Preconception series: The age factor

Age-related Facts

As a result, there are more first time mothers in the age group 30-39 years. As you can see from the graph below, a normal woman's chance of conceiving each month decreases with age.

Figure 1: Probability of pregnancy following intercourse on a given day relative to ovulation for women of average fertility aged 19–26, 27–29, 30–34 and 35–39 years.

The reason for this decline appears to be a combination of a decline in egg quantity and quality, decreased uterine health, hormonal changes and less frequent intercourse with age.

Men

Men’s sperm quality also starts to decrease from age 35, which affects both a couple’s chance of conceiving and the health of the pregnancy.

Figure 2: Probability of pregnancy following intercourse for women of average fertility with partners of the same age or 5 years older.

So, it is just as important for men to follow The Preconception Care Plan, especially if they are over 35 years of age.

Optimising your chances of conceiving after 35

In an American Fertility Association survey of more than 12,000 women, only one woman answered all 15 questions about the reproductive cycle and basic fertility correctly. A follow-up international study of 17,500 women also found that most women are unaware of many of the basic facts associated with their own fertility and reproductive health. As a result, they are not aware of the factors that can cause them to be infertile. This lack of education is considered a major factor in the increase in infertility around the world. Knowledge helps women make sounder lifestyle judgements and access the benefits of preconception care. This is particularly important for women over 35 years of age who may have greater difficulty conceiving.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility affects about one in six Australian couples.

How can I improve my chance of conceiving after 35?

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

Remove the hurdles – see The Path to Pregnancy – Clean Up
Avoiding toxins, including tobacco, alcohol and caffeine, can make the road to pregnancy easier, quicker and healthier. Losing weight can make a big impact on your chances if you are overweight or obese.

Get healthy – see The Path to Pregnancy – Get Healthy
A healthy body is a more fertile body. A woman who is physically, mentally and emotionally healthy is more likely to conceive.

Schedule a pre-conception appointment see – The Path to Pregnancy – PCC Check
This gives you the opportunity to address any concerns you have about trying to conceive.

Know your fertile signs – see The Path to Pregnancy – Know your cycle
Knowing when you are fertile increases your chances each month. It takes longer to conceive as you get older, so try to remain positive if you do not become pregnant immediately.