Most young modern women receive a thorough education on contraceptives, abstinence, and methods of avoiding getting pregnant. Less well known is what to do when the time is finally right to conceive.
The most significant factor affecting a woman’s fertility is her age. Fertility peaks for most women in their early 20’s and then rapidly drops off after age 35. Every woman’s body is unique, and it is important to understand that some women can conceive easily at age 40 while others face fertility challenges even in their early 20’s. Approximately 10% of couples who want to conceive struggle with infertility and even couples with optimum fertility indices only have a 20% chance of conceiving during each ovulation cycle.
It’s never too early for women to take pro-active steps to maintain their fertility, including:
Regular Check-Ups
Regular visits to the doctor is important to detect and identify potential health concerns that could affect your fertility. Your doctor can also advise you on the best steps to take in order to conceive when the time is right.
Weight
Medical research has conclusively demonstrated that being either significant overweight or underweight has a strong impact on hormone production. Although women are born with a complete set of eggs, a delicate balance of hormones is necessary in order to transform the oocyctes into viable eggs and successfully arrive in the uterus for a pregnancy to occur.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been shown to play a significant role in causing infertility in women. While treatments are still being developed, there is a direct link between obesity and PCOS.
Diet
A number of illnesses, including celiac disease, has been demonstrated to affect fertility levels. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is always a great pro-active step in maximizing fertility levels as well as minimizing complications related to carrying the pregnancy to term.
Your doctor or a nutritionist can help you design and follow a healthy diet appropriate to your individual needs.
Stress
Many women focus on strictly physical factors when focusing on maintaining their fertility but stress can wreak havoc on the body’s ability to successfully conceive. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and a number of other relaxation techniques are useful for reducing stress, lowering adrenaline and other hormone levels that can interfere with ovulation and conception.
STIs
The leading known cause for infertility in women is sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea. Safe sex practices and regular check-ups with a doctor can prevent or treat STIs before they have a chance to cause permanent damage. If you suspect that you are at risk for having contracted an STI, seek medical attention at once. Early detection and treatment are the best method to preventing long-term damage to your fertility.
Smoking
Smoking is never recommended for anyone, including pregnant mothers. But even in the years before you’re ready to conceive, it is important to understand that smoking accelerates the aging process in the ovaries, lowering the viability of the eggs.
Sleep
A healthy night’s sleep is an important factor for overall health and studies have shown that women who work the nightshift or fail to get enough sleep have abnormal hormone production, a key factor in infertility. Proper rest is also a key component of maintaining a healthy weight, another important factor in boosting your fertility.
Alcohol
A number of ovulation disorders have been linked to excessive drinking. Moderate drinking before conception is considered generally safe but avoid binge drinking or behaviors associated with alcoholism.
Vigorous Activity
Some studies have linked extended periods of vigorous activity with ovulation difficulties and lower rates of the hormone progesterone. If you’re an athlete or regularly engage in vigorous activity and are considering becoming pregnant, consult with your doctor to determine a healthy level of physical activity.
Chemicals
Women can develop menstrual disorders if they are exposed to chemicals. Hair stylists, dry cleaners, agricultural workers, and women working in some manufacturing settings may be exposed to toxins that can interfere with fertility. If you are regularly exposed to chemicals or toxins as part of your job, consult with your doctor what appropriate measures you can take to protect yourself.