Risk factors and outlook for infertility in men and women

Risk factors for infertility

Many risks for men and women are the same, these being:

• Age - fertility declines with age, specifically from 30 years old in women and age 40 in men.
• Smoking cigarettes and drug use (particularly cannabis) – reduces fertility and the benefits of fertility treatments. It is also a leading cause of erectile dysfunction and low sperm count.
• Alcohol abuse – women should not drink any alcohol when pregnant. Alcohol can increase the risk of birth defects and can also result in low sperm count and infertility in both men and women.
• Obesity – being overweight or obese can lower the sperm count in men and increase the risk of infertility in both sexes.
• Being underweight – eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia result in fertility issues in women.
• Over or under exercising – in not exercising enough or exercising too much, women can suffer from ovulation issue resulting in infertility.

When to see the doctor if you can't fall pregnant

It is advised that women should see a doctor after a year of trying to have a baby if they are under 35 if they are over 35 they should see a doctor after six months.

Before consulting with a doctor, it is advised to write down any medications that are being taken. As well as your sexual history and term of trying to have a baby. Diet and exercise habits, body changes, and genetic issues will also need to be known.

A doctor may refer you to someone who specialises in infertility, known as a reproductive medicine specialist. Tracking your menstrual cycles in order to assess what your cycles are like can be extremely helpful to your reproductive medicine specialist in the process of assessing your case.

Early diagnosis holds the most promise of correcting infertility. It is best to always listen to your body and take notice of any changes or issues.

What is the long-term outlook for those suffering from infertility?

Infertility is a common issue that many men and women face in their lives. Coping with it and finding suitable treatments can often hold the promise of rectifying the situation. Speak to your doctor about any issues you may have and to begin treatment immediately.