How Much Do You Know About Your Fertility?

Fertility is complicated, perhaps because it’s something we don’t bother to learn about unless complications arise. In fact, since fertility is quite a taboo subject, it is still something that is neglected in the school curriculum. As a result, young people who hope to have a child one day are not really prepared, and don’t know how to improve their chances of conception. Expanding your knowledge of fertility and your own menstrual cycle or sperm is an important thing to do, even if you don’t necessarily want to have a baby any time soon. I have teamed up with an IVF clinic in London to share some key facts about fertility.

First of all, it is a misconception that all cases of infertility are due to the female party. Men, too, can be infertile and in around 25% of cases, a cause cannot be identified. Most commonly, it’s down to poor quality or abnormal semen, like a low sperm count or unusually shaped sperm that cannot move as well. Sometimes it can be due to a disorder or condition, like hypogonadism or erectile dysfunction. If trying to conceive, it’s important for both parties to visit their GP for a full health check-up, including sexual health, just to rule out any potential problems.

Lifestyle factors can both play a part in infertility cases, for men and women alike. Excessive exercise, for instance, can prevent the menstrual cycle, which is obviously a key player in pregnancy. Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure and certain diseases, which also make it difficult to conceive. If you are trying for a baby, be sure to make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet, exercise moderately and avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Another misconception with regards to fertility is that a woman only loses one egg per month. In actually fact, she loses 3000-5000 eggs per menstrual cycle, meaning that her egg reserve will eventually run out. That’s why women are unable to naturally have a baby after menopause. Lots of women decide to freeze their eggs for this very reason, so that they can revisit the option to have a child when they’re older.

Nb. Collaborative post.