If you’re trying to become pregnant, you might hear the term “biological clock.” This refers to the fact that fertility can naturally decrease as people get older. In this article, you’ll learn which factors can affect your biological clock and potential ways to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Which Age Does Fertility Begin To Decline?
Fertility begins to decline at different ages for men and women due to biological differences in reproductive physiology. For women, fertility typically starts to decline gradually from the late 20s, with a more significant decrease after the age of 35. This decline becomes particularly pronounced as women approach their 40s, largely because the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs decrease with age. By the age of 45, achieving a natural pregnancy becomes increasingly rare, although it’s not impossible.
For men, while sperm production continues throughout most of their lives, the quality of sperm, including factors such as motility (the ability of the sperm to move properly) and morphology (study of their shape and structure), begins to decline around the age of 40. This decline in sperm quality can affect the ability to conceive.
Understanding these potential biological clock timelines is important for individuals and couples planning for children.
Can I Get Pregnant If I’m Older Than 35?
Despite the natural decline in fertility after the age of 35 in most women, it’s still very possible to become pregnant after this age. If you’re over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for the last six months, consider speaking with a holistic fertility specialist. They can create a personalized plan based on a detailed health evaluation to increase your chances of becoming pregnant and address any potential health issues that could be preventing you from conceiving.
It’s important to note there are some increased risks associated with becoming pregnant over the age of 35, which can include:
- Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
- Higher chance of miscarriage
- Greater likelihood of gestational diabetes
- Elevated risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia
- Increased chances of needing a cesarean section (C-section)
- Higher probability of preterm birth
- Elevated risk of low birth weight in babies
- Increased chance of stillbirth
You can still have a healthy baby if you become pregnant older than 35, but it’s helpful to be aware of some potential risks involved. Your holistic fertility specialist can also speak with you about these risks and answer any questions. Additionally, by working with a holistic fertility specialist, you can reach peak health and reduce your chances of experiencing any of these risks.
Factors Affecting the Biological Clock
There are several factors that can affect your biological clock (the age at which your fertility naturally decreases). The below can potentially speed up or slow down your biological clock:
- Age: Age is the primary factor affecting the biological clock. Fertility tends to decline in women over the age of 35 and in men after the age of 40.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and drug use can negatively affect fertility in people.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports reproductive health, which could potentially slow down your biological clock.
- Weight: Being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels, affecting fertility.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise promotes fertility, but excessive physical activity could hinder it.
- Stress: High-stress levels can affect hormone balance, impacting fertility.
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants can decrease fertility.
- Health Conditions: Issues like PCOS, endometriosis, and STDs in women and low sperm count in men could speed up your biological clock.
- Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions can affect fertility in both men and women.
- Sleep Patterns: Inadequate or irregular sleep can impact fertility by affecting hormone production.
What Can I Do To Increase My Fertility?
Luckily, the biological clock isn’t the only factor determining your chances of conceiving. Here are a few steps you can take in your daily life to try and increase your chances of becoming pregnant:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being underweight or overweight can affect hormone levels and ovulation.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Antioxidants like folate and zinc can improve fertility.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive consumption can negatively impact fertility.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking ages your ovaries and depletes your eggs prematurely.
- Reduce Stress: High-stress levels can interfere with ovulation and fertility. Practices like yoga and meditation can help.
- Exercise Moderately: Regular, moderate exercise can boost fertility, but excessive exercise could have the opposite effect.
- Avoid Toxins: Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents can affect fertility.
- Monitor Ovulation: Understanding your cycle can help time intercourse for when you’re most fertile.
- Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is important for healthy cervical mucus.
- Consider Supplements: Certain supplements like folic acid, CoQ10, and others could improve fertility, but consult with a holistic fertility specialist first.
What are the Possible Causes of Infertility?
Sometimes the biological lock isn’t the reason you’ve had a difficult time becoming pregnant. There are actually many potential health conditions and symptoms that could be causing your infertility, including:
- Endometriosis
- Digestive issues
- PCOS
- Dryness of the vaginal area
- Chronic issues
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Chronic fatigue
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Absence of ovulation
- Insulin resistance
- Undiagnosed thyroid dysfunctions
- Adrenal fatigue
- Cortisol Imbalance
- Gut Infections
- Vaginal infections
- Low sperm count
- Hormone imbalance
- Low testosterone
Once the underlying health issue is identified, functional and holistic fertility treatments can effectively address it.
How a Holistic Fertility Specialist Can Help
A holistic fertility specialist uses a combination of therapies and treatments to address infertility issues and treat infertility. It will typically involve a combination of the below. All treatments are completely natural and take into account how the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person play a role in overall health and well-being.
- Nutritional therapy (oral or IV)
- Neural therapy
- Herbs, minerals, and peptides
- Coaching and education
- Ongoing support to ensure you’re correctly following the treatment plan
- And more
The exact approach to treatment will vary based on your needs and specific situation.
Functional Infertility Treatment with Road to Fertility
Road to Fertility specializes in functional medicine for fertility issues. Dr. Yuabova Marina and her compassionate team treat infertility with natural treatments that work in harmony with your body. We approach infertility by combining functional medicine with quantum energy and quantum diagnostics, which are turned into healing energies. All of our treatments are natural and are tailored to your body’s specific needs. If the body is having a difficult time becoming pregnant, there is a specific underlying issue that first should be addressed. Once that issue is resolved, then the body can be ready to become pregnant.
Ready to increase your chances of becoming pregnant naturally?
