Seriously, these myths gotta go…
If you’re over 35 and trying to conceive, you’ve probably heard a lot of discouraging things—from “your eggs are too old” to “getting pregnant naturally is nearly impossible.”
Sadly, we’ve all heard this from strangers, relatives, and even doctors!
But how much of this is actually true?
The truth is, while fertility does change with age, many of the fears surrounding conception after 35 are rooted in outdated or misleading information.
Example? The BBC article that I share below highlights that many fertility stats still being pushed today are actually 300 years old!
How much has changed since then?
We deserve information that is up to date!
Let’s break down some of the most common fertility myths and replace them with science-backed facts that will give you hope and confidence on your journey to motherhood. 💕
Myth #1: Your Fertility Drops Off a Cliff at 35
🔴 Myth: Women’s fertility plummets after 35, making natural conception nearly impossible.
✅ Fact: Yes, fertility declines gradually with age, but it does not drop overnight at 35 nor is it the same for everyone!
📌 The Science:
- The BBC reports that 82% of women aged 35-39 conceived naturally within a year of trying [1].
- The decline in fertility is gradual, not sudden, and many women conceive naturally well into their late 30s and early 40s.
🌿 What this means for you: If you’re over 35, you still have a very good chance of conceiving naturally—especially if you’re tracking ovulation and supporting your fertility through a healthy lifestyle.
Myth #2: You Have a Higher Risk of Miscarriage Just Because You’re Older
🔴 Myth: If you’re over 35, you’re far more likely to have a miscarriage.
✅ Fact: While the risk does increase slightly with age, most pregnancies in women over 35 result in healthy babies [2].
📌 The Science:
- The risk of miscarriage at age 35 is about 20%, compared to 10-15% for younger women.
- By making simple lifestyle changes (like improving egg quality through nutrition and supplements), many women over 35 carry healthy pregnancies to term.
🌿 What this means for you: Instead of fearing statistics, focus on what you can control—like taking CoQ10, Omega-3s, and Vitamin D to support egg health.
Myth #3: IVF is the Only Way to Get Pregnant After 35
🔴 Myth: Once you’re past 35, you’ll need IVF to conceive.
✅ Fact: Most women over 35 still conceive naturally without assisted reproductive technology.
📌 The Science:
- According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), only about 10-15% of couples over 35 need fertility treatments [3].
- Lifestyle changes, supplements, and proper ovulation tracking dramatically improve your chances of natural conception. Check out the supplements I took to conceive naturally at age 41, and the best foods for fertility for starters!
🌿 What this means for you: While IVF is a great option for some, it’s not the only path—and many women over 35 get pregnant without medical intervention.
Myth #4: If Your Mom Had Menopause Early, You Will Too
🔴 Myth: If your mother had menopause early, you’ll struggle with infertility early as well.
✅ Fact: Genetics play a role, but they are not the only factor in determining fertility or when menopause starts.
📌 The Science:
- While there is some genetic influence, factors like nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and medical history all affect fertility [4].
- Even if your mother had early menopause, it does not automatically mean you will have trouble conceiving.
🌿 What this means for you: Your fertility is unique to you! Don’t assume infertility just because of family history—get tested for AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) to check your ovarian reserve instead.
Myth #5: You Can’t Improve Egg Quality—You’re Born With What You Have
🔴 Myth: Egg quality can’t be improved because you’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have.
✅ Fact: While you can’t create new eggs, you CAN improve the quality of the eggs you already have.
📌 The Science:
- CoQ10 and antioxidants can protect eggs from oxidative damage and improve their energy production [5].
- Myo-inositol, Omega-3s, and Vitamin D have been shown to improve egg quality and embryo development.
- Lifestyle changes (avoiding smoking, reducing stress, and eating fertility-friendly foods) can also help protect egg health.
🌿 What this means for you: You have more control than you think! Focus on supporting your eggs through nutrition, supplements, and a low-stress lifestyle.
Myth #6: Tracking Ovulation Doesn’t Matter if You’re Over 35
🔴 Myth: If you’re over 35, your cycles are too unpredictable to track ovulation effectively.
✅ Fact: Tracking ovulation is even more important after 35 to ensure you’re timing intercourse correctly.
📌 The Science:
- Women over 35 can sometimes ovulate later or have shorter luteal phases, which makes ovulation tracking essential.
- Studies show that couples who track ovulation have a 38% higher chance of conception within 3 months [6].
🌿 What this means for you: Use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), basal body temperature (BBT), and cervical mucus tracking to identify your most fertile days.
Final Thoughts: Hope is Stronger Than Fear
If you’ve ever been told you’re “too old” to have a baby, know this:
💖 Your fertility is not defined by outdated myths.
💖 You still have time, and science is on your side.
💖 Small changes can make a big impact on your journey.
Yes, fertility changes with age—but hope is stronger than fear. Instead of feeling discouraged by misinformation, empower yourself with knowledge, take control of your health, and believe in your body’s ability to conceive.
🌸 Your story is not over—your journey is just beginning. 💕
Sources
- The 300-year-old fertility statistics still in use today – BBC News
- Pregnancy After 35 – WebMD
- ASRM Fertility Statistics – American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility – NIH
- The Power of Antioxidants for Fertility – Indiana Fertility Institute
- Using Hormone Data and Age to Pinpoint Cycle Day within the Menstrual Cycle – NIH