The path to pregnancy can be filled with many different choices and roadblocks.. Many fertility problems are related back to male and female factors, whereas others are unexplained.
While age affects female fertility more than men's, age is still a factor for both sexes. For women, our eggs age as we do. By the time you turn 36, the chances of conceiving naturally have halved compared to when you were 20. Though not to the same degree as eggs, sperm quantity, health and motility for men also declines with age.
Aside from age, female infertility can be caused by endometriosis, fibroids, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also be linked to tubal disease, which affects the reproductive system, as well as ovulation complications, irregular periods and blocked fallopian tubes. About 40% of infertility amongst couples are from female-related concerns.
After the female age factor, male infertility is the second biggest cause of struggling to get pregnant. The main causes of male infertility are related to abnormal sperm production. This can include a low sperm count, sperm motility, which relates to the efficient movement of sperm, and sperm morphology, which is the size, shape and appearance of sperm. Other factors to consider include genetics, general health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary and waits to be fertilised, and is part of the women's normal menstrual cycle. If you have an unreliable menstrual cycle, including trouble releasing eggs or irregular periods, or conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high prolactin hormone levels and thyroid conditions, these conditions and symptoms can affect fertility. Early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency will also affect fertility.
Damage to the fallopian tube can affect the egg’s ability to travel from the ovaries to the uterus, which in turn affects the ability of an egg to be fertilised by sperm. Blocked fallopian tubes can be caused by pelvic inflammation, infections, previous surgery, endometriosis or STIs (such as chlamydia).
Concerns affecting the uterus and cervix affect fertility in women and include growths (like uterine fibroids or polyps), and scar tissues like pelvic or uterine adhesions. Endometriosis, where tissues grow outside the uterus, can also affect the ability to fall pregnant and is estimated that up to 50% of women suffering from endometriosis will struggle with infertility. Cancers like cervical cancer can also affect fertility.
At least a third of infertility cases are a combination of female and male factors. Creating the perfect environment for conception is not easy. A healthy sperm needs to meet a healthy egg in the ideal environment at the perfect time. The production of sperm and eggs, the functioning of the male and female reproductive systems, hormones, immune conditions, genetics, and even lifestyle choices can affect fertility.
Unexplained infertility can be when you've been trying to conceive, have undergone fertility assessments, tests and investigations that came back 'normal', but are still unable to fall pregnant. It can be frustrating, but those diagnosed with unexplained infertility often go on to conceive either naturally or with treatment. There are numerous reasons that may cause unexplained infertility, from lifestyle factors to microscopic factors, and it can be difficult to identify the exact reason.
There are everyday lifestyle habits that can affect your fertility, from what you put into your body to how you move your body. Unhealthy weight in either partner can have a significant effect on your ability to conceive. Being overweight can have the same impact as being underweight, as both these factors can affect ovulation. For men, it can lower sperm count by up to 50%. Smoking is toxic, and it can impact the health of eggs and sperm. Overconsumption of alcohol and caffeine affects fertility, and it's advised to stick to no more than two glasses, or two cups a day. Exercise is great for the body however excessive exercise can impact hormone levels.
In most cases, suffering a miscarriage will not impact your future fertility, however, there may be concerns that need to be investigated, especially if you've suffered multiple miscarriages. Miscarriage is a pregnancy loss within the first 20 weeks of conceiving. It is a heartbreaking experience to go through and surprisingly common. Up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, with a high number of these occurring before a woman knows they're pregnant. The majority of miscarriages occur during the first trimester. After a pregnancy reaches 12 weeks, the risk of a miscarriage drops to 2%. The majority of miscarriages are unexplained; however, it is thought that the cause of most miscarriages is a random genetic abnormality or random chromosome problems. During an IVF cycle, embryo screening, called PGT-A, or genetic screening, is a way to test if an embryo has the correct number and sequence of chromosomes and ensure only healthy embryos are transferred.
Having one successful pregnancy does not guarantee a second will be successful. A woman who's previously been able to fall pregnant without complications may suffer from secondary infertility. Age is the main cause of this form of infertility; as you age, so do your eggs, and their viability decreases. So, if you've had your first child in your 20s but waited until your mid-30s to have your second (or third), this age difference could affect your chance of conceiving. Stress and lifestyle can also factor into secondary fertility problems.
Anyone can struggle with male or female fertility challenges, but this doesn’t have to mean that you won’t be able to fulfil your dreams of creating a family. Our fertility specialists at Create Fertility work to understand the underlying cause of your fertility challenges and discusses this with you in a way you’ll understand. We then work together to develop a personalised treatment plan that works for you.
For more information on infertility challenges and how we can help or to book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists, please contact our friendly team. We look forward to being part of your journey.
Enter your email address to keep in touch
359 Blackburn Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
226 Clarendon St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Suite 3, 72 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, VIC, 3806
© 2024 Create Fertility Australia Pty Ltd all rights reserved
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Website developed by Media Exchange
