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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.
Age and Fertility
Age plays an important role in the probability of conception and fertility. Starting from the age of 32, a woman’s chance of conceiving starts to decline, and from 35 this decline speeds up. By the age of 40, the chance of getting pregnant will be fallen by half.
Whereas with men, age has less impact. Men tend to have decline in fertility from age of 45 onwards.
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.
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.
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