1. WHAT IS INFERTILITY?
Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. If the woman is over the age of 35, it is best to see your doctor after 6 months of trying to conceive. When trying to conceive, it is important for both men and women to follow a healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced diet.
2. CAN WOMEN WITH PCOS CONCEIVE?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) does not necessarily prevent women from getting pregnant. With treatment and lifestyle changes, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant.
3. IS INFERTILITY A “WOMEN’S PROBLEM”?
Infertility affects men and women equally. In fact, 40% of cases are due to male factors, 40% to female factors and 20% are related to both male and female. However, about 20% of infertility cases remain “unexplained” even after a full diagnostic work-up.
4. SHOULD WOMEN WHO ARE TRYING TO CONCEIVE BOOST THEIR INTAKE OF SPECIFIC VITAMINS?
Folic acid. A supplement of at least 600 mcg of folic acid should be included in a woman’s diet when she is trying to conceive. Folic acid has been shown to reduce neural tube defects in the developing baby. Folic acid supplementation should be started at least one or two months prior to conception.
5. DOES AGE HAVE ANY IMPACT ON MALE FERTILITY?
The answer is yes. For instance, the quality of sperm decreases with a man’s age, in particular after 40 years of age. Infertility in men is related to sperm disorders, including low sperm count, low sperm motility, malformation of the sperm cells, and/or blocked sperm ducts. It is important for men to have their sperm quality checked when a couple is having trouble conceiving.
6. HOW IS INFERTILITY DIAGNOSED?
Several assessments have to be performed in order to verify possible fertility issues and related causes. Clinical evaluation and tests should be performed by physicians with experience in fertility management. The most relevant assessments include: medical and reproductive history, physical examination, ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, testicular biopsy, hormonal evaluation, imaging tests, other speciality testing.
7. WHAT IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF INFERTILITY IN MEN?
A frequent cause of male infertility is low sperm count, azoospermia (no sperm cells) or oligospermia (few sperm cells). Sometimes, sperm cells are malformed or die before they reach the egg. In rare cases, infertility is caused by genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality.
8. CAN BODY WEIGHT AFFECT FERTILITY ?
Weight, whether too high or too low, can affect the chances of getting pregnant. Being overweight or underweight can reduce the chances of pregnancy. Underweight women with BMI less than 18.5 may have trouble getting pregnant since the production of estrogen could be compromised, determining irregular periods or even a lack of ovulation. Women and men who are obese also have a reduced conception rate.
9. WHAT IS SECONDARY INFERTILITY?
Secondary infertility is diagnosed when a couple is unable to conceive after at least one prior a successful pregnancy. Primary infertility is when a couple has never achieved a successful pregnancy.
10. DOES DIABETES AFFECT FERTILITY?
Diabetes can affect fertility in both men and women. Diabetes is associated with a dysregulation of insulin production and therefore with an uncontrolled glucose level in the blood. High glucose levels can alter hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone which are involved in reproduction. Diabetes is also associated with poor quality of sperm and embryo.
11. CAN CANCER TREATMENT AFFECT FERTILITY?
Cancer and some anti-cancer treatments can damage sperm and eggs, preventing or reducing the chances of having a baby. Cancer therapy can also be associated with permanent or temporary infertility. It can be hard to predict if a woman is likely to be fertile after chemotherapy as several factors have to be considered (menstrual history, hormone levels, the type of cancer and treatment). It has been observed that women younger than 35 years have the best chance of becoming pregnant after cancer therapy.
12. WHAT IS CRYOPRESERVATION?
Cryopreservation is a method based on the use of very low temperatures to preserve the structure of cells and tissues for a long period of time. As recommended by the International Guidelines, sperm and embryo/oocyte cryopreservation can be considered as standard strategies for fertility preservations in male and female patients, in patients with cancer, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts.
13. DOES SMOKING IMPACT FERTILITY?
Smokers are more likely to have fertility problems than non-smokers. Cigarettes contain chemicals and toxins such as nicotine, cyanide, and carbon monoxide which can negatively impact sperm and eggs. When trying to conceive it is best to reduce or stop smoking.
14. CAN A WOMAN’S FERTILE DAYS VARY FROM MONTH TO MONTH?
The most fertile period for a woman is generally around one to two days before ovulation, when the egg is released from the ovary. However, there is a great variability in the ovulation. Although ovulation usually occurs 11 to 21 days after the start of a new menstrual cycle, every woman should track her period over several months in order to check whether it is regular or not. Home ovulation tests and devices are available to track ovulation cycles.
