Keeping Your Eggs In One Basket: Infertility Prevention For Women
Women are most fertile between the ages of 15-35. A woman may be considering becoming pregnant now or considering a family in the future. Here are some ways for women to stay fertile for as long as possible.
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Use of recreational drugs and heavy use of alcohol can result in infertility. In women, these habits also increase the risk of endometriosis and ovulation disorders. Women who smoke tobacco risk damaging the fallopian tubes and cervix. Tobacco use can also result in early menopause. Additionally, the use of anabolic steroids can reduce sperm count and quality, increase the risk of testicular atrophy, and can result in sterility.
Maintain a healthy weight
Ovulation can be prevented when a woman is underweight or overweight. Exercising excessively can also cause irregular menstruation or complete absence of periods. Balanced weight and moderate exercise are the best way to prevent infertility.
Try to conceive before age 35
The younger a woman is when trying to become pregnant, the better the chance of success. This is because a woman’s fertility begins to wane after the age of 35. Even assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are more effective in younger women.
Practice safe sex
This is crucial for preventing infertility in women. STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility. The best way to avoid an STD is use condoms and, in a monogamous relationship, to both get tested for STDs and STIs. STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause blockages in the urethra, preventing sperm from being ejaculated. Men should practice safe sex by wearing condoms. Men who have a monogamous partner should ask the partner to get tested for STDs.
Every sperm is sacred: preventing infertility in men
Aging affects fertility in men as well as women. One study showed that fertility in men can decline up to 30% after the age of 40. Here are some ways that men can prevent infertility.
Avoid exposure to harmful environmental factors
Men who work in industries which involve exposure to chemicals such as pesticides may be at risk of infertility. Substances such as mercury, boron, and lead-based paint can all reduce sperm count. Men should also avoid extreme heat like saunas, hot tubs, and hot baths to prevent infertility.
Help with infertility
Although infertility cannot always be prevented, there are treatments available to help. Couples who are experiencing infertility should talk to a fertility specialist. Having a quick consult with a specialist will enable each couple to find out about the cause of the infertility and the possible treatment options.
