How Much Do You Know About Your Fertility? (AD)

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Unfortunately, fertility remains a somewhat taboo subject, despite it being the 21^st Century. Children are given very little insight into fertility and what they can do as they grow up to improve the likelihood of having their own baby. It’s undoubtedly a very complex aspect of human anatomy, so I have teamed up with a fertility clinic in London to share some information regarding fertility and what you can do to prepare yourself for becoming a parent.

Believe it or not, as many as one in six couples struggle to conceive naturally, often turning to fertility treatments such as IVF for support. We all know that, as a woman ages, her fertility starts to decline. In fact, with each menstrual cycle, a woman loses around 3000-5000 eggs. However, what many people may not be aware of is that 30% of infertility cases are due to the male party. There are lots of factors at play when it comes to a man’s inability to conceive naturally; they may have low sperm count or abnormal sperm function. They may have also experienced an injury in the past, have chronic health issues or they are simply just making poor lifestyle choices. 

Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, poor diet, an unhealthy weight, and stress can all be contributing factors when it comes to infertility, for both men and women. For instance, a woman who exercises and diets excessively may not get her period, preventing pregnancy. A man who drinks a lot of alcohol may experience erectile dysfunction, decreased sperm production and lower testosterone levels. Obesity can affect libido. 

Eggs, fish, avocado, garlic and full fat dairy are a few examples of foods that are great for ensuring your body is in the best possible position for a successful pregnancy, although they cannot reverse infertility entirely. Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally more abundant in vitamins and minerals so those hoping to conceive a child should be mindful of what they’re putting into their bodies.

Certain STIs can also lead to infertility in both men and women, especially if left untreated. Chlamydia, for example, may cause damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes, making it difficult or impossible for them to carry a fertilised egg to the uterus. It goes without saying that men and women should always practise safe sex to avoid such a fate in the future, as well as experiencing the other obvious unpleasantries associated with sexually transmitted infections. 

If you and your partner have been having regular, unprotected sex for at least a year without a successful pregnancy, it might be time for you to visit your GP for a full health check-up. They will be able to suggest some lifestyle changes, if that’s believed to be the problem, as well as advice on IVF and other treatments.