While family planning questions can arise at any age, it’s common to begin thinking more urgently about things when you reach your 30s. Hitting 30 is a time when most people begin thinking about having babies and getting married (though, of course, this isn’t for everyone).
If you have questions about family planning, here are five important ones to explore in your 30s.
- Am I Too Old to Have a Baby?
It’s a common understanding that women reaching the age of 30 onwards may struggle to conceive, and this can be true. While some women may be lucky and have no problems, others may see a significant decline in fertility.
Nevertheless, being in your 30s doesn’t mean you’re too old to have a baby — it just means you may have to explore alternative options if you’re struggling to conceive naturally. The age at which it might become more difficult to conceive naturally can be 35 onwards.
- Can I Still Use Birth Control in My 30s?
Yes, absolutely. As you get older, you may need to explore the safest birth control options, as this can change when you reach your 40s and 50s. In your 30s, however, using the common birth control methods which you might have used in your 20s should still be safe to use, but it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your doctor if you’re unsure and reevaluate again at a later age.
- What if I Don’t Want to Have Children?
There is a lot of pressure on women to have children and judgment if you’re not thinking about children by the time you reach 30. It’s important to remember that there’s no shame in not wanting children, and your body and life are your own. If you don’t want to have children, then be sure to explore the birth control options available to you.
As birth control is never 100% guaranteed, it’s important to remember that you still have options if you accidentally fall pregnant but still do not want children. You can look into abortions in Sydney and dedicated clinics, as termination is always an option for those who don’t want children.
- What is the Best Birth Control Option for Me?
This will depend entirely on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and health. Many options have a focus on convenience, such as the implant being preferable to people who may forget to take a pill every day. In the first instance, it’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare professional based on your health requirements. Then, you can choose the most convenient for you.
- What are My Options if I Can’t Conceive Naturally?
If you’ve reached your 30s and want to have children but find it difficult to conceive naturally, there are alternative options. Your main options can be:
- To adopt
- Sperm or egg donation
- Fertility treatment
- Surrogacy
- IVF
Before going ahead with a treatment plan, be sure to discuss your options with a doctor, as this can help you figure out what option is best for you.
