In the past few decades, as women have taken a bolder step forward into the marketplace, marrying and having a family has been pushed back as careers have moved front-and-center. Today in some western countries about 20 percent of women have their first baby after age 35. Regrettably, as women get older, infertility increases with and about 33 percent of women over the age of 35 have fertility issues. Health problems and biological challenges are more likely to interfere with ovulation and affect fertility.

One of the primary risks of infertility, particularly for older women, is the quantity and quality of her eggs. Infertility risks increase with age as the reserve of eggs in the ovaries diminishes and the quality of the eggs also declines, especially when a woman reaches her late 30s and early 40s. Abnormal chromosomes are more likely to develop, lessening the chance of conception and increasing the chance of miscarriage. Statistically, at least half of all miscarriages are due to abnormal chromosomes. One of the ways to overcome the effects of aging on fertility is through the use of IVF. Some women have to use donor eggs or opt for embryo donation.

What Affects Egg Health and Ovulation?
Although the common belief has been that the sole factor determining ovarian health, and subsequently egg health, was age, new research has shown that information is not necessarily true. There are many things that have an impact upon the health of the ovaries and eggs, including environmental factors, hormones and stress.

Additionally, healthy fertility has many components to it and it is possible to produce healthier eggs by enhancing these factors:
· Proper circulation
· Healthy fertility cycle (ovulation)
· Balanced hormones
· Healthy eggs

There is a considerable window of time available to impact the quality of the eggs that will be ready for ovulation. It takes 90 days for the egg to be prepared prior to ovulation. During this period of time there are specific factors that affect the eggs: blood flow; proper oxygenation; hormonal balance; nutritional intake; stress.

Improving Egg Health by Increased Blood Flow
It is important to the health of the eggs that oxygen rich blood flows to the ovaries. Lack of exercise, dehydration and thick blood all circumvent the flow of blood to nourish the ovaries and benefit the eggs.

Some of the ways to increase blood flow include:
· Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water daily to thin out blood that may have become thick through dehydration.
· Exercise regularly, whether it is walking, running, dancing or yoga. Exercise increase blood flow in the body, carrying fresh, oxygenated blood to the organs.
· Learn self-fertility massage, a type of massage that stimulates the ovaries and uterus bringing in fresh blood and moving out stagnant blood.
· Deep breathing, done properly, brings fresh oxygen into the lungs and increases circulation of oxygenated blood.