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It’s usually an exciting news for the whole house and most people would love to announce this wondef news to family and friends. However, not all as some might have experienced a long and hard road to have their baby to come to fruition.
Some people might not like to be asked about their pregnancy whereas some would be very open to share their stories from conception to the different stages of pregnancy. So when you want to ask that colleague or friend who seemed to be pregnant, just be conscious of what she might feel when you do so.
And when we talk about conception and ferility, it is not as easy as many might think. You will consider a variety of factors. Let’s explore now.
Planning for Parenthood
When planning for a baby, you and your partner would probably want to ensure that you will have a healthy baby. Therefore, pre-conception tests and health checks are critical. Some of the main tests we have undergone include blood tests to check my hemoglobin level, blood group, immunity for German measles (rubella) and chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, I have taken folate and iodine supplements before conception and during pregnancy for the health of my baby.
Timing Is Key
To have a chance to be pregnant, you and partner need to have sex in the five days before you ovulate, or on the day you ovulate. This is the so-called fertility window.
Understanding Egg Count and Fertility After 35
When discussing my fertility journey with doctors, I learned some important clarifications about what was happening in my body. At age 35, my ultrasound showed about 6-7 antral follicles in each ovary. My doctor explained that this wasn’t actually my total egg count, but rather the visible follicles that could be seen on ultrasound during that cycle.
What my doctor accurately told me was that the natural decline in both egg quantity and quality cannot be reversed or significantly slowed through medical intervention. This decline accelerates after 35, which is why my reproductive endocrinologist emphasized the time-sensitive nature of conception.
The advice to start trying to conceive sooner rather than later was sound medical guidance based on fertility statistics. While women with similar follicle counts can and do conceive after 35, the chances do decrease with each passing year.
Whereas with men, age has less impact. Men tend to have decline in fertility from age of 45 onwards.
For any women concerned about fertility, comprehensive testing including AMH levels and consultation with a specialist can provide personalized guidance beyond the general recommendation to not delay family planning unnecessarily.
Weight, Diet and Exercise
Diet does not have direct association with pregnancy, however keeping a balanced diet along with adequate exercises will certainly give the mum the best shape as possible before, during and after pregnancy. And the benefits of vitamins and minerals cannot be overlooked. Folic acid, iodine, vitamin D, zinc and selenium are just some of the most important vitamins and minerals to ensure both the mum and bub will be doing well.
For weight management, international guidelines recommend that overweight or obese adults perform 225–300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week (about 35–45 minutes per day).
Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Use
Smoking during pregnancy will increase the risk of complications. Alcohol consumption will reduce libido for both male and female fertility. Whereas drug use will potentially affect the health of the foetus.
Common Fertility Issues
Fertility difficulties are not uncommon, infertility refers when after 12 months of trying to conceive, you are still not able to get pregnant. Some of the common reasons for infertility for both women and men are as follows:
Female fertility problems include:
1. Ovulation Disorders: These occur when ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, is irregular or absent. Conditions like hypothalamic dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause ovulation disorders.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. It causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Symptoms include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
3. Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Blockages in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from traveling to the uterus for fertilization or prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Common causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or previous pelvic surgeries.
4. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures. It can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesions, which may interfere with fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or disrupting ovulation.
5. Age-related Decline in Fertility: As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline, making conception more difficult. This decline becomes more pronounced after the age of 35.
6. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and interfere with ovulation.
These are just some of the common fertility problems women may face. Each individual’s situation is unique, and a thorough medical evaluation is typically needed to diagnose and address specific fertility issues.
Male fertility problems include:
1. Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): When a man has fewer sperm in his semen than normal, it can make it harder to conceive naturally.
2. Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia): This refers to sperm with reduced ability to move and swim effectively, making it difficult for them to reach and fertilize an egg.
3. Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratospermia): When a high percentage of a man’s sperm have abnormal shapes, it can affect fertility because these sperm may not be able to penetrate and fertilize an egg.
4. Varicocele: This is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle and is a common cause of male infertility. It can affect sperm production and quality.
5. Hormonal Imbalances: Imbalances in hormones such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), or thyroid hormones can affect sperm production and fertility.
6. Ejaculation Disorders: Conditions such as retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis) or premature ejaculation can impact fertility by preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
7. Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome deletions, can affect sperm production or function.
8. Obstruction of Reproductive Tract: Blockages in the reproductive tract, such as in the vas deferens or epididymis, can prevent sperm from being ejaculated normally.
These are some of the common male fertility problems, but like with female fertility issues, each case is unique and may require medical evaluation and treatment tailored to the individual’s circumstances.
Fertility Myth: Are Painful Periods a Sign of Good Fertility?
