Above 40 and still fertile, what’s the secret?

By Dr. Shobha Gupta 

Age is always one such issue which tops the list if you want to become pregnant because you can’t do anything about age. Though the cosmetic procedures are very much in and may holds your age over your face but there’s no medicine, no cure for old age and the disabilities that come with it. The only thing you can do is plan your future well and make the best of today. The ideal age for pregnancy is the mid-to-late 20s. If you want to wait, then you can push that limit up to 35 only and not beyond. After 35, the chances of a successful pregnancy start declining. 

IVF or In vitreo fertilization treatment, for so long considered the only hope for women who are unable to fall pregnant on their own but I believe that IVF isn't the only answer for women wanting to get pregnant. 

There are other options too that needs to be considered and that many could find their fertility better boosted through acupuncture, making simple lifestyle changes and, actually, just having more sex. I've known many patients who wanted to go for IVF treatment and aren't regularly having sex. Often people are looking for every possible option not but sex. Physical intimacy between couples is of utmost importance. In today’s busy world couples have created a

joyless life for themselves and they're doing endless yoga or furiously juicing and that isn't working either. The more out of control we feel, the more out of control we can become with things like our diet. 

The older we get, the more important it is to address our lifestyle choices. The rejuvenating and protective aspects of our body reduce. During the time when the eggs are suspended in the ovaries, they come under the influence of the ovarian environment and there is a small window there where we can potentially make an impact on the quality of the eggs. Consider following points: 

• The quality of the egg declines with age, but this is an area of medicine that is looking to improve the end-stage development of·the egg. There are simple steps that can be taken to help things along the way. Melatonin is the hormone secreted at night and it can be taken as supplement. Research suggests that higher levels of melatonin found in the fluid surrounding the developing follicles produced larger follicles during IVF and neutralised free radicals.

• Limit the usage of laptops, computers and phones during night and instead invest your time in your partner. 

• You can also try acupuncture as it improves blood flow to the ovaries and increasing your vitamin D intake, which is said to make the uterus more receptive. 

• Also pay attention to your digestive system. You can have a great diet, but if you have a poor digestive system, with inflammation, fermentation and poor gut function, the way everything functions in the pelvic cavity won't be optimal.

IVF treatment is certainly the option but before jumping into it, watch your body first.