The emotional landscape of motherhood is shifting as more women navigate the complexities of fertility and career. As the age of first-time mothers rises, women are increasingly facing challenges with conception, which can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety. For many, the journey to motherhood is fraught with uncertainty, as illustrated by the experiences of Von Glass, who spoke candidly about her struggles and subsequent IVF journey.
Von’s story reflects a growing trend among women who are choosing to have children later in life. The median age for mothers in Australia has steadily increased to 32.1 years, with fathers averaging 33.9 years, according to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This societal shift is often accompanied by the added pressure of balancing careers and personal aspirations with the desire to start a family.
Initially, Von conceived her first child naturally, describing him as a “beautiful surprise.” However, following the birth, her obstetrician advised her to seek fertility guidance if she considered having more children due to potential health concerns. This conversation, while timely, left Von with lingering questions about her fertility as she and her partner later decided they wanted a second child.
At 38 years old, Von faced the reality of “geriatric pregnancy,” a term that can evoke anxiety for many women. She expressed that achieving various life goals—such as a fulfilling career and a supportive partner—did not guarantee ease in motherhood. “You have everything that you need in life, which puts you in a position to be an amazing parent,” Von said, “but then you can’t be a parent if your fertility is not there.”
For Von, the path to understanding her fertility began after experiencing several miscarriages. After researching her options, she met Dr. I-Ferne Tan, a fertility specialist at Genea. Von appreciated Dr. Tan’s compassionate approach, which combined medical expertise with a warm demeanor. They worked together to identify the causes of her miscarriages, leading to a tailored treatment plan that ultimately resulted in Von conceiving again.
Reflecting on her journey, Von wishes she had been proactive about her fertility health earlier in life. Her advice to other women emphasizes the importance of understanding fertility before it becomes a pressing issue. “I kind of wish that in my mid-20s or late 20s, I had gone and had those conversations with a fertility doctor,” she noted. Such conversations could include options like egg freezing or fertility assessments, which may provide valuable insights and options for the future.
Dr. Tan advocates for early fertility assessments, stressing that early intervention can help mitigate issues that may arise later on. “Some of these choices are taken off the table if you come to me at 45 and say I want to freeze my eggs,” she explained. Understanding fertility health can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive futures.
Men’s fertility is equally important, yet often overlooked. Dr. Tan emphasized that declining sperm quality is a significant factor in fertility issues. Many couples assume that the challenges lie solely with the woman, but male fertility plays a crucial role. “You’ve got declining egg quality, declining sperm quality, declining egg numbers,” she said, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to fertility discussions.
While advancements in egg freezing present new opportunities for women wishing to delay motherhood, Dr. Tan cautions that it is not a guaranteed solution. “It’s really easy for me to go, ‘no worries, we’ll freeze your eggs,’ but I always tell them that 15-25 percent of women are not going to have anything to use,” she explained. Understanding fertility health early on can clarify expectations and empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive choices.
Ultimately, the journey through fertility challenges can be daunting, but with proactive measures and open communication with healthcare providers, women can navigate this complex landscape more effectively. Dr. Tan encourages women to seek the support and information necessary to understand their fertility health, reinforcing that “everything you do today can affect the eggs that you ovulate in the future.”
As women like Von share their stories, the conversation around fertility continues to evolve. Awareness of these issues is crucial for future generations, empowering women to take charge of their reproductive health earlier in life.
