I am 39 and finding it difficult to conceive, why is this?

Unfortunately age is one of the factors responsible for infertility. Women are most fertile when they are younger but this declines rapidly once they reach the age of 35. And even more so once they have passed this age.

The reason for this is that a younger woman has a greater supply of eggs which are also superior in quality. But this supply decreases over time which results in fewer eggs the older she becomes. And the older woman is likely to have a greater number of poor quality eggs than her younger counterpart.

This means that she has less chance of conceiving than a younger woman.

This doesn’t mean that pregnancy is impossible over the age of 35 just that it’s more difficult to conceive. Arrange to see your GP if you have been trying for at least 6 months to conceive.

Female Infertility Guide Index:

• What are the causes of infertility in women?
• Can taking the pill cause infertility?
• What is Endometriosis?
• What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS)?
• What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

• What are Fibroids?
• Does a blocked fallopian tube mean that I am permanently infertile?
• I am 39 and finding it difficult to conceive, why is this?
• Can irregular periods cause infertility?
• What can go wrong with ovulation?