I used to believe that my excruciating menstrual cramps were somehow a badge of honor—a sign that my reproductive system was working overtime. “No pain, no gain,” I’d think to myself while curled up with a heating pad each month. Like many women, I’d heard the myth that painful periods signaled strong fertility, but my journey to understand my body taught me something quite different.
The truth? Painful periods, or dysmenorrhea as my doctor called them, aren’t actually indicators of enhanced fertility. In my case, those debilitating cramps were trying to tell me something important. When I finally sought help, I discovered that conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or adenomyosis can cause significant period pain while potentially creating challenges for conception.
What I’ve learned through both personal experience and consulting with specialists is that a healthy menstrual cycle—one that’s regular, moderate in flow, and accompanied by manageable discomfort—typically reflects optimal reproductive health. The months after I received proper treatment were revelatory; not only did my pain decrease, but my overall well-being improved dramatically.
Remember that every woman’s body tells its own unique story. In my fertility journey, addressing the underlying causes of my pain rather than simply enduring it made all the difference. If you’re experiencing debilitating period pain like I was, I encourage you to speak with a healthcare provider—it could be the first step toward improving both your comfort and your fertility.
What is Letrozole for Fertility?
While navigating the world of fertility treatments with close friends, I’ve learned so much about medications like Letrozole. Though I haven’t used it personally, I’ve held hands with women who have, and their experiences have been eye-opening.
Letrozole (brand name Femara) is an aromatase inhibitor that was originally developed to treat breast cancer but has found an important place in fertility treatment. I remember sitting with my friend Sarah at her kitchen table as she explained how it works—temporarily reducing estrogen production, which signals the pituitary gland to release more FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). This clever hormonal shift helps stimulate the ovaries to develop and release mature eggs.
What fascinated me during our fertility support group meetings was hearing how Letrozole has become increasingly popular for women with ovulation disorders like PCOS or unexplained infertility. The stories shared in that safe space taught me that many reproductive specialists now actually prefer Letrozole over the more traditional Clomiphene (Clomid) for certain patients.
“The side effects were so much milder than I expected,” my colleague Emma told me after her successful treatment. She explained that her doctor chose Letrozole because it tends to cause fewer side effects, creates a more favorable uterine environment, and often produces better quality eggs.
The typical treatment involves taking Letrozole pills for five days early in the cycle, followed by monitoring at the fertility clinic. I still remember the joy in my sister-in-law’s voice when she called after seeing developing follicles during her ultrasound appointment.
If you’re considering fertility treatments, discussing Letrozole with your reproductive endocrinologist might be worthwhile. Every woman’s fertility journey is unique, but this medication has helped many women take meaningful steps toward motherhood.
Step-by-Step Guide to IVF Preparation: What to Expect
What if you need to go through IVF?
IVF preparation involves several practical steps designed to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Initial Consultation and Testing: Both partners meet with a fertility specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. This may include blood tests to check hormone levels, an ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve (egg count and quality), and a semen analysis for the male partner.
2. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman begins taking fertility medications (usually injectable hormones) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This typically starts on day 2-3 of the menstrual cycle and continues for about 10-14 days.
3. Monitoring: During ovarian stimulation, the woman visits the clinic frequently for blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor how the ovaries are responding. The doctor adjusts medication doses as needed to ensure optimal egg production.
4. Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, a “trigger shot” of hCG is given to mature the eggs. About 36 hours later, the eggs are retrieved in a minor surgical procedure done under sedation.
5. Sperm Collection and Fertilization: The male partner provides a sperm sample on the day of egg retrieval. The sperm is processed, and then either standard insemination or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is used to fertilize the eggs.
6. Embryo Culture and Transfer: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured for several days in the lab. Typically, 3-5 days later, the best-quality embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus. Some unused embryos may be frozen for future use.
7. Post-Transfer Care: After the embryo transfer, the woman is given hormonal support (usually progesterone) to help the embryo implant and grow. A pregnancy test is done about 10-14 days later to confirm whether implantation has occurred.
Throughout the IVF process, regular communication with your fertility clinic is essential, as well as following all medical instructions carefully to ensure the best outcome.
Consult your General Practitioner first when you are expert infertility. Your General Practitioner will then refer you for testing to find out what exactly is the issue.
Final Thoughts
Starting your conception journey is a beautiful and deeply personal experience. Whether you’re actively trying or just beginning to explore your fertility, remember that every path is unique. Nourishing your body, managing stress, and staying informed are all powerful steps toward a healthy pregnancy.
At Healthy Mum and Bub, we’re here to support you with expert insights, heartfelt encouragement, and a community that understands.
If you have any questions or want to share your story, drop a comment below or connect with us on social media—we’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you love, strength, and a smooth journey ahead. You’ve got this!
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