Are you worried you could be infertile too? Here are 10 things you may not know about infertility.
1. STDs make you infertile.
Sexually transmitted diseases can cause infertility. Most people, we are sure, are quite aware of that. But before you condemn us for stating the obvious, we hate to point out that blocked fallopian tubes are the single most common cause of female infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes prevent egg and sperm from meeting up. Blockages can occur due to a huge variety of reasons, but the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, which later leads to something called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is the most frequent cause of blocked fallopian tubes. Chlamydia is, ironically, one of the most easily treatable sexually transmitted diseases a single course of antibiotics usually does the trick just fine. The moral of the story is very clear! See your doctor for STD testing every year, and make sure to get tested right before you start trying to conceive as well. Remember, many sexually transmitted diseases have no symptoms. Chlamydia demonstrates this very well.
2. Ovulation tests are not just for fun
Many couples who decided it's time to try for a baby head to the pharmacy and pick up some ovulation tests to find out the best time to get pregnant. Ovulation tests and other methods that reliably detect ovulation, like charting to conceive, increase your chances of getting pregnant each month. These ovulation-tracking methods offer more than a convenient way to find out when you are fertile, however. Did you know that ovulation disorders are another common cause of female infertility? When there ain't no eggs, you can't get pregnant. Anovulation, in other words not ovulating, can be caused by a hormonal unbalance, tumors, injuries... and even by exercising too much. Yes, really working out is great for your health, but if you're a gym junkie or a professional athlete, it can harm your chances of conceiving. So back to the point. Use ovulation tests to find out if you are ovulating at all, and see your doctor if your tests never come up positive.
3. Men get too old to have kids too
A woman's fertility goes steadily downhill once she reaches 30. Did you know that a men are not an eternal fountain of youth (babies) either? His sperm count and quality is likely to decline once he gets to 40. If you are part of a couple where the male half is a bit older than that, he should pay extra attention to his health and lifestyle. Smoking, drinking, and junk food are bad ideas. You knew that already, but stick to the rules!
READ Fertility: Best age for man & woman
4. Causes of low sperm quality
Sperm is produced in the testicles, and those hang on the outside of the male body for a reason. Sperm does better at lower temperatures, so no hot baths or tight synthetic underwear for guys who want to be dads. The better a man's general health, be more likely that his swimmers are in good shape too. Men should take a multivitamin supplement and folic acid to increase their fertility too. Men who are underweight or overweight are less likely to get their partner pregnant too, because changed hormone levels influence sperm quality.
IVF is no magic cure
Younger couples who don't feel ready for kids yet should never think that "there is always IVF". IVF is a very invasive process, and a very expensive one. Success rates are directly linked to your age the older the woman undergoing IVF, the less chance there is that she will get pregnant and stay pregnant.
5. Get timely treatment
Do browse the web and read blogs written by women who are currently undergoing IVF, and who are still in the middle of infertility testing. You are classed as infertile if you have been trying to conceive without success for two years, or for longer than one year if you are older than 40. Don't wait that long if you are planning to pursue fertility treatment, because the testing procedures and fertility treatments themselves can take a long time. Those who are using government clinics (like the British NHS) should be especially proactive about getting tested and treated as soon as they can.
6. Immunologic infertility?
Did you know that it's possible for both men and women to possess antibodies that attack sperm? The antisperm antibody test may well be a part of your infertility testing procedure. Being allergic to your partner's sperm may not be very romantic, but it is possible. Immunologic infertility is rare, fortunately.
7. Fertiliy drugs could be your best bet
Infertility doesn't always require invasive treatments such as IVF, or even IUI (Itrauterine Insemination). A myriad of male and female fertility concerns can be overcome through the use of medications. Clomid, which induces a woman's ovulation, is a very popular drug. If you have PCOS, metformin may help you lose weight. There are also drugs that stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs.
8. Symptoms of infertility?
The primary symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. Women who have irregular periods, pain in their pelvic area, those who feel nauseous and those who experience bleeding in between periods should definitely see a doctor, though. These are not symptoms of infertility, but they could be symptoms of diseases that also cause infertility. Men who are impotent, have other changes in their libido or sexual function, or who notice something different about their hair growth should do the same.
READ Infertility treatments available today
9. How do you choose a fertility clinic?
Choosing a fertility clinic isn't an easy task. If you are in the United States, you'll benefit from the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act. This act requires fertility clinics to report their success rates to various authorities. Infertility couples or individuals can access these figures through the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control Prevention.
Sources & Links
- Photo courtesy of ileohidalgo: www.flickr.com/photos/ileohidalgo/9537325628/
- Photo courtesy of jimwinstead: www.flickr.com/photos/jimwinstead/2662424776/
- Photo courtesy of jimwinstead: www.flickr.com/photos/jimwinstead/2662424776/