Fertility 101 - what you need to know now
Are you currently trying to conceive, thinking about conceiving, or wanting to conceive one day? This article is for you! Knowledge is power, and knowing the facts can better equip you and your partner now, and in the future.
Did you know that the rate of infertility is on the rise? It has doubled since the 1980s. It is now estimated that 1 in every 6 couples experience infertility.
To book an appointment please call 416-807-5502
How is infertility defined?
Infertility is the inability to conceive after having regular, unprotected sex for 1 year for those under 35 years of age, OR for 6 months for those over the age of 35. It is also the inability to carry a pregnancy to term (live birth).
Infertility is not just a problem for women; it also affects men.
Causes and contributing factors of infertility in women
age (fertility levels natural decrease as we age however, there is a more drastic decline after the age of 35)
problems with egg production (signs for this may include no period or menstrual cycle, or having irregular periods)
having a sexually transmitted infections (STI). Chlamydia for example can cause blockages in the fallopian tubes therefore obstructing the passage of an egg into the uterus
problems or health issues related to the uterus (fibroids, polyps, poor endometrial lining)
problems or health issues related to the fallopian tubes (missing tubes or blockages)
endometriosis (excess endometrial tissue that is present outside of the uterus. The tissue can collect around the reproductive organs and interfere with their functionality)
hormonal imbalances (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, LH, TSH, etc)
early menopause (before the age of 40)
Causes and contributing factors of infertility in men
poor sperm quality (rate of movement and shape)
low sperm count, or lack of sperm
having a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
hormonal imbalances
Causes and contributing factors of infertility in men and women
history of cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery)
diabetes
tobacco and alcohol use
being underweight or overweight
prolonged periods of high stress
How i can help?
Fertility issues can be very stressful and emotionally draining. Many couples feel helpless and are unsure what their next steps are. This is how I can help:
regulate your period/menstrual cycle – this helps determine if and when you are ovulating, and assists with determining when the best time to try and conceive is
address underlying medical conditions that are known to impact fertility – endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, hormonal imbalances etc.
improve egg health
provide healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress – yes stress can affect your ability to conceive! When we are stressed for long periods of times our stress hormone cortisol remains elevated. When this occurs it affects other hormones in our bodies as well, and can affect our ability to conceive.
develop a healthy, well balanced, nutritious diet – this ensures you are providing your body with the necessary nutrients to function at an optimal level.
run lab work to test hormone levels, and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that may be impacting your ability to conceive.
optimize sperm health – many supplements have been shown to improve quality, and quantity of sperm.
administer acupuncture – this can assist with regulating menstrual cycles, increasing circulation to the reproductive organs, improve egg health, manage stress, … the list goes on!
administer acupuncture to improve embryo transfer during IVF (in vitro fertilization) – having acupuncture 30 minutes before IVF can improve the success of embryo transfer by 26- 43%.
provide education, counselling and support for both you and your partner