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Browse the pages of your favourite social media channels or media outlets, and there are high chances that you’ll find at least one female celebrity who’s started a family at age 40 or beyond.
I have recently joined the fabulous and 40 Club and the big question on my mind is, how to boost fertility in your 40s?
This post will explain all. Let’s begin!
While pop icon Janet Jackson gave birth to her first child at age 50 and Dame Julia Peyton-Jones gave birth to her daughter Pia at 64.
Singer Gwen Stefani and actress Susan Sarandon both had children in their mid-forties.
The percentage of women having healthy children later in life is increasing, but getting pregnant in your forties is far from guaranteed. Many women intending to have children in their mid-life may struggle and browse the internet on, how to boost fertility in their 40s, to increase success.
Experts suggest the best peak for female fertility is between the teen years and 20s. Once in the 30s, fertility starts to decline.
Doctors can estimate a woman’s egg count (fertility) by measuring the Anti-Mullerian hormone (AHM), which is a blood test to determine how many follicles are present in her ovaries.
AMH levels for a fertile woman should be between 1.0 to 4.0 ng/ml; anything lower suggests a decline in ovarian reserve.
But if a woman wants to boost fertility in her 40s there are natural fertility tips.
Having a healthy mindset is crucial when addressing the topic of fertility.
Although, it may seem absurd!
Being mentally unprepared might have a negative impact on fertility. Therefore amongst juggling your IVF journey and leading a normal life, (that’s work – social life – family life) – remember to check in with yourself.
Meditation, Mindfulness, yoga, keeping a diary, tea with a friend, counselling sessions and even going for a walk, can all help to settle the mind.
IVF is going to be more like a marathon than a sprint- the mindset that IVF treatment can take time will help in managing your expectations.
When you are fertile, engage in sexual activity at least every other day.
The most important thing you can do is learn about your menstrual cycle.
According to studies from Tommy’s (a charity researching baby loss) – your chance of becoming pregnant increases if you have sex within a day or so of ovulation.
Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days following the first day of your last period.
If you are in an IVF cycle, check with your fertility clinic as they can ask couples to refrain from unprotected sex as part of the IVF cycle.
Don’t be shy! The fertility clinics are asked these questions all the time. 😀
The quality of a woman’s eggs is influenced by her lifestyle. There are some fertility-boosting tips that may ensure the best possible quality of remaining eggs.
“Our diet and other things we choose to consume is the single greatest factor we have control over that can help to support increased odds of conception and pregnancy.“
Dr Robert Kiltz – Reproductive Endocrinologist & Fertility Specialist – CNY Fertility
Improve your diet!
Everyone is aware of the connection between good food and good health.
So, the fact that our food directly affects our fertility should not come as a surprise!
In order to boost your fertility and the quality of your eggs, you can eat foods like liver, fish, and full-fat dairy products when you’re trying to conceive.
These foods are rich sources of vitamin A.
Adequate amounts of vitamin A significantly influence egg quality, ovarian response, and embryo development.
According to research, eating foods rich in omega-3s, such as fish, oysters, and flax seeds, may help to maintain fertility and enhance the quality of eggs.
Doctor’s Recommendation On The Fertility Diet
This is one of the important tips to boost your fertility in your 40s.
Doctors advise following a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat.
A high-fat and low-carb diet reduce inflammation and balances reproductive hormones, contributing to better overall fertility and egg quality.
For women to reproduce, their reproductive hormones must be in balance. The ovaries don’t work properly when hormones are out of balance, and eggs mature at a lower rate and with lower quality.
Inflammation can harm the tissue and reduce ovarian blood flow. This hinders the transport of nutrients and the development of the egg.
Proper nourishment and blood flow are necessary to ensure that eggs grow appropriately and produce high-quality oocytes (eggs).
Doctors advise decreasing your carbohydrate consumption to lower inflammation.
