Parenthood is a deeply personal journey, and for many, the path to conceiving isn’t always straightforward. With changing societal norms and career priorities, more individuals are choosing to have children later in life. While medical advancements like IVF have made late pregnancies more accessible, navigating fertility treatments can be an overwhelming experience. Choreographer and director Farah Khan, who welcomed her children through IVF at 43, shared how she initially tried to conceive naturally before seeking medical help. Appearing on actor Debina Bonnerjee’s podcast, when asked about her late pregnancy, she said, “Pehle toh main bolungi late pregnancy kyuki meri shaadi hi late hui. I was 40 years old when I got married. Toh waise bhi pregnancy late hi honi thi. Uske baad ek-do saal hum log ne naturally try kiya kyuki hum ek gynaecologist ke paas gaye the and I said ki I am old toh… unhone kaha, ‘Nahi try naturally’, toh naturally nahi ho raha tha.” She recalled that it was then that she met a friend who introduced her to an IVF specialist. “Luckily ek friend mill gayi jo abhi thodi older hai, aur she was carrying twins. She said, ‘Listen, tomorrow morning you are just going to this gynaecologist… to this IVF doctor. The next morning we started the IVF. She said, ‘You have to start today, aap already 2 saal late aa rahe ho mere paas.’ Toh that time I was 42 already, so waha se phir humne IVF ki journey shuru ki.” Her experience is one that many people relate to - uncertainty, trial and error, and ultimately, finding the right medical guidance. But what should individuals know when considering IVF or other fertility treatments later in life? View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Debinna Bonnerjee Show (@thedebinnabonnerjeeshow) Key factors to consider before opting for IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies Dr Amodita Ahuja, Consultant Gynaecology at Psri hospital, says that some factors that couples must consider are: Age of the Patient: Age plays a crucial role in the success of fertility treatments. A woman's ovarian reserve decreases with age, which can impact the outcome of IVF. Cause of Infertility: Understanding the root cause of infertility - whether it’s blocked fallopian tubes, poor sperm count, or low ovarian reserve - is important to determine the appropriate treatment. Existing Medical Conditions: Any underlying medical disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid imbalances, should be managed before proceeding with IVF to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use negatively impact fertility. Both partners should adopt healthy lifestyle choices to enhance the chances of success. Emotional Support: IVF can be a lengthy and emotionally challenging process. Strong emotional support from partners, family, and friends is vital to help the couple navigate the treatment. Financial Considerations: IVF is an expensive procedure, and understanding the financial implications is crucial. Couples should be well-informed about the costs involved and prepare accordingly. How to prepare your body for fertility treatments Dr Ahuja says, “Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise can improve fertility outcomes by balancing hormones and enhancing overall health. Additionally, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is crucial, as these habits can significantly reduce fertility and affect treatment success. Managing existing medical conditions, such as hypertension or PCOS, is also essential. Patients should ensure these conditions are well-controlled and consult their doctor to switch to pregnancy-friendly medications if necessary.” DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
