Whether you’re just starting to try to get pregnant, or have been trying for a long time, acknowledging some bad habits and making appropriate changes may help to increase your fertility. While these habits usually are not the primary or only cause of infertility, making changes could possibly help fertility treatments work better.

WHY ARE THESE HABITS BAD FOR YOUR FERTILITY HEALTH?

Alcohol: Chances are that an occasional drink probably won’t harm your fertility, but serious drinking can. Research data has found that women who regularly consume three or more drinks per week are more likely to take longer to conceive. In another study that tested the semen of alcoholic men, only 12% had healthy sperm levels. In contrast, 37% of non-drinkers showed healthy sperm levels. It can be noted, however, that several studies have not found a link between infertility and an occasional drink.

Smoking: Smoking affects the fertility of both men and women. In women, smoking can increase your risk of problems with the fallopian tubes, including an increased possibility of ectopic pregnancy. Smoking can increase your chances of cervical abnormalities, including cervical cancer. In addition, smoking increases the chance of damaging eggs as they develop and mature in the ovaries, and smoking also increases the risk of miscarriage.

In men, smoking typically decreases the quality of semen and leads to changes in customary hormone levels. Abnormal hormone levels can negatively impact fertility. While these changes are not likely to actually cause infertility, if your fertility is already borderline, the hormonal changes associated with smoking could be enough to push you into the infertile zone.

It is also important to note that secondhand smoke can affect your partner’s fertility. Some studies have found that secondhand smoke decreases female fertility.

Procrastination:  Waiting too long to start a family can lead to infertility. Your fertility begins to decline at age 27 (if you’re a woman), and begins to drop sharply after the age of 35. For men, fertility declines after the age of 40. The effect of age on fertility is also a good reason why you shouldn’t delay getting help. If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year, or for more than 6 months if you’re over the age of 35, you should speak to a fertility specialist.

People often don’t seek help when they should. It is easy to procrastinate on making the first appointment, and even scheduling all the fertility tests. Of course, while you are procrastinating, precious time is passing by and impacting your biological clock.

STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to infertility. In fact, STDs are the number one preventable cause of infertility. Some STDs in women, if left untreated, may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PIDs). PID can cause infertility in women, typically by causing blocked fallopian tubes. Women may have an infection for a long time without knowing it, and without treatment the infection can impair their reproductive system.

STDs can also lead to infertility in men, though it is not as often. This is because men usually show symptoms of STDs right away, and thus they can get effective treatment sooner.

Some STDs, including syphilis and herpes, can endanger a pregnancy or the baby at birth. In the worst-case scenario, these STDs can lead to miscarriage or infant death.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BREAK THESE HABITS?

If you have one (or more) of these unhealthy habits, it’s time to break away from them and take more control of your fertility health.

If you’re used to having a beer or a glass of wine every night with dinner, consider reducing that to one drink a week.  It will be worth it in the long run and you might just lose a few extra pounds in the process.  Remember that alcohol is high in calories, so a reduction in the amount that you drink will have a two-fold positive impact in improving your fertility health. The potential weight loss could also have a positive effect on your fertility health.

Of course, if you’re drinking more often than you’d like, or if drinking has become a problem in any way, you should seek outside help.  Women who drink during pregnancy risk their baby’s health, and so it’s especially important to deal with a drinking problem before trying to get pregnant.

Smoking is an addiction, and it’s certainly not easy to just stop.  With support, you CAN quit though.  Discuss breaking this particular habit with your doctor.  They can help you or maybe even recommend a support group.  Some people have reported that hypnosis and other alternative medicines help as well.

Keep in mind that you’re not quitting only to increase your fertility, but also to improve your overall health and lengthen your lifespan.  Quitting will be hard work, but it’s worth it in the long run.  You will be a good role model for your kids if you do quit smoking.

One of the first things to do if you are procrastinating is to consider why you’re putting off getting help.  Is it because you’re afraid to learn that something may be wrong?  You need to remind yourself that not knowing that there is a problem doesn’t make the problem go away.  Infertility can be a sign of a more serious health problem, so check with your gynecologist or make an appointment with a reproductive specialist as soon as possible.

Some people procrastinate on seeking help for infertility because they don’t want to do IVF. But IVF is used less than 5% of the time.  There are many fertility treatment options available, and a professional reproductive specialist will help you determine the best course of action for you.

Regarding unsafe sex, the answer is simple… use condoms.  Hormonal birth control methods may prevent pregnancy, but they don’t prevent you from getting an STD.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON BAD HABITS

Breaking bad habits requires commitment and effort, but each step towards healthier habits makes a difference. Keep trying, get the support you need, and commit yourself every day to your healthier living goals. Consider working on one habit today, and breaking things down into tiny goals.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Our goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.

Whether you’re just starting to try to get pregnant, or have been trying for a long time, acknowledging some bad habits and making appropriate changes may help to increase your fertility. While these habits usually are not the primary or only cause of infertility, making changes could possibly help fertility treatments work better.

