The Top Three Things That Can Affect Your Fertility
Issues related to fertility are a common challenge that many couples face, regardless of age. Even young, healthy couples between the ages of 29-33 with normal functioning reproductive systems only have a 20-25% of conceiving during any given month. In addition, by the age of 40, only two in five women who wish to have a child are able to do so naturally.
Fortunately, however, there are a number of infertility treatments that can help couples achieve their dream of conceiving a healthy baby or babies. While there are a variety of infertility procedures, in vitro fertiliation or IVF treatments are among the most popular infertility specialities that couples seek out.
Many couples enjoy high IVF success rates, especially as the technology continues to improve. However, there are still a number of preexisting factors that can affect IVF success rates. Here are just a few.
Age
This is perhaps the most obvious factor that can affect one’s fertility. Women are most fertile between the ages of 20 and 24, which is why many fertility specialists recommend young women freeze their eggs while during their most fertile years in the event they want to have children later. In a controversial move that caused a great deal of public outcry, Quebec — considered a leader in IVF insurance coverage and success rates — recently proposed a bill that would ban women over the age of 42 from undergoing IVF treatments.
Weight
Obesity can have a negative affect on one’s ability to conceive, whether it be naturally or via IVF treatments. Unlike age, obesity affects the fertility of both men and women. In order to be a candidate for IVF, doctors will often suggest patients reach a healthy weight before proceeding with any kind of IVF treatment to ensure not only the patient’s safety, but a higher rate of success.
Health
Aside from obesity, other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other can negatively affect IVF success rates. Therefore, it’s important to seek treatment for any underlying health condition before proceeding with IVF treatments.