Many women in their 30s or 40s may find themselves contemplating the challenges of conception. We assure you that navigating this phase is manageable and can be a fulfilling part of your journey.
Together, we can explore ways to enhance your fertility, optimize your body for potential pregnancy, and support your baby’s development. This article will delve into factors influencing fertility and suggest strategies that may assist you in overcoming obstacles.
Understanding Fertility and What Affects It
As you settle more in life, you might start feeling like it’s time to expand your family and have a baby. When making such an important decision, it’s essential that you understand how fertility works and what affects it. With greater knowledge, you can make more informed decisions and improve your odds of conceiving.
Plenty of factors affect fertility, from your age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and even timing. Here are the factors and how they can affect your fertility.
Age
A female’s fertility is determined mainly by age (ACOG, 2022). Females are born with a fixed number of eggs in their ovaries. As you age, so will your eggs and ovaries. The peak reproductive years for women are between late teens and late 20s.
Your ability to get pregnant will decline by age 30, and the decline will accelerate when you reach your mid-30s. Not only will your chances of getting pregnant decrease with age, but you’ll also be more likely to have abnormal chromosomes. Later pregnancies also have elevated risks of preeclampsia, and your baby’s general well-being can be at risk, too.
Timing and Frequency of Sexual Intercourse
The timing and frequency of sexual intercourse also affect your fertility. First, you need to monitor your menstrual cycle to find out when you’re at your most fertile period. You’ll be able to find out when your egg is released, which is when ovulation happens. Ovulation is typically about 14 days before your period starts.
The likelihood of conception varies throughout your menstrual cycle. The probability of conception is around 0.1 when intercourse occurs five days before ovulation and gradually increases up to 0.33 when it occurs on the day of ovulation (Wilcox et al., 1995). So, to maximize your chances, consider engaging in regular sexual activity in the six days leading up to ovulation. Additionally, research by Konishi et al. in 2020 indicates that more frequent intercourse may further increase the likelihood of conception.
Lifestyle Factors
Several lifestyle factors can affect fertility in both men and women. These factors include nutrition, weight, exercise habits, physical and psychological stress, environmental and occupational exposures, and substance and drug use.
For both men and women, obesity can lead to higher chances of infertility. On the other hand, being underweight is also associated with ovarian dysfunction and infertility in women. Having a healthy BMI, that is manageable and not too high or low is most suitable for fertility (Tang et al., 2021).
You should also rethink your physical activity and exercise habits to optimize fertility (Mussawar et al., 2023). Strenuous physical activity and taking muscle-building medications can affect sperm formation in men, while excessive exercise can impact ovulation and fertility in women.
Lastly lifestyle choices can also have a profound impact on your fertility (Sharma et al., 2013). Harmful lifestyle choices include smoking, heavy drinking, marijuana use, and using illegal drugs, contributing to reduced fertility in both men and women. A life that is also fueled by a high-stress environment whether it be the demands of your work life or personal life can also be taxing on your fertility goals.
Medical Conditions
Any underlying medical conditions could also affect your level of fertility. For men, medical conditions such as undescended testicles, genetic defects, hormone problems, infections, and health problems such as diabetes can affect the quality of sperm and how much sperm is made.
In women, medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – which is one of the most common diagnoses related to fertility issues – hormonal imbalances, uterus conditions, fallopian tube damage, and endometriosis can affect your fertility rate. Pelvic adhesions which are commonly associated with endometriois, are scar tissue formations are also formed through infection, appendicitis, or surgery. The presence of such scar tissue could also significantly harm fertility due to the adhesions blocking the pathway for eggs to safely pass through the fallopian tubes.
Lastly, if you’re undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy, this can negatively impact your ability to concieve, whether you’re a man or woman (NIH, 2017).
Fertility Issues in Today’s World
Infertility, in general, is on the rise. The world’s total fertility rate has dropped by 1% from 1960 to 2018, and the number of men and women who have fertility issues is also increasing (Colino, 2021). The percentage might be low, but that’s quite an increase when you’re talking about seven billion people.
According to a recent study by WHO (2023), 1 in 6 people globally is affected by infertility. The prevalence is much higher in high-income countries at 17.8%, compared to low and middle-income countries at 16.5%. Infertility doesn’t discriminate, and many of us are at risk. This is why understanding how fertility works puts the control of your conception back in your hands.
There are a few reasons behind this global issue. Firstly, we’re much more exposed to chemicals and polluters in today’s modern world. People are also making more career-driven choices, especially with the rise of women in the workplace. It has been easier to put raising a family on the back burner, and for many, they realize this until it is too late.
There’s even a growing number of people who don’t expect to ever have children, from 37% in 2018 to 44% in 2021 (Brown, 2021). Looking at the factors affecting fertility and issues we’re facing, it’s no wonder most people are having a hard time conceiving. But don’t despair! If you’re the 56% still wanting children, we’re here to support your family goals.
The Primemester Protocol: A Holistic Approach to Fertility
You can have their cake and eat it too! If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and are worried about your ability to conceive, let us introduce you to the Primemester Protocol, a science-driven, revolutionary method that’s been refined over 24 years by female scientists for modern women who want to preserve, extend, and awaken their fertility.
With the Primemester Protocol, we’ve helped women ages 28 to 47 in 19 countries and 6 continents to get pregnant. Dr. Cleopatra is one of the women leading the charge. She herself had three superbabies when she was 35, 37, and 40.
