I am a fertility specialist: Being healthy doesn't mean you can conceive at any age

This is one of the most common conversations I have every day in my clinic. Most of these women are in their mid-30s or even in their 40s, and they believe that because they are physically active and menstruating regularly, their ability to conceive.

That is when I gently try to debunk one of the biggest fertility myths I hear: being healthy does not halt the ageing process of the body. You are not just growing older with each passing year; your ovaries are ageing too.

What Happened

It is easy to understand why women believe fertility can be delayed indefinitely. Almost every other week, there is another story about a celebrity getting pregnant at 40+.

• But they cannot overcome the biological functions of the ovaries.

• A healthy diet, regular exercise and frequent visits to the doctor are all extremely important.

• At the same time, I believe fertility should also be a part of that future planning.

Key Details

While such stories may be motivating, they rarely tell the complete journey. Instead, they can sometimes create a false impression that being 40+ is no longer a problem and that modern medicine can solve every biological obstacle.

• These are respectful and individual decisions.

• I see many women today choosing to delay marriage or conception for multiple personal and thoughtful reasons, including education, careers, finances and relationships.

• Other factors include egg quality, ovarian reserve, endometriosis, PCOS, male infertility, genetics, lifestyle and overall health.

Why It Matters

What we see on social media is a single moment of celebration, not always the entire story. Behind those pictures of celebration, there may have been years of fertility struggles, repeated treatment cycles, miscarriages or failed attempts.

• Age is an important factor, but it is not the only factor contributing to fertility issues.

• But some women may face difficulty even at a younger age.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge