Trying to Conceive After Age 35

Many women today find themselves trying to conceive after the age of 35. This opportunity can be full of joy and riddled with questions. Despite some challenges, many women in their thirties and forties successfully conceive.

Our Ultimate Fertility Resource Guide provides the information you need on fertility, tips on how to get pregnant faster, and how to boost fertility through sometimes simple tweaks to your lifestyle and approach. The guide is easy to read and meant for anybody wanting to increase their ability to conceive. It’s a free download and includes coupon codes for essential products. Even free Nightfood Nighttime Ice Cream.

What are the challenges when trying to conceive after age 35?

The most common cause of the age-related decline in fertility is less frequent ovulation. As women age, they begin to have occasional cycles where an egg is never released. Egg quality and quantity also decline in a woman’s 30s and 40s. While the total number of eggs cannot be increased, research has shown that egg quality can be improved.  Supplements containing Myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin have been shown to help improve egg quality and ovarian function.
Other reasons conceiving after 35 may be more difficult include:

Miscarriage is also more common in women over 35. This is often caused by the increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. Women aged 35-45 have a 20-35 % chance of miscarriage.

How can I increase my chances of conception?

Trying to conceive after 35 may seem overwhelming, but there are many things you can do to make getting pregnant easier.
Here are some things to remember:

  • Schedule a pre-conception appointment – You and your health care provider can review your medical history, current medications and overall lifestyle. This gives you the opportunity to address any concerns about trying to conceive after age 35.
  • Women over age 35 take longer to conceive – The average time it takes a couple over 35 to conceive is 1-2 years, so try to remain positive if you do not become pregnant immediately.
  • A woman who is physically, mentally and emotionally healthy is more likely to conceive – Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine can negatively affect fertility. Being overweight or underweight can also affect fertility by interfering with hormone function.
  • Observing your fertility signs can tell you a lot about your body – Recording your basal body temperature and cervical fluid can help you pinpoint the best time to have intercourse while trying to conceive. These fertility signs can also reveal if you are ovulating regularly. Becoming familiar with your fertility will also help you determine whether you are experiencing signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
  • Consider taking an at-home fertility screening test –  There are over-the-counter tests that help screen for key elements affecting female and male fertility. This often gives couples peace of mind as they move through the journey to conceive.
  • Visit your health care provider if you haven’t conceived after 6 months of purposeful intercourse. If you have not conceived after 6 months, contact your health care provider to discuss the possibility of fertility testing. You may decide to consult a fertility specialist at this time.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. March of Dimes

2. Your Pregnancy After 35 Revised Ed. Curtis, Glade B., M.D., OB/GYN, et al, Ch. 1 & 2.

3. WebMD