It‘s Not Too Late”

Your biological clock may be ticking furiously after age 40, but there are ways to improve your #ttc odds, as EVELINE GAN finds out.

- Eveline Gan

Conceiving naturally after the age of 40 can be a struggle. The chances of achieving pregnancy is about 10 to 20 per cent each year for women aged 40 to 44.

If you’re 45 and above, it’s less than 5 per cent, according to Dr Lim Min Yu, consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist at Gleneagles Hospital.

But while you may not be able to turn back your biological clock, there are ways to improve your chances. Here, doctors share tips on how you can boost your odds.

Have sex every two to three days, or around ovulation day

The highest chance of fertilisation occurs when you have sexual intercourse on the day before or on the day of ovulation, Dr Lim says.

You may predict ovulation by measuring your basal body temperature, using urine kits that detect a surge of a hormone called luteinising hormone or have a fertility specialist do an ultrasound scan to look out for ovarian follicle development, Dr Lim shares.

But why limit baby-making activity to just once or twice every menstrual cycle? Regular sex works, too. For couples trying to conceive, the recommended frequency of intercourse is every two to three times per week, or every two to three days, Dr Lim says.

Correct any gynaecological issues that may prevent pregnancy

A previous history of sexually-transmitted infections or appendicitis may sabotage your baby-making odds, the experts share. These conditions can cause inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes.