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Options:

We can delve into various different options. However, we strongly feel that it’s best to plan early in life.
With that said; let’s explore the possibilities.

First, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor. They can usually steer you into the right direction.

When trying to get pregnant, you might be anxious to visit a fertility specialist. But, take note that it’s perfectly normal to try for several months before getting pregnant. Many specialists won’t even accept appointments until you’ve already attempted pregnancy for 12 months. (you’re welcomed to contact them anytime. But they might advise you to wait before receiving any treatments.)

For women age 40 & over? Out motto is simple: ‘It’s never too late’. And, we shall attempt to review all the options.

1. Egg Freezing: Oocyte cyropreservation, or Egg Freezing can be useful for someone who’s planning for future pregnancy, or, if you’re experiencing health issues which are expected to worsen. Note: there are also many drawbacks to this option. Egg Freezing involves a very complicated and expensive process. The goal is to extract eggs from the ovaries during a high-fertility moment; then freeze them for insemination at a later date. The initial procedure could take several weeks. afterward; there’s also an annual storage fee. We’ll discuss more on this, later.
2. Egg Donation: Similar to Egg Freezing, this is when a 3rd Party donor gets involved. Depending on your principal goals; It could serve two entirely different purposes. Usually, a healthy woman (between the ages of 20 and 30) donates her egg to the recipient woman who’s desiring pregnancy. This is typically because the hopeful would-be-mother is having trouble conceiving, or, she’s simply incapable. (Of course, age is also a factor). Plus, as you might expect, this entire process requires many steps for all parties involved.
   Sometimes, the entire method works in reverse. Perhaps, a woman with healthy eggs faces other obstacles. (unhealthy uterus, poor health, etc.) Thus, as a result, she might need help from a friend or family member transferring her ovum and carrying the pregnancy. As you can see; it’s a very long and complicated process which we’ll discuss later. .
3. Natural Pregnancy: The Traditional method of giving birth is always preferred.
   Although often overlooked; the easiest way to start-a–family is through early planning. Thus avoiding any future hardships and its financial burdens. We’ve been taught to consider every alternative; while failing to consider the
   long-established success stories of our ancestors.
   Disclaimer: we’re not suggesting that anyone feels pressured before they’re ready. However, if you’re in a loving relationship with your partner, you needn’t gain immediate financial wealth firsthand. Too many couples feel compelled to wait solely for financial reasons.
   Planning your pregnancy primarily revolves around her menstrual cycle. Usually, just prior to her peak fertility. It’s not necessary to time it perfectly. But, it’s usually better to conceive slightly early, rather than after ovulation.
   It often requires months of trying before pregnancy is achieved. So, don’t get easily discouraged. More on this, later.
4. In Vitro Fertilization: or, IVF treatments, is a more common practice nowadays for women having difficulty conceiving. Most cases involve average couples who are otherwise healthy. But, medical enhancements are needed to attain successful pregnancy.
   Early reports suggested that IVF is a simple process which induces a heightened state of ovulation. We’ve since learned that IVF is a very complex process involving extracting and fertilizing the ovum in a laboratory. (sperm meets egg, artificially & externally in a petri dish). The fertilized egg is then placed back into the uterus. It often takes several attempts. Weeks of preparation. And, no guarantees are offered.
   There are other forms of Assisted Reproduction Technology. And, they shouldn’t always be confused with one-another. Regardless of your choice, most fertility treatments can be discomforting. (often requiring enormous time & effort). This information merely touches the surface thus far.
5. Semen cryopreservation: is a procedure for preserving semen cells for use at a future date. This could serve several different purposes. Perhaps, the most commonly discussed reason is storage of sperm, just in case the male experiences health issues in the future. Or, if he fears getting STD‘s which could lower his sperm vitality. (Sperm preservation needn’t always be prioritized since males are able to produce new sperm cells daily). It’s not recommended to attempt pregnancy while receiving treatments for cancer.
   Semen preservation is a simple process from a man’s standpoint. However, this still requires a specialist in reproductive cryotechnology; using slow programmable freezing methods.
   [Also note]: Prior to choosing insemination; laboratories charge an annual storage fee. (paying rent for each vial of semen).
   Another approach is when an anonymous 3^rd party donor provides sperm because the male partner is sterile or infertile. This is when a couple conceives via artificial insemination, and the biological father / sperm donor who gives up all legal parental rights. While the infertile husband or boyfriend becomes the legal father. So-called ‘sperm banks‘ have been the lampoon of Late-Nite comedy T.V. since the 1970’s. So, it’s not a new concept by any measure.
