Having a baby when you’re over 40 can be challenging, even if you feel capable and healthy to carry a baby. Infertility can affect women and men equally, so if you’re having difficulty conceiving, it may be time to see a fertility specialist. Here is more information about meeting with a fertility specialist if you’re over 40 and trying to conceive:
What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant Naturally After 40?
It is possible to get pregnant naturally after 40 without fertility treatments. As long as you’re menstruating, there is a possibility that you may become pregnant. Many women have a lower chance of naturally conceiving after 40 compared to those of younger maternal age. Fertility starts to decline at around age 30 and continues to decline as you age. Women above 40 have approximately a 44% chance of conceiving naturally per menstrual cycle. This is compared to women in their 20s or early 30s, who have an 85% of conceiving naturally.
When fertility is at its peak, you have a better chance of having healthy pregnancies. The steep drop in conception rates is because of the decline in egg supply. You’ll have fewer eggs as you age because your ovarian reserve decreases over time. There is also a greater likelihood of genetic abnormalities in the eggs. Chances of miscarriage can also increase in your 40s, which can occur due to an increased risk of missing or extra chromosomes in the embryo. If the embryo remains in the womb, there may be an increased risk of multiple abnormal chromosomes. A fertility specialist can provide a detailed screening for these genetic abnormalities if you are over 40. After the screening, they can provide a detailed explanation of the testing results and their implications.
When Should You Look for a Fertility Doctor?
Look for a fertility specialist if you’re over 40 and have been trying to conceive for at least 12 months. Women over 40 are in the category of high-risk pregnancy, meaning the likelihood of miscarriage is high at this time. Many times, miscarriage occurs because the sperm or the egg has an abnormal number of chromosomes, making the egg develop abnormally. Miscarriages can occur due to early development problems, such as structural defects in the egg or failure to implant correctly.
If you have had several miscarriages, a fertility doctor will monitor your health as you try to conceive. They will check you for high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy. They will also monitor your baby for low birth weight and congenital disabilities like Down syndrome. If you have no periods, irregular periods, bleeding between periods, or very heavy periods, this could be a sign of infertility. Chronic medical conditions like kidney disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, or genetic disorders can also cause fertility problems. Visit a specialist if your mother had early menopause or if you’ve had chemotherapy treatment. Consulting a fertility specialist if you’re trying to conceive can help you get answers to your fertility questions and receive guidance during this complex and intense journey.
What Are the Advantages of Seeing a Fertility Doctor?
The main role of a fertility doctor is to offer solutions for fertility problems. Fertility experts are board-certified physicians with specialized training and experience in gynecology, obstetrics, infertility, and reproductive endocrinology. Consulting them may give you the answers you need about your fertility problems. These specialists use a combination of ultrasounds, comprehensive tests, and bloodwork to provide the most effective diagnosis and treatment plan.
Fertility doctors provide various treatment options, from egg-freezing to in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination. No two fertility cases are identical, meaning your treatment plan should be tailored to your needs. An experienced fertility doctor understands the emotional challenges associated with trying to conceive and may recommend mental health professionals to support you on your journey.
Choose the Right Fertility Specialist
If you are over 40, look for a fertility specialist who offers a personalized treatment approach to increase your chances of conceiving. Find a specialist with the knowledge and expertise to provide compassionate, quality fertility patient care. Contact a fertility clinic today to learn more about how they can help you conceive if you’re over 40 years old.