at this age is significantly more difficult, but that does not mean it is impossible. Most women will have a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a completely normal and natural result of the aging process, which may make conceiving without medical intervention difficult. With modern medical advancements and technology, however, there is a variety of fertility solutions available for women over the age of 40 to overcome this and other obstacles. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may be a candidate for any of the following fertility options:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
If you would like to use your own eggs to have a baby, Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI, can help improve your chances of obtaining a pregnancy by promoting fertilization of the egg. With this treatment, sperm from your partner or a donor is placed directly into your uterus. This fertility solution may be especially effective for women with a DOR.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
One of the most reliable treatment options is In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF. IVF addresses a range of fertility issues to overcome them and find a solution to help you have a child. If you have a partner, this option can also address many male fertility issues as well, including low sperm motility. Treatments for women often include FSH injections to promote a healthier, more youthful ovarian environment to better support a healthy baby throughout pregnancy, but your exact treatment plan should be discussed with a fertility specialist.
IVF with Egg Donation
If you have tried to have a baby with your own eggs but have been unsuccessful, there are egg donation options available. Egg donation is the gift of an egg from a healthy, younger woman which can be then be used in an IVF cycle to implant the egg into your own uterus. This fertility solution increases your chances of obtaining a viable pregnancy while lowering your risk of miscarriage. If you choose egg donation, most fertility clinics will allow you to choose from a database of donors to ensure you are choosing the best fit for your family.
How to Increase Your Chances of Obtaining a Viable Pregnancy After 40
There are many things that can affect a woman’s ability to have a child at any age, many of which become significantly more impactful over the age of 40. To increase your chances of obtaining a healthy, full-term pregnancy, you should always consult with a fertility specialist, but there are a few general recommendations that most women trying to conceive can benefit from, including:
- Hormonal therapies for hormonal imbalances, stress or medical conditions
- Supplements such as Prenatal Vitamins, Folic Acid or Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Cardiovascular exercise and healthy weight maintenance
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Track your menstrual cycle to determine when you ovulate
How to Promote a Healthy Pregnancy
Once your fertility treatment is successful and you are pregnant, it becomes even more important to follow your fertility specialist and OBGYN’s recommendations to keep yourself, and your growing baby, healthy. These recommendations may include:
- Eating healthy
- Balancing hormones
- Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
- Stress management
Speak with a Fertility Specialist
Once you have decided you would like to have a child, schedule an appointment with LA IVF. We will be able to evaluate your needs and circumstances and recommend which treatment option will be the best to help you attain a successful pregnancy.
