Midwest Fertility Specialists
Request an Appointment

Fertility Risk Factors for Women

How we help patients move past fertility risk factors for women

Many factors can affect a woman’s fertility, including maternal age, family history, diet, cancer treatments and military service. Thankfully, the doctors at our Indianapolis fertility clinic have in-depth knowledge of fertility risk factors for women. They also know how to help women overcome and avoid these issues so that they can start a family when they’re ready.

Some common fertility risk factors for women

Our team works closely with women to help them discover whether they are at risk for certain fertility issues. The team at our Indianapolis fertility clinic can then develop a plan to help patients overcome barriers to motherhood. Various fertility tests, as well as a review of a woman’s medical history and current lifestyle, can help our team determine whether a patient has certain risk factors.

Advanced maternal age. One of the primary fertility risk factors for women is advanced maternal age. A woman’s egg quality and quantity begin to decline in her 30s. They then significantly drop in a woman’s mid to late 30s. By the time a woman is 40, she has less than a 5% chance of conceiving each cycle.

A family history of premature ovarian failure. If a woman loses normal ovarian function before the age of 40, she is experiencing premature ovarian failure, or early menopause. There is some evidence that this condition may run in families, so having a close family member who had premature ovarian failure may increase your risk of developing it.

To overcome these issues, our fertility doctors offer several highly effective treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation.

Additional risk factors that can affect female fertility

In addition to the fertility risk factors for women that we mentioned above, there are several external factors that can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. Thankfully, we offer a range of fertility treatments for women facing these circumstances.

Cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation can harm a woman’s ovaries and ovarian reserve (egg supply). As a result, egg or embryo freezing is an ideal option for cancer patients who would like to eventually have children.

Being in the military. A woman in the military has an increased risk of reproductive issues because her reproductive organs could be damaged in combat. We can help women minimize this risk with egg or embryo freezing.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices. Excessive drinking, smoking, use of recreational drugs and unhealthy eating habits can all put a woman at risk for fertility problems. Our fertility specialists recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle before trying to conceive.

The team at our Indianapolis fertility clinic is here to help women discover whether they have fertility risk factors. Our doctors also help them determine how to move past these issues. With our expert support, many women go on to fulfill their dream of motherhood.

Contact us for more information about fertility treatments.