Whether you are you planning to get pregnant now or holding off on the nursery a little while longer, your
fertility is one thing that you shouldn't take for granted. An alarming 6.1 million Americans or about ten percent of
the reproductive age population experience infertility.
Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected
sex or after six months in women over 35.
At
what time of the month is a woman most fertile?
Start counting from
the day you start your period; this is "Day 1". Around "Day 14" you may ovulate. The released egg is viable
for about 24 hours; this is your most fertile time. It is crucial for sperm to be present during the woman's most fertile
time. Sperm is viable for about 48 hours. When the egg meets the sperm it may become fertilized. The fertilized egg then implants
in the uterus and pregnancy has begun.
Before
you become pregnant follow these steps:
• Take
a multiple vitamin- When planing a family, balanced nutrition is important. Be sure to take a multiple vitamin with
400 mcg of folic acid.
• Refrain from taking oral contraceptives for at least 3 months-
Since elevated hormone levels are not considered beneficial for the baby, choose natural planning during this period.
• Abstein from toxins- If you smoke, stop immediately. It is also important to stop consuming
alcohol or using drugs when planning to become pregnant.
Often stereotyped as a woman's issue, infertility
affects men and women equally.
There are several factors that may put you at risk of infertility. Early detection and
treatment are critical in achieving successful pregnancy outcomes. The following factors can affect your ability to ovulate,
conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.
For Women:
- Body
Fat- Whether it is excessive or very low, body fat can affect fertility.
- Chronic Illnes-
Diseases such as diabetes, lupus or asthma. Be sure to tell your doctor about all prescription medicines that you are taking.
- Hormonal imbalance- Irregular periods, periods exceeding six days, cycles shorter than 24
days or very heavy periods.
- Multiple miscarriages- A history of two or more early pregnancy
losses.
- Environmental factors- Do you smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol? Exposure to
environmental toxins also effect fertility.
- Age- Fertility declines with age.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)- Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and result in
infertility.
- Fallopian tube disease- This accounts for about 20% of infertility cases
treated.
For Men:
- Environmental
factors- Factors such as cigarette smoke, alcohol consumption, drug use, radiation, pollution and exposure to pesticides
or chemicals can effect fertility.
- Prescription drug use- Several prescription drugs
affect fertility; talk to your healthcare provider.
- Extreme temperatures- Genital exposure
to hot temperatures like a hot tub, whirlpool or steam room.
- Medical problems- Various
medical issues such as hernia repair, undescended testicles or mumps after puberty can place you at risk of infertility.
