Improving Your Fertility From The Inside Out
Getting pregnant is the result of complex interactions. It’s the balance among hormones, condition of reproductive organs, egg and sperm quality, a woman’s general health, genetics, and timing. Likewise, infertility is caused by interactions among the same components, only these interactions are abnormal and inhibit fertility. Some of the more common reasons for infertility include polycystic ovarian syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances.
Outside of those factors, making simple lifestyle changes and receiving treatment can improve your chances of conceiving a child. In addition, fertility testing can help determine you and your partner’s next step. Low sperm count, poor quality of sperm, or other conditions can be detected by male fertility tests provided at our Melbourne clinic.
3 Common Reasons for Infertility in Women
It’s considered infertility only when intent to conceive surpasses a year. After that, many couples seek help from fertility centers and clinics that specialize in male and female fertility testing, treatment, and services. The most common reasons for infertility include:
Overweight/Obesity/Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
According to research, most women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are overweight or obese. Frequently diagnosed in women between 18 and 30 years of age, PCOS is a metabolic disorder involving an imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. PCOS symptoms include irregular and/or excessive periods, abnormally high levels of male hormones, and inability to lose weight. PCOS often causes the development of fluid-filled follicles within the ovaries that prevent the release of eggs.
Other side effects of PCOS and obesity are known to inhibit fertility, such as hyperinsulinemia and type 2 diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia means blood insulin levels are abnormally high. When too much insulin circulates in a woman’s bloodstream, it raises the level of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) while reducing sex hormone-binding globulin necessary for maintaining estrogen and progesterone levels. In addition, fat tissues readily harbor androgens, which have inhibitory effects on ovulation.
Smoking
Smoking is known to have a negative impact on ovarian functioning, ovulation, egg maturation, and the ability for a fertilized egg to implant itself successfully in the uterus. If pregnancy is achieved by women who smoke, they are at a higher risk of experiencing complications such as premature delivery, placental abruption, preterm rupture of membranes, and intrauterine growth restrictions. Longitudinal studies have also shown that smoking correlates with an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriages in both assisted reproductive technology and natural cycles. The chemicals in cigarette smoke -especially carbon monoxide, cyanide, and nicotine – have anti-metabolic and vasoconstrictive (narrowing of blood vessels) properties that can cause placental insufficiencies and inhibit the growth of embryos and fetuses.
Hormone Dysfunction
Normal hormone release and regulation are essential to getting pregnant. Increased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could prevent pregnancy. Lack of sufficient luteinizing hormone (LH) necessary for stimulating egg release from the ovaries may contribute to infertility. LH is also needed to produce progesterone, a hormone heavily involved in preparing a woman’s uterus for the arrival of a fertilized egg. Hormonal reasons for infertility are often traced back to the endocrine gland or metabolic disorders, such as PCOS that can be treated with medications and making lifestyle changes.
3 Ways Women Can Improve Fertility
Adapting to a healthier weight, quitting smoking (that includes using vaping products) and eating a nutritious, balanced diet comprised of lean meat, vegetables, and fruits are associated with improved fertility in numerous studies. Identifying and successfully managing chronic diseases like diabetes and PCOS is also essential for increasing the chance of conception. Ultrasounds and similar imaging scans can help determine if structural abnormalities are affecting reproductive organs and preventing pregnancy.
Sometimes, women continue experiencing infertility even after making lifestyle changes and receiving treatment to boost fertility. When this happens, Viera Fertility Center in Melbourne is here to help couples achieve pregnancy using a variety of evidence-based assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In-vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility drug therapy are just a few ARTs we offer for couples having difficulty getting pregnant.
Contact Viera Fertility Center today to schedule an appointment for fertility testing or to learn more about our assisted reproductive technologies.