5 Things That You Didn’t Know Could Affect Your Fertility

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant now or sometime in the future, it’s important to understand what factors can impact your reproductive health. While many women have a general idea of the various factors that can hurt your fertility, there are still plenty of myths and misinformation. Learn more about the facts behind five things that can hurt your fertility that you may not have been aware of.

1. Weight

A higher or very low BMI can have a negative impact on fertility. Weight can influence a wide range of other factors that impact fertility such as hormonal imbalances and increased risk of complications.  

2. Hormones

When people think of hormones and pregnancy, they typically think of estrogen. While estrogen is important to fertility, so is a range of other hormones from the brain, ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands. While your estrogen levels may be good, an imbalance in a different hormone could be causing fertility issues.

3. Mental Health

Excessive stress and lack of sleep can have a serious impact on your mental health and in turn, your fertility. Lack of sleep and stress can combine with a wide range of other factors that impact fertility, creating a compounding issue. 

4. Diet

A healthy, balanced diet is important to anyone's health but is especially crucial for women trying to conceive. Giving your body the right nutrients while also avoiding harmful foods is important to fertility. Eat lots of fresh foods with vitamins and minerals (such as iron and calcium) and drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcohol and cut back on processed foods and saturated fats.

5. Exercise

Exercise is great for maintaining your health, but it’s important to remember that you can have too much of a good thing. Routine, moderate exercise can help fertility, but frequent intense exercise and/or impact sports can have a negative impact on fertility and can also be dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy. 

When Should You See A Doctor About Infertility?

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for a few months, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. Generally, after one year of unsuccessfully trying to conceive, it may be time to consider visiting an OB-GYN clinic. 

How Is Infertility Diagnosed?

Infertility can be diagnosed by your women’s healthcare provider in a variety of ways. Infertility tests can include:

• Pelvic Exam
• Blood Test
• X-Ray
• Transvaginal Ultrasound
• & More

Infertility Treatment Options

How infertility is treated depends on the cause of infertility and the patient's unique goals. Treatments for infertility can range from lifestyle modifications to fertility medications to surgery. Your OB-GYN will help you find the best treatment options based on your unique needs and goals. 

Experienced Prenatal & Pregnancy Care

The decision to start or expand your family is life-changing, so selecting the right doctor to care for you and your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Our experienced team provides thorough care and compassion for women at all stages of life. Whether you need prenatal care, labor, delivery, or support during the postpartum period, our team is here to help. Schedule an OB-GYN appointment.