Welcome back to my most Googled questions series. This is part 4 of 6, and today, we’re diving into preconception health. The phrase “I need to get pregnant this month” might seem irrational or desperate at first glance, but if you've ever Googled it, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, I’ve been there myself. I understand how fertility struggles can lead to feelings of despair and isolation.
Preconception health plays a crucial role in your fertility journey, but in those tough moments, it’s easy to forget that. If you're feeling overwhelmed, please know you don’t have to go through this alone.
When we go through fertility struggles, we tend not to ask anyone for help because if we do, we get bombarded with unwanted advice when what we want most is just to tell someone how hard it is. Sometimes, just having someone listen is the most comforting thing you can experience. So, know I’m here to help, and I invite you to reach out.
You may have to wait a little for a reply because I answer all my emails personally, but I promise I will get back to you.
Understanding Gynecological Health
This brings me to my next Googled question: How do you know which ovary releases an egg?
Regarding gynecological health and understanding ovulation, you might wonder which ovary releases an egg because ovulation is quite an intricate process. However, pain at ovulation is a fertility myth! If your body is healthy, there should be no pain, spotting, or discomfort.
In my practice, I often notice increased activity on the ovulating side during acupuncture treatments to support the HPO axis (hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries). This helps the body ovulate more effectively. But why does it matter which ovary releases the egg? The most important thing is that an egg is released, regardless of which side it comes from.
Focusing on your preconception health is more important than knowing the exact ovary. Proper ovulation, healthy cycles, and addressing any discomfort are vital aspects of preparing for pregnancy.
Fertility Check Before Conceiving: What You Need to Know
Now, onto my next question: Is there a pregnancy age limit?
As we are repeatedly told, fertility declines with age, but so does any other bodily function and an average 20-year-old will run faster than an average 35. But, contrary to the common belief that women over 36 are too old to get pregnant, the actual age limit is when you reach menopause.
Taking a fertility check before conceiving, along with focusing on preconception health, is helpful to optimise your chances. As long as you're ovulating, even if it’s just one egg, pregnancy is still possible without fertility treatments.
Menopause typically occurs around 50/51, but lifestyle and genetics influence the exact timing. And some women fall pregnant between the ages of 45 and 50. I know a few, and it wasn’t even thought IVF, so don’t lose hope! 😊
For those planning your pregnancy, it’s reassuring to know that age is not the barrier many think. Focusing on preconception health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital to keeping your body ready.
Dr Christiane Northrup’s book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, highlights this point with a powerful line: In cultures where women conceive until menopause, no one tells them they’re too old.
This perspective can help shift the mindset around gynecological health and fertility. I will do a separate review of this book because it's brilliant and definitely a great starting point for all the women who need to go back to basics, so stay tuned!
Now that we’ve cleared that question, we are onto the next.
What about male fertility age? Men remain fertile throughout their lives. Sperm quality does decline with age, but factors like proper nutrition, exercise, and rest can help maintain fertility for many years.
Taking a fertility check before conceiving will help gauge where you stand. Many supplements are marketed to boost fertility, but it’s crucial to consult with a specialist in gynecological health or a nutritionist to avoid over-supplementing. My advice is for men to consult a gynecologist for men and check sperm quality, which is also vital for successful conception.
I recently attended a series of webinars with fertility nutritionists and experts. All of them confirmed that you CAN OVERDOSE on supplements and do yourself more harm than good. That’s why I always advocate a healthy diet, which is often the most effective solution. If you must take supplements, you must test your levels and consult a nutritionist, preferably a fertility one.
And while we’re on the topic of conceiving naturally, let me share an example where age is not a concern. I know an 80-year-old man who naturally fathered a child with his 45-year-old partner. This shows that maintaining good health and gynecological awareness can help couples conceive naturally, even later in life, without magical tricks.
Laying the Foundation for Your Preconception Health and Fertility Journey
Taking care of your preconception health isn’t just about trying to conceive—it’s about giving yourself and your future baby the best possible start. Preparing your body now means focusing on nutrition, lifestyle, and mental well-being. It’s not about rushing or stressing but building a foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
This journey is so much more than fertility. It’s also about nurturing your body to handle pregnancy, birth, and beyond. So take the time to care for yourself and trust in the process. Your body is ready, and with a bit of preparation, so are you!
If you’re feeling uncertain, remember that the more you prioritise preconception health, the smoother this process will be. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need advice or share this information with friends who could benefit from it. You’re never alone in this journey.
As mentioned earlier, this is the fourth round of answers to the most Googled fertility questions. I hope you’ve found them helpful and that I’ve clarified some confusion. Of course, today’s world offers endless debates and multiple research sources, leading us to question nearly everything! However, I’ve shared my truth—rooted in personal experience, research, and the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
My mission is simple: To bring clarity, information, and straightforward answers to women who want to conceive naturally, especially if they're over 36 and have been told it's too late. I’m here to remind you—it’s not!
I have one small favour: If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share it with them. Let’s lift the veil on natural fertility and help each other.
Thanks for being here,
Irena x
Related Articles:
Answers to the Most Googled Questions: Fertility Awareness (Part 1)
Answers to the Most Googled Questions: Irregular Periods (Part 2)
Answers to the Most Googled Questions: How to Increase Ovulation Naturally (Part 3)