If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, you are not alone. As per the national estimates, approximately 10% to 15% of couples may be facing this problem. Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year.
Infertility may result from an issue with either husband or wife, or a combination of factors that prevent pregnancy. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies that may significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant.In case, you are wondering where to get the guidance from then you can visit our infertility treatment centre in Jaipur.
Risk factors
Many of the risk factors are same for both male and female infertility. They include:
Age. Women’s fertility gradually declines with age, especially after mid-30s and it drops rapidly after age 35. Infertility in older women is due to decrease in number and quality of eggs. Even men over age 50 may be less fertile than younger men contrary to the previous belief that man’s age does not have much impact on fertility.
Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco by either partner may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Miscarriages and fatal growth retardation are more frequent in women who smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of sexual dysfunction and a low sperm count in men.
Alcohol use. For women, there is no safe level of alcohol use during conception or pregnancy. Excess consumption of alcohol may contribute to infertility. For men, heavy alcohol use (either binging or frequent use) can decrease sperm count and motility.
Obesity. Being overweight can lead to or may be because of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). This adversely affects the quality of eggs. In men, it may lead to poor sperm parameters.
Being underweight. Women with weight less than 47 kgs may also have problems with egg formation.
Prevention
Although infertility isn’t completely preventable. But several strategies may increase your chances of pregnancy.
Men:
1. Avoid smoking, tobacco use and drinking too much alcohol, which may contribute to male infertility.
2.Avoid hot baths, keeping laptop over thighs, tight underwear as they can temporarily affect sperm production and motility.
3. Avoid exposure to industrial or environmental toxins, which can adversely affect sperm production.
4. Talk with your doctor about any medications you take regularly or any past medical history.
5.Regular exercise or yoga may improve sperm quality and increase the chances for achieving a pregnancy.
Women:
Quit smoking. Tobacco has many negative effects on fertility and pregnancy. So, if you are planning for a pregnancy or are already pregnant, quit smoking.
Avoid alcohol. These substances may impair your ability to conceive and pregnancy outcome.
Limit caffeine. Women trying to get pregnant should ask their doctor for guidance on the safe use of caffeine.
Exercise regularly: daily exercise or yoga may improve the hormonal balance and help conceive faster.
Weight management: Being overweight or underweight can both have a negative impact on your fertility.
Research consistently shows that lifestyle factors including eating habits, exercise regimen, sleep pattern, environment, stress play a very important role in overall health and fertility.
We, at Vasundhara hospital and fertility research centre, Jaipur, believe in preventing infertility as much as possible and guiding couples on how can they enhance their own natural fertility. Getting a preconceptional counselling and management before planning to start a family can not just help you conceive faster but also a healthy pregnancy right from the very beginning.