WHY THESE HABITS ARE BAD FOR YOUR FERTILITY HEALTH

Fatigue: Research has shown that there is a connection between poor sleep habits and irregular periods, and irregular periods can be a possible symptom of infertility. Staying up late at night, whether to watch the news or to finish all the items listed on your daily to do list, is not healthy in the long run. In addition, studies have found an increase in miscarriage rates among women who work night shifts.

Poor sleep habits may also lead to weight problems, both in men and women.  Just being a little over your healthy weight range can lead to fertility problems for women.  It has also been found that obesity has been linked to less healthy sperm in men.

Caffeine: Do you love that first cup of coffee in the morning or a caffeinated soda here and there throughout the day?  While one cup of coffee or tea is probably not going to harm your fertility, several cups a day might. In fact, some studies have found that drinking more that 300 mg of caffeine may slightly reduce your fertility, and most likely increases the risk of miscarriage.  More than 300 mg of caffeine is the equivalent of two cups of coffee (drip coffee having twice as much caffeine as percolated) or six cups of strong tea or caffeinated cola.

Under/Over-Exercise:  We all know that getting exercise is good for your health. It’s good for your heart, your lungs, and your immune system. Regular exercise can also help you maintain a healthier weight, which means better fertility.

It is entirely possible sometimes to have too much of a good thing. Working out too much can wreak havoc with fertility.  Extremely long and intense workout practices can cause a decrease in fertility for both women and men. Any more than a one-hour workout each day or seven hours a week of extreme/excessive exercise is not favorable for maintaining your fertility health.

Diet: Another bad habit that many people have relates to food consumption. Overeating and/or going on junk food binges can lead to problems with your weight. In addition, eating lots of junk food at once tends to spike your blood sugar. Since there is a theory that insulin and fertility are connected, it is definitely not a wise idea to binge on your favorite foods, no matter how comforting it may be to eat several bowls of your favorite ice cream.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BREAK THESE HABITS

If you have one (or more) of these unhealthy habits, it’s time to break away from them and take more control of your fertility health.

People stay up late for many reasons, and figuring out why you regularly stay up late can help you break the habit. Are you staying up late because of a favorite television show?  Record the show and watch it the next day. Is it because you want or need some quiet time alone? Try getting up earlier in the morning.  Is your day filled with way too many activities, so that your late nights are used for getting chores out of the way and taking care of tasks on your to do list? If that’s the case, it is time to cut back and put your health first.

If you’re drinking caffeine to make up for your poor sleep habits, kicking the poor sleep habit first may be the best way to beat the caffeine addiction.

Even if you’re getting enough sleep, feeling tired in the afternoon is common. Try eating a lighter lunch that contains fewer carbohydrates and more protein and veggies to prevent an afternoon slump.  Of course, a quick 15 or 20 minute “power nap” can also increase your energy.

Of those who exercise to maintain their fertility health, most are working out either too much or not enough.  Ideally, you should exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes at a time. Healthy choices to maintain fertility may include swimming, walking, low-impact aerobics, or yoga.  If you are just starting a new and healthy fertility exercise program, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Overeating is often an issue of emotional eating, or “eating for comfort”.  There are times when we all need a little comfort food.  The problem is that the comfort that comes from eating a whopping helping or two of macaroni and cheese or a big bowl of ice cream only lasts for a moment — it’s quickly replaced by guilt.  Instead of looking for comfort through food, it may be time to look for healthier ways to cope with stress through stress reduction techniques or counseling.  You could even pamper yourself with a visit to a massage therapist to break free from the stress of everyday life.

People who eat breakfast, get in three healthy meals, and allow themselves the occasional treat are less likely to overeat. Try planning out your meals for the week, making easy choices with foods you enjoy.  Chances are that, if your plan is simple, you will probably stick with it.

The good news is that with simple lifestyle changes, you can improve your chances of getting pregnant.  If you continue to have trouble getting pregnant, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist.  Take control of your fertility and make an appointment with one of our compassionate and highly trained infertility doctors. CORM serves the greater Houston area with full-service fertility clinics in Webster and Beaumont that give life to your dreams. The professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine will work closely with you to choose the appropriate fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Our goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.

WEIGHT AND YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING PREGNANT

While studies have been done in the past linking obesity to ovulation, a new study in the Netherlands shows that women who regularly ovulate experience lower fertility when their BMI (body mass index) registers at an overweight or obese level. Those who experience lower fertility have a less than normal chance of becoming pregnant, although spontaneous pregnancy is still possible.

In other words, this study found that women with regular cycles, and no known fertility problems, still have a difficult time getting pregnant if they are overweight. This study also found that the more overweight a woman is, the lower her chances of pregnancy.

WEIGHT AND FERTILITY

The group of women being studied was defined as having low fertility. The goal of the study was to determine the relationship between their difficulty becoming pregnant and their BMI.

A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Anything over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is defined as obese. You can determine your BMI using an online calculator.

