The biological clock is always ticking. And for couples looking to start a family, they may not know how much time they have left to conceive through natural means. Indeed, women experience menopause at different points of their life, and age can affect male fertility as well. With that in mind, today we’ll explore the different options couples can pursue to start a family, and help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
When Does Menopause Start?
As stated above, there’s no way to determine exactly when a women will experience menopause. Some women go through menopause in their late thirties, while others might remain fertile throughout their forties and into their fifties. New research does indicate that the onset of menopause is tied to genetic factors. That means women might be able to estimate when menopause will occur based on family history.
Factors that Affect Fertility
Many women are capable of having healthy pregnancies in their thirties and forties. However, it’s recommended that women looking to get pregnant at those ages take certain steps to 1) boost chances of conception and 2) ensure health and safety during the pregnancy.
Partners looking to conceive may want to consider implementing changes in their exercise or dietary routine. Additionally, it’s often a wise idea to see a medical professional before you begin trying to conceive. Some women may need a tubal ligation reversal procedure in order to become pregnant in the first place. (For more information on this subject, visit tuboplasty.com.)
Once a woman over thirty-five becomes pregnant, it’s then crucial that they stay in close communication with their doctor –– especially during the first few weeks of gestation. And of course, all pregnant women should avoid high-risk activities that could jeopardize their health, or the health of their unborn child.
Other Options
For couples who are able to conceive naturally, they still have a few ways to start a family. Sometimes in vitro fertilization, and/or using donated eggs or sperm can lead to conception. Also, over 100,000 children are adopted in the US every year. Though, it’s worth noting that the adoption process can prove arduous for unprepared couples.
The Bottom Line
Starting a family entails so much more than taking prenatal vitamins or filling out a few forms. Rather, the decision to have a child is a life-altering event, and nothing will be the same afterward. So before couples ask if it’s too late to start a family, they need to think about a different question: are we ready? Even if you hear the biological clock ticking, take your time addressing that query –– it could be the most important decision you ever make!