6. Surrogacy: is when a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy / and give birth; usually on behalf of another woman (or person). For older ladies, perhaps surrogacy is the most realistic method to attain motherhood. This is achieved by arranging to have another woman carry the pregnancy on your behalf. While typically, your husband (or boyfriend) provides his sperm.
   This could be a viable option when natural pregnancy is too risky for women facing health issues. Surrogacy has been an overlooked option. because every women anticipates becoming a biological mother. But, it might be safer using a healthy carrier, rather than risking mature pregnancy. This could also be the best option for menopausal women. And with surrogacy, this truly means that it’s never too late! (and, of course; this also applies to gay couples.)
   (note: there’s a difference between Gestational Surrogacy and Traditional Surrogacy) whereas, the latter could also be classified as a partial adoption. Also be aware of legal & emotional complications; as well as possible 3rd party egg transfer process.
7. Adoption: is possibly the most recognized alternative to giving birth.
   [needless to say] This is when you become the 100% legal parent of a child who was born to another biological mother. All rights are transferred to the adoptive parents. And, you permanently assume all future responsibilities. Essentially, you’re not merely a parental guardian or Foster Parent.
   [Note]: As with every process; guidelines are imposed by local governments & adoption agencies. And, you might expect routine visits from social workers. Also consider, that younger children carry a premium.
8. Alternative Adoptions: While many couples are planning to adopt an infant (or young child); there are other avenues to pursue. Some agencies focus on older children readily available for adoption. And, their numbers are plenty.
   Additionally, there are differences between private agencies, orphanages, and Foster children.
   Caution: There are risks involved when adopting older children from group homes. Some kids in the system have been abused. We have deepest sympathies for them. But, it’s also important to understand the potential drawbacks beforehand.
   Surprisingly; older adoptions have seen high success rates. Kids from dysfunctional homes have already seen adversity. And, they were quickly able to appreciate adjusting a stable life with loving parents. So, it’s not impossible.
   In some cases, State agencies offer financial support to adoptive parents of older children.
9. Foreign-Born Adoption: another option is traveling abroad and adopting a foreign child. This can be very time-consuming; often requiring multiple trips.
   For one couple; they were able to adopt 4 children from Russia. And, it proved to be cost effective.
   Frankly speaking; some couples choose foreign adoption because it removes any possibility of children “reuniting” with their biological parents. (although ironically, bonding between estranged relatives is uncommon).
10. Rescue: is a topic rarely discussed. But, it was certainly being discussed back in the 1980’s. Supposing a woman does not want to finish carrying her pregnancy. Another individual could promise to assume all parental roles if the child is born. This relieves the biological carrier of all responsibilities.
    In all fairness, it was a gay couple who recently became surrogate parents when a woman initially considered having an abortion.
11. Laboratory Fetal Development: We must remain open to all possibilities; including those which have yet to be discovered. Whether this pertains to ideas which have already gained theory, or, any future developments. While also understanding the risks of potential abuses.
    There are myths surrounding the issue. It was parodied on 1990’s late night television. Often leading audiences to believe that children could be harvested within chemistry-lab test tubes. While allegedly; selfish parents could somehow select every imaginable trait. Such methods weren’t even feasible at the time. While nowadays, prenatal genetic testing could serve many practical advantages. Such as; efforts to lower the risk of disease. Obviously, this research shouldn’t veer astray from its original purpose.
    
    
    

This gives some basic understanding of fertility options. The casual reader might have preferred more brief summaries. But, we narrowed each description as best possible.
Meanwhile; experts in the field might feel these talking-points didn’t provide enough information.
The fact is; this barely scratches the surface. Although, novice researchers must first familiarize themselves with the complex processes involved.

With all considered;
let’s now ask “what are your first impressions”. When first familiarizing yourselves with concepts, such as IVF Treatments, Gestational Surrogates, and adoption; it’s probably much more complicated than expected. (although it’s certainly still worth the effort).

Moreover, you should always realize our biological limitations. Let’s consider these four basic points:
1) During a woman’s lifetime; her highest egg quality will peak prior to reaching age 37. (although she’s still capable).
2) Each cycle, your window of opportunity is only 48 hours prior to ovulation.
3) Even for young women; Each month, you’re chances of getting pregnant are sub-50%. So, don’t get discouraged when trying.
4) When pregnancy is desired; often the fertilization process begins (evidentially when she misses her period). And, while anticipating a successful pregnancy; she realizes that it “didn’t take” during month #2. Understand that this is nature’s way of insuring a lower risk of complications in the future. So, it’s not a bad thing to continue trying for a few months onward.

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