Female fertility is something that touches so many lives, whether you’re currently trying to get pregnant or just thinking about your future. It’s not always a smooth road, and sometimes, even when you’re doing everything “right,” it doesn’t go according to plan. That’s why knowing what impacts fertility can make you feel more empowered, in the know, and prepared for the ride ahead.
In essence, fertility refers to the capacity to become pregnant. For most women, fertility issues arise after one year of trying to conceive unsuccessfully, even with regular unprotected sex. If you are older than 35, physicians typically recommend intervention after six months. It might help to recognize that you are not on your own—approximately one out of ten women experience some type of fertility problem, and age significantly factors into amplifying that risk.
There are numerous reasons why becoming pregnant may be harder than anticipated. One of the most common is ovulation—the monthly release of an egg. Various conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid conditions, or elevated levels of prolactin, can disrupt ovulation. There may also be physical barriers, such as fibroids, polyps, or scarring in the uterus or fallopian tubes, which will keep the sperm and egg from coming together. Endometriosis is another common issue, where tissue that is like the lining of the uterus develops outside of the uterus.
And for some women, the ovaries could fail earlier than anticipated—a state known as primary ovarian insufficiency, which can cause premature menopause.
Age is one of the largest factors that influences fertility. As women get into their late 30s and early 40s, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline more rapidly. In addition to having fewer eggs, the eggs that they do have are more likely to be chromosomally abnormal, making it more difficult to become pregnant or carry a healthy pregnancy. This is one reason why more individuals are experiencing fertility difficulties because they are delaying becoming parents.
Your way of life also plays a significant role in fertility. Being in a healthy weight range is important—a body significantly above or below the optimal weight can influence ovulation and normal periods. Smoking is particularly damaging, accelerating the depletion of eggsand prematurely aging the ovaries. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol and too much caffeine may also interfere.
Even exercise, which is usually great for overall health, can be too much of a good thing if it’s extreme or prolonged, especially if you’re already at a healthy weight. In general, keeping intense workouts under five hours a week is a good rule of thumb when trying to conceive.
The world around you can also have an effect. Exposing yourself to some chemicals—such as pesticides, solvents, and lead—can damage fertility. Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases is also a step in the right direction, as diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are major causes of fallopian tube damage.
Understanding the symptoms of potential fertility issues can allow you to receive assistance earlier. The most obvious symptom is not becoming pregnant even when trying for many months, but there are others to be aware of, such as irregular or missed periods, pelvic discomfort, or abnormal bleeding. If you have had pelvic infections, operations, or autoimmune disorders, these may increase the risk of fertility problems.
When you see a physician or fertility expert, he or she will begin by inquiring about your medical history, menstrual history, previous pregnancy, and symptoms you’ve experienced. A physical and pelvic examination is routine, as well as blood work to assess hormone levels. You may also get an ultrasound to take a closer inspection of your ovaries and uterus, or a test called a hysterosalpingogram to determine if your fallopian tubes are patent.
The good news is that a lot of individuals do proceed with successful pregnancies despite a fertility diagnosis. There are steps you can take to help your cause, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and staying away from excessive alcohol, reducing stress, and avoiding toxic chemicals. If you’ve been attempting to conceive and it hasn’t yet occurred, calling a fertility specialist can assist you in receiving the information and support you require for what’s next
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