Today’s society is changing rapidly with huge variations in women’s decisions depending on where they happen to live. Opportunities for education, employment, and financial prosperity, if granted, may clash with relationships and their fertility health, meaning more and more women are having children later in life.
In 2018, the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reported birth rates per embryo transferred of 11% for patients aged 40-42, and patients 43 and above consistently having birth rates below 5% when using own eggs. The use of donor eggs instead increases the chances of success up to 60% per embryo transfer cycle. However, this brings some implications that need careful consideration. Also, it isn’t even an option in some countries, meaning patients need to travel abroad for treatment.
Having had my son at 40, I understand the dilemma facing many modern women. Sometimes life gets complicated, and you stay in the wrong relationship too long, get busy at work or buying property or getting some financial stability. There’s certainly no perfect time to have a baby and even more so in today’s hectic and demanding world.
Since being a Fertility Coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of women struggling to conceive and over the years they have shared their guilt and frustration at not being aware of their fertility in the years prior. Some having been on the pill and/or being busy getting themselves to the point economically and socially where motherhood is even a viable consideration. People are becoming increasingly conscientious about the needs of children and resources required to meet family expectations now and in the future. Formulating a fertility plan and consulting a fertility expert can help think through some of these issues and provide a route forward whilst taking on board different factors.
So, what can be done to help potential parents conceive later in life?
For men and women being aware of their fertility is important. Preliminary testing in your early thirties can ensure that you make informed decisions about your future. Keeping a healthy lifestyle matters too, to give yourself the best chance of success. Any underlying health conditions and medications should be discussed with the fertility consultant to avoid complications. Folic acid for women and preconception vitamins for men and women should be taken at least three months before conception. Smoking and alcohol are definite no-no’s prior to and during any fertility treatment. Proactively speak to your fertility consultant about advised lifestyle changes so that you have no regrets further down the line and you maximise the chances of having a healthy baby.
IVF offers hope and the chance of a longed-for baby and some women over 40 will be encouraged to undergo egg donation to achieve a viable pregnancy because of low ovarian reserve or the higher risk of miscarriage. This can come as a great shock for most, and it can take time to become comfortable with a decision that affects genetic lineage. Whilst implications counselling isn’t obligatory in all countries, it should be encouraged so that patients think through the future implications of, and for, a donor conceived child. Armed with the right information and communication techniques many people do go on to have happy, healthy families that may never have existed without IVF donor services.
The most important thing is to be proactive with your fertility health and have a realistic timeline to achieve a pregnancy. If you have a partner, work as a team and be mindful of the lifestyle and clinical choices you’re making, so that your dreams can become a reality. Build your own support network with friends, family, or others in the same situation, as this will help regulate your feelings and keep you motivated. Reach out for support if you need it with fertility coaches and counsellors.
NOW-fertility can help you navigate the complexities of trying to conceive from preliminary testing to egg freezing, IVF, egg or sperm donation, support services and more. It’s global partner clinics offer a broad spectrum of international services tailored to your needs, supported by multilingual Care Coordinators and Fertility Nurses working together with Fertility Consultants that will be with you every step of the way.
Author: Cindy Charles, Founder, www.fertilityknowhow
Fertility Know How is a patient advocacy service designed to help people ‘Save Time, Tears and Money on their Road to Parenthood’.
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