Findings from this study showed that, for every BMI unit over 29, the chance of pregnancy decreased by four percent, when compared to women with BMIs ranging from 21 to 29.  Women with BMIs between 35 and 40 had a 23% to 43% less chance of achieving pregnancy compared to women with a BMI below 29.

While it is possible that losing weight might help the chance of getting pregnant, it’s important to note that the research did not prove that a woman could increase the chances of pregnancy by losing weight. Beginning a pregnancy at a normal weight is much healthier and can reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes or other pregnancy-related complications. A BMI between 25 to 29.9 before pregnancy doubles the risk, while a BMI over 30 triples the possibility of having pregnancy-related complications.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME CAN IMPACT WEIGHT

Even though researchers have found a link between weight and fertility, your doctor should recommend additional testing if you are overweight and are having trouble conceiving. Difficulty getting pregnant could be related to several other factors other than weight.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility and it has been connected to the struggle of losing and then gaining weight. In essence, that which is causing fertility problems may also be the very reason why you’re having trouble dropping the weight or keeping a healthy BMI.

If a PCOS diagnosis is made, treatment can often help with weight issues. If you are experiencing problems getting pregnant, the Center of Reproductive Medicine is available to answer your questions and to schedule an appointment with one of our infertility specialists. Our experienced, caring fertility doctors will be happy to work closely with you to choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medicine needs.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INFERTILITY TREATMENTS AT THE CENTER OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE, PLEASE CALL (281) 332-0073

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact The Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Their goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.

Pregnancy Beyond Age 35

While becoming pregnant after the age of 35 may be more challenging than at age 25, it is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility.  There are many questions that have probably crossed your mind, such as:

• What are your chances for getting pregnant as you get older?
• Why is it easier for most women to get pregnant in their 20s and early 30s?
• Why do doctors encourage women over the age of 35 to seek help getting pregnant as soon as possible?

Fertility and Age

Fertility peaks in most women when they are in their early 20s, and gradually it begins to decline in their late 20s.  Around age 35, a woman’s fertility starts to decline at a much quicker rate.  At age 30, a woman’s chance of getting pregnant in any given month is approximately 20%.  By the age of 40, her chance of getting pregnant in any given month is only 5%.

Why Fertility Declines

It’s all about the numbers.  We are born with over a million eggs, but by the time we enter puberty only 30%, or approximately 300,000, are left. This may seem like a huge pool of eggs to work with, but only about 300 will ever become mature and then released through our ovulation process.

Our reproductive capabilities slow down long before menopause starts, thus making our bodies less effective at producing mature, healthy eggs.  Our ovaries don’t respond as well to the hormones that are in charge of helping the eggs ovulate as we age and come closer to menopause.

This normal decline of fertility occurs even in the healthiest of women.  Poor health habits, such as smoking, have been shown to speed up the decline of fertility.  Other factors, including stress, exercise, eating and sleeping habits, may also weigh in as factors related to possible infertility issues.

Increased Risk of Birth Defects and Miscarriage

Along with the fact that ovaries are less likely to produce mature eggs for ovulation, age also increases the possibility of genetic issues. This is the reason for the higher risk of Down Syndrome babies in women over age 35. At age 25, 1 in 1,250 women will give birth to a child with Down Syndrome. At age 30, the risk increases to 1 in 952, and by age 35, the chance is 1 in 378.

The risk for miscarriage also increases with age. For women in their early 20s, about 1 in 10 pregnancies end in a miscarriage.  The risk increases slightly for women in their early 30s, with 12% of women experiencing miscarriages. After age 35, 18% of pregnancies will end in miscarriage.  For women in their early 40s, 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Fertility Treatment Success Rates After Age 35

Often couples think that fertility treatments, such as IVF, can help beat the decline of fertility that comes with age. However, this is simply not the case.  Based on information collected by the Center for Disease Control, statistics show that the percentage of live births from IVF procedures using the mother’s eggs decreases with age.  The percentage of live births after IVF treatment is about 38% at age 31.  By age 39, the percentage of live births is lower, around 22%.  After age 43, the percentage of live births decreases dramatically to less than 10%.

Using an egg donor is one way to get around the decline of fertility. Statistics show that women who used an egg donor (from a much younger woman) at age 40 had a success rate of about 45%.  That’s an even better rate than women using their own eggs in their early 30s.

Getting Help ASAP Will increase Your Chances for Success

Facts are facts, no matter how we look at them.  Fertility in women begins to slowly decline in the late 20s, with a more rapid decline happening around age 35. Along with the decreased chance of getting pregnant, women over age 35 have an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Fertility treatment success also diminishes with age, especially if the couple uses the woman’s eggs rather than donor eggs.

While these may seem to be disheartening statistics, it is important to note that not everyone will have trouble getting pregnant after 35.  If you find that you are having trouble, and you’re over 35, you shouldn’t try on your own for longer than six months.  Your chances of treatment success increase when you get help sooner than later.

Take control of your fertility and make an appointment with one of our compassionate and highly trained infertility specialists. The Center of Reproductive Medicine serves the greater Houston area with full-service fertility clinics in Webster and Beaumont.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact The Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Their goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.