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Learn more about protecting your fertility
The birth of a child is a joyous event for many couples, but it’s not always easy to conceive. One of the best ways to be proactive about your future fertility is to learn more about protecting your fertility. Our Austin fertility clinic offers some basic tips for each stage of life. Tips that can significantly reduce the likelihood that you will face infertility when you are ready to grow your family.
Be proactive about your future fertility while you are young and single
Many lifestyle choices that you make while you are young and single can significantly affect your future fertility. If you’re interested in protecting your fertility, our Austin fertility clinic has the following suggestions:
Avoid cigarettes. Smoking can lead to early menopause and infertility. In fact, smokers have a 66% higher risk of infertility and a 70% higher risk of Second-hand smoke can also negatively affect fertility.
Stay away from illicit drug use and alcohol abuse. Marijuana can interfere with ovulation, sperm production and sexual performance. Cocaine can alter blood flow to the uterus, potentially affecting implantation. Alcohol abuse can adversely affect hormone production and metabolism, leading to issues with ovulation and sperm production.
Practice safe sex. Unprotected intercourse significantly increases the risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, which can increase the risk of infertility. Only latex condoms provide protection against STIs–and only when used correctly.
Exercise and eat a healthy diet. It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet, follow a regular exercise regimen and take a multivitamin to optimize health and fertility.
Protecting your fertility while you are married
As a newlywed, fertility is likely one of the last things on your mind. However, with more couples choosing to get married later in life, the physicians at our Austin fertility clinic believe that it is important to separate fertility facts from fiction and to be proactive about your future fertility.
One common myth is that infertility is just a female problem. However, infertility is caused, at least in part, by male issues in approximately 50% of cases. Another myth is that couples can conceive on their own if they keep trying. Because female fertility declines with age, couples who fail to conceive after one year of trying–or six months if the female partner is over age 35–should see a fertility specialist. If you have a problem that could impact your fertility, you should make an appointment as soon as you and your partner want to grow your family.
Prepare to welcome your bundle of joy
Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples in the United States, but taking simple steps before you are ready for pregnancy can preserve your fertility and help you avoid being included in this statistic.
If you are struggling with fertility issues, our fertility specialists can help you grow your family.
Contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment at our Austin fertility clinic to learn more about protecting your fertility.