What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse, or the inability to carry pregnancies to a live birth.
Why can't I get pregnant - what are the reasons?
The main reasons are:
- Advancing age, predominantly women
- Fallopian tubes factors (blocked or damaged tubes, missing tubes)
- Sperm problems: Semen quality / low sperm count
- Ovulatory problems
- Hormonal factors
- Weight: Being overweight or underweight
- Smoking
- A condition known as Poly Cystic Ovaries (PCOS)
- Endometrioses
What is day one of my cycle?
The first day of full heavy bleeding before midday is day one of your cycle.
What is the fertile time?
This is dependant upon the length of cycle eg; in 28 day cycle ovulation should occur day 14 and "fertile time" is approximately days 12 to 15 or 12 to 14 days before the expected date of the next period.
How does age affect fertility?
Female fertility decreases with age. At approximately age 38 year the pregnancy rate using assisted reproductive medicine is halved. The miscarriage rate increases with age. For example, 1:7 age less than 25years, 1:5 25-35 years and 1:3 36 to 40 years.
What effect does diet, lifestyle and smoking have on fertility?
A well balanced nutritional diet 3-4 months prior to conception maximises the chance of conception and live birth. Folic acid taken daily reduces neural tube defects. Reducing stress improves ovulation and the chance of spontaneous conception. High caffeine intake decreases fertility. Smoking increases the incidence of infertility by 3 times and reduces the response to fertility drugs. Smoking also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and the miscarriage rate. Smoking increases congenital abnormalities.
Does being overweight or underweight have an effect on the chance of conception?
Yes, absolutely! Ovulation becomes infrequent or stops; Periods can become irregular and /or heavy. Natural conception is reduced. Therapies to help ovulation are not as successful. There may be a higher chance of miscarriage.
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