Biological clock ticking: can you afford to wait?

Are you starting to feel your biological clock ticking, but are not quite ready to have a baby? You may wonder if you can afford to wait, and if you will still be fertile a few years down the road. This depends on many factors, some of which you have some control over. Curious? Read on.

How old are you?

Your age is, of course, the most important factor when it comes to your fertility. Younger women also have trouble conceiving sometimes, but, if you are 40 years old, you can be pretty sure that waiting for five years before trying to get pregnant means you will probably not conceive naturally. And, as a recent study showed, IVF may not get you pregnant if you are older, either. A woman's 20s and early 30s are the best time to conceive, and unfortunately, fertility gradually (but not that gradually) declines after that.

How about your weight?

Being obese has a negative impact on virtually all aspects of a person's health. It can certainly be bad news for a woman's fertility and even her menstrual cycle. If you are obese and want to delay having a baby, now could be the time to think about weight loss. Women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome often have great weight loss success with the drug Metformin.

Are you a smoker?

Smokers are less likely to get pregnant than non-smokers, and the quality of your eggs is directly related to the amount of cigarettes you smoke in one day, and how long you have been a smoker. Smoking can even speed up the day you will start having menopause symptoms! Quitting smoking is hard, but you can definitely do it (I've been there!) and it may really have a positive effect on your fertility.

Do you go for STD testing?

Sexually transmitted diseases sound pretty scary, and many people are ashamed at even the though that they could have one. Yet, many of these suckers come without any symptoms, and wreak havoc on your reproductive system without you having any idea. STDs like chlamydia are not dangerous if they're caught early, but can make you infertile and increase your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy if they are left untreated. Getting tested annually is a great idea, regardless of your relationship status.

Are you a healthy woman who exercises regularly and eats all the right foods? That certainly counts in your favor, even if you are in your late thirties. If you are thinking about a baby, it's safe to assume that your fertility will only go downhill, and now may be the time to try to get pregnant.