Fertility after 35: myths and realities

From an early age, female fertility can experience changes due to different factors that affect a woman's body at the hormonal level. These changes can improve or worsen depending on nutrition, care, and the physical constitution of each woman. In particular, fertility in women over the age of 35 is a relevant topic, given that statistics have changed and social perceptions have also transformed, yet many misunderstandings about this issue still persist.

As women age, their ability to conceive naturally decreases. However, it is crucial to understand both the realities and the myths surrounding fertility after the age of 35. Female fertility is mainly based on the number of available eggs, and over time it is normal for this quantity to decrease. In addition, egg quality may also be compromised, which can make fertilization more difficult.

Egg quality does not only depend on age, but also on environmental, nutritional, and emotional factors. The deterioration of eggs is not exclusively synonymous with aging in women. In fact, there are women under the age of 35 who have difficulty conceiving naturally due to the low quality of their eggs, a situation that is directly related to their quality of life and lifestyle. These factors may influence fertility more than is often believed, and for this reason it is essential to evaluate and address these aspects before resorting to costly and complex treatments, which in many cases are not accessible to all women and are often not covered by medical insurance.

Although age is an important factor, lifestyle plays a fundamental role in reproductive health. The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet can negatively affect fertility. Even stress, a factor that often goes unnoticed, can alter hormonal cycles and make conception more difficult. For this reason, before resorting to costly treatments, it is important to consider all these natural factors that may be influencing the difficulty of achieving pregnancy naturally.

Today, medical advances offer options such as egg freezing, a technique that allows women to preserve their fertility at a younger age and use those eggs later, when natural chances of conception have decreased. This option has opened new possibilities for those who wish to delay motherhood for various reasons, whether to advance in their professional career, achieve emotional stability, or fulfill other personal goals.

Egg freezing involves the collection and preservation of eggs at an earlier stage of life, allowing women to use those eggs when their fertility has declined over time. However, it is important to point out that freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy in the future, since the success rate depends on several factors, such as the quality of the eggs at the time of freezing and the woman's age at that time.

Another myth that persists is that fertility treatments are always effective. Although advances in reproductive medicine have allowed many women to conceive through techniques such as artificial insemination and IVF, they are not always infallible solutions. The success rate of these treatments varies according to different factors, such as the woman's age, sperm quality, and other aspects of reproductive health. It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that, although science has advanced significantly, treatments do not always ensure pregnancy.

Fertility is also not an issue exclusive to women. Although attention is mainly focused on them, men also experience a decline in sperm quality over the years. This can affect the ability to conceive, since factors such as sperm count, motility, and morphology are altered as men age. Therefore, in older couples, both factors must be considered when addressing fertility challenges.

In addition to conventional treatment options, in some cases women may choose egg or sperm donation, or the transfer of frozen embryos. These treatments offer new opportunities for couples who are unable to conceive naturally, although, as with other treatments, success is not guaranteed.

At Storge Motherhood, we focus on helping women and men as a couple identify and analyze the natural factors that may be affecting fertility. Our goal is to seek comprehensive improvement to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, even before considering options such as costly treatments. In many cases, the quality of eggs and sperm must be optimal, and that depends on a comprehensive approach that considers nutrition, lifestyle habits, and the emotional well-being of both members of the couple.

In conclusion, although fertility decreases with age, especially after the age of 35, it is not a definitive rule that prevents women from conceiving. There are many myths surrounding fertility within this age range, but it is also true that medical advances, such as egg freezing and fertility treatments, provide new opportunities for those who wish to conceive later in life. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following proper nutrition, and seeking guidance from specialists can be key factors in improving the chances of pregnancy. At Storge Motherhood, we focus on accompanying women during their fertility stage, guiding them safely, protecting their integrity, and improving their quality of life. It is essential that women understand both the myths and realities of fertility in order to make informed decisions and manage their reproductive health appropriately.

By Romina de Anda