As a couple, you and your partner will determine the best time to start a family. While considering your options, it helps to obtain accurate information. Dr. James Douglas wants patients to understand the pros and cons of trying to conceive in their 20s, 30s or 40s.
When you decide to get pregnant, you want your body to cooperate. Many factors, including lifestyle choices, overall health, and reproductive issues, can impact your ability to start or expand your family. Think about the following points:
In your 20s
A woman’s fertility peaks at this time in her life. Each month, you have about a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant. You can take steps to maintain your fertility by practicing safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), limiting alcohol use, avoiding recreational drugs and staying in a healthy weight range.
In your 30s
It takes an average of 7 months for women in their 30s to conceive. Understanding your menstrual cycle and knowing when to have intercourse will maximize your chances for success. Healthy women under 35 years old should see a fertility specialist like Dr. Douglas if they have not gotten pregnant after 12 months of trying.
In your 40s
By this point, you have about a 5 percent chance of conceiving the old-fashioned way. As well, more than half of the eggs produced have chromosomal abnormalities. Often, women at this age begin to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or donor eggs as options for having a healthy baby.
Developing a clear understanding of your fertility will enable you to make an educated decision about trying to conceive. Dr. Douglas and the IVF Plano team are here to offer support and treatment if nature needs a little help.
For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.
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