Whether you’re planning for parenthood or simply curious, let these fertility specialists tackle your questions on fertility health.
We talk about health all the time. But when it comes to fertility, the conversation can get uncomfortable… or downright confusing. Is age the only key factor for fertility? Or, do your diet and lifestyle make a difference? From understanding how fertility health works to knowing when to seek help, we’re here to demystify it all with expert input from fertility specialists at IVF(SG). Keep scrolling as we break down the biggest questions on fertility health and intro vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Experts answer questions on fertility health
1. Does being young and healthy mean I have good fertility health?
Age is no doubt an important factor for those trying to conceive. But surprise, surprise. Being young and healthy doesn’t automatically guarantee good fertility health, say fertility specialists.
Fertility depends on multiple aspects of reproductive health – some of which aren’t always visible and can be related to one’s general health. Even if you appear physically fit, other underlying factors can contribute to fertility challenges.
2. What are some early signs of poor fertility in men and women?
While fertility assessments are recommended to determine one’s fertility health and possible causes of infertility, there are early signs to look out for. According to the specialists, some indicators in men include changes in sex drive or erectile function; pain or swelling in reproductive organs; and issues with ejaculation.
As for women, signs include irregular menstrual cycles or absence of periods; intensely painful periods; unusual bleeding between periods; pelvic pain; significant changes in weight; as well as skin and hair changes that may indicate hormonal imbalances. Those with a history of multiple miscarriages may also face challenges in maintaining a pregnancy.
3. Do genetics play a role in fertility health?
Yes, a person’s genetic makeup can influence key aspects of fertility. This includes ovarian reserve, egg quality, sperm count and hormone levels. But beyond the likelihood of conceiving, the specialists emphasise that genetic influences may also affect the health of the offspring.
It is therefore important to speak to a fertility specialist to determine the presence of inheritable family conditions through extended carrier testing – a type of genetic screening to identify if an individual is a carrier of an inherited genetic condition that may not show symptoms but can be passed on to future children.
4. Can lifestyle choices, such as exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and caffeine intake, affect fertility?
While age and genetics are often top of mind when it comes to fertility, lifestyle changes can play a role too, say fertility specialists.
Habits like smoking can lower fertility by damaging the ovaries and depleting the egg supply too early, while heavy drinking can interfere with ovulation. For the best chances of conceiving, it’s recommended to cut out alcohol when trying to conceive and during pregnancy. The same goes for smoking.
Overconsumption of caffeine is another factor to keep in mind. As a rule of thumb, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends no more than one cup of coffee a day and no more than three cups of tea. Toxins in everyday chemicals, such as pesticides, dry-cleaning solvents and lead, should also be avoided as they can harm fertility. Tip: get advice on practical steps to avoid these toxins from your healthcare team!
While daily movement is important, intensive exercise (like long runs or fast cycling) can also affect ovulation and lower progesterone levels. It’s advised for those trying to conceive to keep intense workouts to no more than five hours a week or 60 minutes a day. At the same time, try to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) as having an extremely low BMI is associated with anovulation, i.e. the inability to ovulate.
This is especially so if you’re considering alternative fertility processes such as IVF. It’s important to be mindful of key factors and lifestyle choices that can affect its success rate.
5. When should I consider getting tested for fertility health?
Wondering if getting tested is the next step for you? Some factors to consider include whether you have any known reproductive health conditions; family history of fertility issues; irregular menstrual cycles; history of reproductive surgery or infections; and multiple miscarriages.
According to the specialists, those under 35 years of age who have been trying to conceive for a year without success, or those over 35 who have been trying for six months without success are recommended for fertility assessments, too.
6. Does my weight affect the success of IVF?
When it comes to discussions on the success of IVF, weight often comes up as a potential factor. The short answer is yes, weight does affect its success rate. Women who are underweight may have irregular menstrual cycles or stop ovulating altogether, which makes it difficult to retrieve an adequate number of eggs during IVF procedures. This, in turn, reduces the chances of successful fertilisation and embryo implantation.
Furthermore, a 2019 study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has shown that excess weight – particularly if you have a high BMI – can also decrease the chances of successful IVF outcomes. Obesity is associated with hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance and elevated levels of certain hormones like leptin, which can disrupt ovulation and affect egg quality. In addition, obesity is linked to a higher risk of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can further complicate fertility treatments.
And there you have it – six commonly asked questions related to fertility health answered by fertility specialists. Psst: there’s lots more to cover when it comes to this topic so pop over to our detailed guide on IVF to learn more!
This post is in partnership with IVF(SG).
Important Notice: This paid advertorial is for general information and should not be considered medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical conditions vary, and the treatments mentioned may not suit everyone. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance.
