Have you been unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant? If so, you certainly recognize the distress and frustration that comes with it. Unfortunately, infertility problems are more prevalent than you might think, affecting about one out of every eight couples. There are numerous causes of infertility and factors that affect your chances of becoming pregnant. Whereas some risk factors are manageable, others are beyond your control. Certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist Dr. Michael Cho can expertly assess your unique concerns to determine what is triggering your infertility. Nonetheless, understanding your risk factors can help you take proactive actions. Check out this post to learn more.
What Exactly Is Infertility?
Most people want to have kids at some time in their lives. Therefore, when you have problems getting pregnant, it is natural to worry if there is an issue or if what you are going through is typical. Most couples attempting to conceive will attain pregnancy during the first few months of their attempts. Approximately 85% of couples will conceive within a year of trying, whereas another 7% will achieve pregnancy in the second year.
Infertility is defined as an inability to become pregnant after not less than a year of trying. A fertility evaluation could be the right call in such cases. However, waiting is not always required. For instance, if you are a female above 40 years, it is advisable to undergo a fertility assessment immediately.
What Are The Common Infertility Risk Factors In Women?
As women get older, their fertility declines, making age a key risk factor for female infertility. Women in their late 30s, for instance, are less fertile than women in their early 20s. Whereas you have no control over your age, you influence particular risk factors. The following are manageable infertility risk factors:
- Being overweight or obese
- Cigarette smoking
- Having low body fat
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Unhealthy eating habits
Other female infertility risk factors include:
- Unbalanced hormones
- Chronic illnesses such as lupus and diabetes
- STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Uterine abnormalities
Throughout your fertility assessment, your specialist will also review your health history.
What Are The Common Infertility Risk Factors In Men?
Infertility in men is heightened by lifestyle choices, chronic health concerns, and low sperm count. Other prevalent risk factors encompass:
- Marijuana smoking
- Cigarette smoking
- Various drugs that impact your nervous system
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Undescended testicles
- Congenital issues
- Exposure to radiation
- Exposure to particular chemicals
The failure to make a woman pregnant is the most common indication of male infertility. If you have been having frequent unprotected intercourse for a year and still cannot conceive a baby, you should consult a physician about a fertility assessment.
Fertility is a complicated process for both men and women. Various factors could affect your fertility, and sometimes the reason is unknown. Dr. Cho advises you to arrange for an extensive fertility assessment at University Reproductive Associates. Thanks to advances in reproductive medicine and technology, various solutions can assist individuals and couples in realizing their desire to establish or grow a family. These solutions include treatment for conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome that might be affecting your fertility and procedures like IVF, egg freezing, and more. Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Cho today through mobile or book online to explore your options.