Please see our web page on low birth weight for answers.

There is no such a "magical age" for woman to conceive. However, the age of the wife can certainly affect the chances of conception considerably. This is because the quality of egg decline significantly in the 30s and faster in the 40s. Statistics have shown that the optimal age for conception in the females is between 22-26 years old. Fertility decreases steadily after 30 years old with a rapid decline after 40 years old. However, these statistics serve only as a general guideline and there are exceptional cases. It is estimated that one in every 3 couples in which the wife is aged 35 and above will have problems with fertility and 2/3 of women will not be able to conceive after 40 yrs of age. From the above studies, I would advise you not to delay starting a family.

Beta-HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta (after-birth), which is a flat spongy structure developed from the fertilized egg. The placenta grows on the wall of the womb and attaches the baby to the mother by the umbilical cord. It carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby and transports the waste products from the baby to the mother for disposal. The placental hormone is excreted into the urine and when it reaches a certain level, the home pregnancy test becomes positive. It can be estimated more accurately by the blood test.

Vaginal ring is a new birth control method for women. It is a small flexible contraceptive ring, containing the same hormones as birth control pills. It is inserted manually into the vagina, where it is left for three weeks. There, a continuous, low dose of hormones is released and ovulation is suppressed. The ring is then removed after the 3rd week and menstruation will resume. When used correctly, it is 98%-99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The Birth Control Patch is a tiny skin patch with the same hormones as in contraceptive pills. Women can wear this patch on the buttocks and tummy or part of the upper arm. It should not be placed on skin that is red, irritated, or cut, or skin where makeup, creams, or powders are applied.
It works like oral contraceptive pills by delivering continuous amount of hormones through the skin into the blood stream thus suppressing the ovulation. A patch is worn for one week and then replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is a "patch-free week". This is when the period resumes.
The contraceptive patch is 99% effective when used correctly.
Please see page on New Birth Control Methods for more details.

These are hormonal injections that work by suppressing the egg from coming out of the ovary every month (ovulation). Protection begins immediately after the first shot if given during a menstrual period. They are 99% effective in preventing birth.
Most common side effect is irregular bleeding or spotting. After about a year of use many women will not have periods. Their periods usually return when the injection is stopped. Women who continue to get their periods often have lighter bleeding.
Please see Hormonal Injection Birth Control for more details.

It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of breast cancer have a genetic component. The genes involved are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Abnormal changes (mutations) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are present in about 70% of all inherited breast cancers. It is not clear how much these gene changes increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. However, it has been estimated that these women have between a 40% and 85% chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. The lifetime risk of women without genetic mutations is about 13%.
Please see Breast Cancer Risks for further details.

The breasts are made up of 2 types of tissue: The supporting tissue (fibrous tissue with fats) and milk glands with ducts. Fibroadenoma is a solid lump composed of fibrous tissue only It may cause discomfort and can become larger over time or if you become pregnant. It can be removed surgically.
Quite often, fibroadenoma is accompanied by fibrocystic diseases or fibroadenosis. This is the most common cause of breast lumps in women between 35-50 years of age. They are usually cystic (containing fluid). Put it simply, they are overgrowth of the fibrous tissues that surround the milk glands and ducts causing one or more painful lumps in the breasts. Their sizes and frequency of pain usually vary with the menstrual cycle. These lumps very rarely become cancer. Drugs such as danazol and bromocryptine are usually helpful in reducing the size and pain.

Eighty percent of breast lumps are benign i.e. not cancerous. Benign breast lumps usually have smooth edges and can be moved slightly when you push against them. However, you should be checked by a doctor to make sure the lump is benign.
You can find more information such as the common causes of benign breast lumps in web page Breast Lumps.