Yulia Kirikova urges prompt fertility assessment for women over 40

Women over 40 who are having difficulty conceiving should seek specialist advice without a prolonged wait, obstetrician and fertility specialist Yulia Kirikova told Lenta.ru in an interview published on October 10.

Age makes time an especially important factor, Kirikova said. Waiting several months or a year in the hope of conceiving without help can delay an assessment of reproductive health.

She advised paying attention to ovulation. The days before ovulation and the day itself offer the most favourable opportunity for conception. Having intercourse every 1–2 days during that period can improve the likelihood of pregnancy.

Assessment should involve both partners. Kirikova listed checks of ovulation, the uterus and fallopian tubes, alongside a semen analysis. Repeatedly ordering tests independently is no substitute for a comprehensive evaluation, she said.

A result for anti-Müllerian hormone, or AMH, cannot by itself determine whether a woman will become pregnant. It needs to be considered alongside age, ovulation, reproductive health and male factors.

Before pregnancy, Kirikova also recommended stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, paying attention to nutrition and taking folic acid. Her central advice was to seek medical help promptly rather than search for a universal fertility remedy.