You have probably heard lots of advice from others…don’t worry so much about getting pregnant, be patient, take a stress-free vacation, and/or JUST RELAX. Much of the advice you have heard should be taken with a grain of salt.
A MEDICAL PROBLEM
As you will hear from just about any reproductive specialist, infertility isn’t a waiting game; it’s a medical problem. While many think that conception happens easily, at the drop of a hat, the statistics posted by RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, shows that about 5 million Americans of childbearing age experience infertility.
The advice is well meaning, often unsolicited, and may contain any number of myths and misconception from friends, coworkers, relatives or even the media.
FACT VERSUS FICTION
Infertility As Almost Always A Woman’s Problem
Fertility Fact: Infertility affects men and women almost equally. Statistics show that when couples face infertility, female infertility accounts for one-third of the problems and male infertility issues make up another third. The remaining third will find problems with both male and female infertility, or will receive a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Therefore, it is critical that both partners are tested for potential infertility issues.
Women Don’t Start To Lose Their Fertility Until Their Late 30s or Early 40s
Fertility Fact: According to a report in the journal Human Reproduction, fertility in a woman starts to decline at age 27. Most women of this age can still get pregnant, it just may take longer. By 35, her chances of getting pregnant during any particular attempt are about half of what they were between the ages of 19 and 26. It is important to note that a woman’s chances of successful natural conception will further decline as she ages into her 40’s.
A Infertility Diagnosis Means There Is No Chance That You Will Get Pregnant
Fertility Fact: Infertility means that you have been unable to have a child naturally after a year of active trying. With the help of a reproductive specialist and the proper fertility treatment, many couples are able to successfully become pregnant and have healthy children. Additionally, there is always a possibility of conception without treatment if the woman is ovulating and has one open tube, and the male partner has some sperm in his ejaculate. With this scenario, however, the success rate is rather low, but pregnancy is still possible.
Age Is Not An Issue In Reproduction
Fertility Fact: Many studies have shown that for a woman, egg quality and quantity are directly impacted by her age. The risk of infertility increases significantly for women in their mid-thirties. The ideal age range for a woman to conceive is 18–29 years of age. Equally important, is the fact that a man’s fertility usually begins to decrease after the age 35.The decline is fairly gradual, but it can speed up dramatically if a man develops a condition that hampers sperm production.
If Infertile Couples Relax and Not Try So Hard, They Would Conceive Right Away
Fertility Fact: Relaxation alone does not solve infertility issues. One or both partners may have a correctable medical condition that impedes conception; therefore, an infertile couple’s best bet is to schedule an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Even if there is no apparent physical explanation for infertility, a specialist can recommend several lifestyle changes that might increase the chances of pregnancy.
Eating Habits And Weight Concerns Have No Bearing On Fertility
Fertility Fact: Poor nutrition certainly can have an impact on fertility. In addition, research studies have found that women with regular cycles, and no known fertility problems, still have a difficult time getting pregnant if they are overweight. This study also found that the more overweight the woman is, the lower her chances of pregnancy. Similar studies have shown that those who are severely underweight may also have difficulties becoming pregnant.
Smoking Marijuana Does Not Impact Fertility
Fertility Fact: Studies have found that smoking marijuana, even if it is once in a great while, can severely affect sperm and egg quality, which absolutely impacts fertility. The best advice would be to kick this habit before attempting to get pregnant.
If A Couple Chooses IVF, There Is A Very Good Chance They Will Have Multiple Babies
Fertility Fact: The goal of any highly skilled In-Vitro Fertilization program is a healthy, single birth. Multiples are largely based on the number of embryo’s transferred and age of the patient.
If You Have Intercourse A Few Times A Month, You Will Get Pregnant
Fertility Fact: In conception, timing is the most important consideration. Women are generally the most fertile 14–21 days following their menstrual cycle (ovulating). To increase the likelihood of natural conception, intercourse is recommended every other day during the most fertile week.
Drinking Wine Is Better Than Hard Alcohol, And It Does Not Affect Fertility
Fertility Fact: In women, drinking may lead to anovulatory menstruation (menstruation that occurs without ovulation) or irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular cycles make it difficult to predict ovulation for many women. Alcohol can also increase the risk of birth defects once a woman becomes pregnant and can cause a severe continuum of permanent physical and neurological birth defects known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
Little Can Be Done To Improve A Man’s Sperm Count
Fertility Fact: Many men who produce little or no sperm may actually have blockages or other treatable conditions. Sometimes, a urologist or reproductive specialist may suggest simple lifestyle changes that can make a difference, such as losing weight or quitting smoking.
Vasectomy Reversals Are Rarely Successful
Fertility Fact: According to a report from the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, some men have more than a 50% chance of fathering a child after a vasectomy reversal. The sooner a man has a reverse vasectomy, the better the chance of a positive outcome.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months (or 6 months if you are over 35), it is time to seek the help of a reproductive specialist. According to the experts at RESOLVE, nearly 50% of the couples that complete a fertility-related medical evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy.
If you have additional questions about infertility, including facts and misconceptions, or if you are looking for more information, the reproductive specialists and professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine would be happy to help you. They are dedicated to helping patients sort through all the information available, providing compassionate guidance for families that wish to grow. CORM has three convenient locations in the greater Houston area – call today to make an appointment.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have other questions, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Call our knowledgeable staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) today. CORM serves the greater southeast Texas area with three state-of-the-art fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. Our highly trained doctors will work with you to determine appropriate testing needs and they will help you choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.
