Where the F do I start?
Where the F do I start?
Fertility is a complex topic. Whether you’re ready to conceive or just curious about your fertility status, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
I’ve had countless conversations with friends who are not ready to conceive, but interested to learn more about their fertility status. I’m always so excited to talk about this because I feel like so many people have very little knowledge about their reproductive health, probability of conceiving, or even the basics of their own menstrual cycle.
There’s a very basic work up that needs to happen to assess your baseline fertility. In theory, it’s easy, a combination of blood tests, paired with a pelvic ultrasound and you’ve got the foundation for next steps. In reality, it’s not so easy to access these tests for anyone who doesn’t have proven difficulty with conception.
More about that in another post but for now, let’s look at some fertility fundamentals for women…
Age is one of the most critical factors affecting female fertility. If you’re in your 20’s or 30’s your fertility is likely at its peak, but as we age, our fertility rapidly starts to decline. As you approach your mid 30’s and beyond, your ovarian reserve, or number of eggs, starts to decrease, making it harder to conceive. It’s important to be aware of this age related decline to plan accordingly.
The regularity of your menstrual cycle can provide valuable insight into your fertility status. A normal cycle is typically anywhere from 21-35 days with regular intervals in between. Irregular periods or abnormal fluctuations in cycle length may indicate a hormonal imbalance or underlying issues that can affect fertility status. If you notice any repeat irregular patterns, it’s advisable to check in with your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, stress, obesity, or being underweight can all affect fertility. Making positive lifestyle changes can help improve fertility outcomes.
Eating a healthy balanced diet, and incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables can help reduce oxidative stress and optimize outcomes.
Certain medical conditions such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Diabetes, thyroid insufficiency or autoimmune disorders can affect fertility. Similarly, treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can have a negative effect on your fertility status, making it difficult to conceive.
Genetic conditions such as chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations can lead to infertility or the possibility of passing the gene down through generations. Genetic testing can help identify their risks if there is an indication or family history.
Many chemicals used today such as pesticides and hormone disrupters can mimic natural hormones, blocking hormonal activity and disrupting the normal pathway of the endocrine system. Identifying and minimizing these factors may have a positive impact on fertility.
Structural abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids, cysts or blocked fallopian tubes can interfere with conception and implantation. A pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy/hysterosalpingogram can help detect these abnormalities.
Factors affecting fertility can vary from person to person. If you have been trying to conceive and are concerned about any of these factors, consult with your care provider to arrange a fertility assessment and discuss the factors that could be affecting your fertility.
