“Can i still get pregnant?” “how much longer do i have?”
Time goes by fast. While we are going to school, building a career, and getting ready to get pregnant, time slips away. The number of women trying to get pregnancy after the age of 35 is growing.
At 35 the chance of getting pregnant is 29% in each cycle, almost half of that before 35, and at 40 the chance of pregnancy is 5%. As we get older the number and the quality of the eggs suffer. The release of the eggs still happen every month but they are less likely to get fertilized.
Also, the chance of spontaneous miscarriage increases with time. Under 35 years old: 15 percent chance of pregnancy loss. Between 35–45 years old: Between 20 and 35 percent chance of pregnancy loss.
A group of blood tests and ultrasound evaluations allow us to evaluate the egg count and quality in couples that are having difficulty getting pregnant over the age of 35. There are many options available for women trying to get pregnant or those who want to preserve their fertility.
Timed ovulation is the first step towards getting pregnant. It is monitoring ovulation in a woman’s cycle by urine, blood, or ultrasound and commence intercourse 2 days prior to ovulation.
Ovulation induction is the next step, using hormonal agents to stimulate egg production. This step can be combined with IUI (intrauterine insemination) where a prepared sperm collection is injected inside the uterus bypassing the vagina and the cervix.
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The last and final option is in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In this procedure the fertilized egg is implanted in the mother’s womb.
For women without a partner and no plans for pregnancy in the near future, egg freezing provides an option to save eggs for when the time is right for pregnancy. For those with a partner but no pregnancy plans, fertilized eggs can be preserved for future implantation.
Time is of essence. The earlier the better. Start trying as soon as you feel you are ready. This is my advice to those who ask. Even if you feel the time is passed there are still options to explore.
Let us know if we can help. We are committed to helping you reach your dreams.