By Dr. Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIIMS College & Hospital
The complicated way of battling infertility beyond 35 may appear like a complex situation, but knowing the options can make the situation less hectic. With age, women lose both the quantity and quality of their eggs, which can have an impact on fertility. At the same time, there are multiple methods and treatments to help optimize chances for conception. An initial consultation with a fertility specialist may evaluate reproductive health through hormone level checks, ultrasounds, and a partner’s semen analysis. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and stress management such as yoga or meditation may also help in enhancing fertility.
Treatment options to help overcome infertility exist for women above 35 years of age. Irregular cycles in her ovulation-inducing medications such as Clomid or Letrozole present drugs inducing FSH and LH. IUI: placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to increase the likelihood of fertilization. ART in vitro fertilization is the highest technique; only a lucky few can succeed with it. Egg freezing is when a woman’s eggs are frozen for future use when her intention might be to delay pregnancy. Donor eggs or embryos would conceivably come into play with diminished ovarian reserve. And explored would also be gestational surrogacy, once one cannot risk carrying a pregnancy of her own.
Early treatment and skilled counseling greatly increase the chances of success. If there are fertility problems, seeing medical help and considering possible treatments should be a priority for improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.