The Primemester Protocol is backed with precise and formulaic science and involves a 5-step process. The 5-step PRIME Method includes:
- Pregnant in no time
- Relationship and intimacy
- Inquiry of the body and brain
- Mentally fertile
- Epigenetic change
The Primemester Protocol is a program that you can follow in the comfort of your home, and we are always here to help. The program has 10 different modules, each lasting a week. It has 5 different levels we will focus on, from psychosexual to cultural.
With our modules and programs, you’ll have better chances of having a pregnancy without stress, reversing your biological clock, conceiving with more understanding and confidence, reducing the risks associated with advanced aged pregnancies, and having your healthy and happy superbaby.
Your Primemester will address all aspects of your physical and mental health. It’s not just about clean eating and consuming proper nutritional supplements. With this program, you’ll be increasing your fertility and chances of conceiving, even if you’re well into your 30s and 40s.
If you’ve just got a glimmer of hope, explore the Primemester Protocol and get all the juicy details about how it can impact your fertility.
Superbaby Nutraceuticals: Nutrition for The Whole Family
Modern-day living has taken its toll on some of us. With higher stress levels, more processed food, and environmental pollutants, your fertility can be significantly impacted.
Enter Superbaby Nutraceuticals, where you can shop for top-quality supplements to be kinder to your body in preparation for pregnancy. With the right supplements, you can increase male and female fertility, boost your bodily functions, and protect your upcoming baby’s growth and development.
All our supplements are clinically proven, third-party tested, and whole food-based. Here are some examples of our bestsellers!
Complete Mama & Dada Bundle
The Complete Mama & Dada Bundle is a month’s supply of the 5 foundational nutrients together for healthy fertility for both male and female, primemester, pregnancy, and postpartum.
Not only will it improve your fertility and better IVF outcomes, but it will also support your baby’s brain development. Products included are Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal, Prime Male, Prime Vitamin D with K1 and K2, Prime DHA, Prime GlycerophosphoCHOLINE, and Prime Probiotic Microbiome Support. These incredibly essential nutrients are paired together for the ultimate fertility boost for you and your partner or donor. This could be a beautifully unique supplementing experience before conceiving your baby together. However, each product is also available to buy separately if you prefer.
Complete Mama Bundle
If you want to focus more on Mama, you can get this month’s supply of the 5 foundational nutrients exclusively for Mamas. The supplements are designed to improve female fertility, primemester, pregnancy, and postpartum conditions. The products included are the same as the Complete Mama & Dada Bundle, except for Prime Prenatal, which is Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal for Mamas and Prime Male for Dadas, respectively.
Prepare for conception by priming your body with the Complete Mama Bundle today!
Extra Neural Tube & Chromosomal Care
This is also a 2-month supply for neural support and chromosomal care that Mama can take. Not only does this package support female fertility, but it also protects against chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome, , neural tube defects like Spina Bifida, congenital anomalies, miscarriage, Autism , and Autism spectrum disorders. Products included are Prime Methylated B12 + Folate and Prime Methylated Folate Extra.
Protect and boost your fertility and your future baby’s health with Extra Neural Tube & Chromosomal Care, Mama.
Dr. Cleopatra’s Hair Bundle
For those who want full and comprehensive support, Dr. Cleopatra’s Hair Bundle is the perfect choice. You’ll get all the supplements in previous packages, like pre-pregnancy and prenatal vitamins, DHA, Probiotics, and methylated folate.
Not only will you be enhancing the fertility of both Mama and Dada, but you’ll also protect your future baby’s developmental stages.
Final Thoughts On Taking Charge of Your Fertility Journey
As you start on your fertility journey, you might be discouraged by the challenges of conception. But with our knowledge, and with your proactive steps, we can find the path toward making your dream of parenthood a reality. Whether you’re already considering expanding your family or seeking assistance to extend your fertility, we’re here to support you. Feel free to email us your questions, and let’s navigate this journey together.
Email our support team, and let’s explore your fertility goals together.
References
ACOG. (2022, November). Having a baby after age 35: How aging affects fertility and pregnancy. Www.acog.org. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/having-a-baby-after-age-35-how-aging-affects-fertility-and-pregnancy
Brown, A. (2021, November 19). Growing share of childless adults in U.S. don’t expect to ever have children. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/11/19/growing-share-of-childless-adults-in-u-s-dont-expect-to-ever-have-children/
Colino, S. H. S. (2021, March 16). Reproductive problems in both men and women are rising at an alarming rate. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/reproductive-problems-in-both-men-and-women-are-rising-at-an-alarming-rate/
Konishi, S., Saotome, T. T., Shimizu, K., Oba, M. S., & O’Connor, K. A. (2020). Coital frequency and the probability of pregnancy in couples trying to conceive their first child: A prospective cohort study in japan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 4985. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17144985
Mayo Clinic. (2021, September 1). Infertility – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317
Mussawar, M., Balsom, A. A., Totosy de Zepetnek, J. O., & Gordon, J. L. (2023). The effect of physical activity on fertility: A mini-review. F&S Reports, 4(2), 150–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfre.2023.04.005
NIH. (2017, September 22). Female fertility issues and cancer – side effects. National Cancer Institute; Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fertility-women
Sharma, R., Biedenharn, K. R., Fedor, J. M., & Agarwal, A. (2013). Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 11(1), 66. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-66
Tang, S., Huang, J., Lin, J., & Kuang, Y. (2021). Adverse effects of pre-pregnancy maternal underweight on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in a freeze-all policy. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03509-3
WHO. (2023, April 4). 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility
Wilcox, A. J., Weinberg, C. R., & Baird, D. D. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation — effects on the probability of conception, survival of the pregnancy, and sex of the baby. New England Journal of Medicine, 333(23), 1517–1521. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm199512073332301
