Fertility Facts

Most of us grow up assuming that if or when the day comes that we decide to have children that our bodies will comply and easily fulfill this desire. However this assumption is proving to be very disappointing for more and more individuals who find that this expectation of their bodies has been misguided. 

Fact # 1:Fertility decreases with age

Starting at age 27 a woman’s fertility starts to gradually drop off. Then at 35 the decline is more notably significant. Even though in today’s modern world many of us are not ready to have kids at the peak of our fertility, our bodies have a different agenda that often works against our mental and emotional plans. And its not just women who are governed by a biological clock. Men’s sperm becomes weaker as they age too. 

There has been widespread misinformation circulating that women can easily have children into their early forties. Unfortunately the publicity around celebrities conceiving well into their late forties has given the impression that anyone can conceive – with assistance – until this point. However the facts prove otherwise. Couples need to be properly educated about the realistic limitations around fertility so that they can make better choices for themselves. Unfortunately we don’t have all the time in the world when it comes to fertility. 

Fact # 2:Infertility is both a female and male problem

The facts show that:

• 40% is due to a female issue

• 40% is due to a male issue

• 20% is due to an issue on both their parts 

Many have assumed infertility to be a solely female issue but these numbers prove otherwise. In fact over the last several decades male sperm counts have dropped by about 50% due to environmental pollution and other damaging factors. 

Fact # 3:A Healthy Lifestyle Helps

Following a healthy lifestyle and eating properly can help improve your odds of conceiving. Eating a nutrient filled diet packed with good fats can help to ensure you’re your body does have the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Recent research has indicated that full fat dairy is more beneficial to fertility than low fat products. Unfortunately though  healthy habits don’t guarantee that you will conceive.

There are many factors involved with fertility (including age) that are beyond just being generally healthy and following a healthy lifestyle. For example you could have a healthy woman who eats well and exercises regularly but happens to have endometriosis. This condition could be getting in her way of conceiving. 

Fact # 4:Ovulation doesn’t always occur on day 14 of the menstrual cycle

Most couples are aware that in order to conceive they need to have sex when a woman ovulates. However many people assume that ovulation takes place on day 14 of a woman’s cycle and this isn’t always true. Ovulation can take place much earlier or even later than day 14. It is important to look for signs of ovulation and not just assume when it is happening.

Fact # 5: Weight can affect your ability to get pregnant

Being significantly overweight or underweight can impede your chances of becoming pregnant. On the underweight side, having too little body fat can prevent ovulation and other reproductive functions from occurring. On the flipside being overweight can wreak havoc on your hormones and interfere with the ability to ovulate for women and sperm quality for men.

Fact # 6:Even fertility treatments don’t always work for everyone

Although about 2/3 of people who seek fertility support do end up getting pregnant or ultimately having a baby with their genetic material, not everyone does. About 1/3 of couples who attempt fertility intervention are not successful despite the most advanced of treatments.

Fact #7:Even couples with children can experience infertility

This type of infertility – known as secondary infertility - affects about half of all couples that are struggling with conception. Although having had a child is a positive sign indicating the couple was once successful, it doesn’t guarantee subsequent pregnancies.  

Fact # 8:Some Infertility is Inexplicable

About 10% of fertility is unexplainable despite all the best testing and interventions. What this means is that in 10% of cases even though doctors can’t find a problem, a couple still can’t conceive a child. 

Although fertility is one of the most natural processes in the world, it doesn’t always occur naturally. If you have been trying to conceive naturally for over a year without success, it may be time to seek help into investigating what may be preventing it.