Carbohydrates are converted by the body into inflammatory sugars like fructose, glucose, and others when they are broken down.
Increasing your fat intake is advised because it is essential for the growth of all body cells. The body uses fat for energy and to help cells expand.
Additionally, fat produces hormones and aids with nutrient absorption.
Eggs are formed of cells, much like everything else in our body. Eggs get the nourishment and energy they need from fat to grow appropriately.
Consume healthy fats like those found in avocado, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Avoid refined cereals, sugar, red meat, and other highly processed foods.
Heavy or irregular periods and fertility issues are more common in women who drink large amounts of alcohol (seven or more drinks per week or more than three in one sitting).
Alcohol might interfere with ovulation, making it difficult to get pregnant.
Research indicates that even occasional drinking can lengthen the time it takes to conceive and lower the likelihood of producing a healthy baby.
Caffeine in large doses has been shown to increase the chances of miscarriage during pregnancy. This is more than 4-6 cups of caffeine per day.
‘’One to two cups per day, max, even after (embryo) transfer.’’
‘’More than 4-6 cups of coffee a day has a higher risk of miscarriages associated with it, although its direct effect with fertility is unknown. They can drink decaf coffee, which is better, but if they are going to drink caffeinated coffee in the morning, they should have food in their stomach.’’
Dr Ryan (TOP) & Dr Herber (BOTTOM) – Pacific Fertility Center
Studies on fertility have shown that women with low vitamin D levels had reduced implantation rates and that implantation rates increase when vitamin D levels are restored to the normal range.
Vitamins help in the implantation of IVF and the growth of the fetus.
The NHS advises the intake of vitamins A, D, and folic acid to promote the healthy development of the foetus. It may be a good idea to check your iron and vitamin B12 levels also.
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, as it can be challenging to get enough of these essential nutrients. Double check the food and supplements you’re consuming to ensure they support your IVF journey.
The thyroid gland regulates our metabolism, and an undiagnosed thyroid condition can reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, changes in weight and mood, sensitivity to cold and heat, dry skin, palpitations, and other symptoms.
Therefore, it is important to consider speaking to your doctor if you have noticed any of these changes.
The doctor can check your thyroid level with a simple blood test.
This is one of the top fertility tips!
Although giving up smoking may seem like a no-brainer, recent research has shown the harm tobacco brings to birth rates more generally.
It’s important to note, for women who want to have children later in life, that smokers experience menopause two years earlier than non-smokers.
A US research on ballet dancers discovered that rigorous physical activity was the cause of the degradation of their menstrual cycle.
While moderate exercise helps reduce fat, too strenuous exercise might cause genuine difficulties with your menstrual cycle.
This may be an extreme case, but it is important to be aware of these factors which may help to boost the ability to conceive.
These fertility tips not only help increase your fertility after 40 but also help you stay healthy. Being fit, active, and healthy gives you peace of mind and prepares you mentally for an IVF Journey.
We Need To Have A Conversation About HOW TO BOOST FERTILITY IN YOUR 40s – Let’s Do It In 8 Steps
Other Post You Might Like:
⭐ IVF Success Rates Over 40? – I’m Newly 40 😻 So I’m Curious, What Are The Chances Of IVF Success
⭐ The Facts About What Role Does Vitamin D Play In Fertility & Should I Be Taking it?
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5624332/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9797089/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3985938/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7093163/
https://www.cnyfertility.com/fertility-diet/
https://www.cnyfertility.com/fertility-diet/
This blog is written based on my own personal experience. The views shared are my own and do not represent the views of any third parties. I have no medical training and I am not trained in fertility or IVF. I simply share my journey with IVF to support others with the aim to create a supportive community so that experiences and information can be shared. From time to time, I may refer to scientific research or academic papers, these should be used as information only. At no time should you rely on any of the information across this blog as medical advice. You should not delay in seeking medical advice as a result of something you read on this site. You should always seek medical advice from a medical professional to support you.