Factors that affect fertility

There are numerous factors that affect fertility. If you're planning on getting pregnant now or in the near future you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your health and the health of your partner so you can identify, treat or eliminate any risk factors. Addressing issues sooner than later will ultimately optimise your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

Common health factors that should be addressed include being overweight, being underweight, use of alcohol, drugs or smoking, taking certain prescription medicines, having a hormonal imbalance or autoimmune disorder.

Other factors that may affect fertility are sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, fallopian tube disease, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and uterine fibroids. To help detect and treat these issues, alert your doctor if you've had:

• A Sexually Transmitted Disease, such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis, or Chlamydia
• Pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and/or bleeding, with or without a fever
• Pelvic surgery for a ruptured appendix, ovarian cysts, or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that takes place outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes)
• A family history of endometriosis
• Painful menstrual cramps or pain at ovulation
• Extremely heavy menstrual flow
• Diarrhea or painful bowel movements, especially around your period
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer or thyroid disease

About 40 percent of fertility cases can be traced to a problem in the man and an additional 20 percent to a problem in both partners. The following is a partial list of risk factors that may contribute to male infertility:

• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption - drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day
• Taking illicit drugs
• Taking prescription drugs
• Exposure to toxic substances and hazards on the job
• Infection with Mumps after puberty
• Undescended testicles
• Testicular tumors, cysts, cancer or varicocles (testicular vericose veins)
• Use of steroids or antihypertensives

All of these can affect the quality and quantity of sperm not to mention the overall health of your future baby.  By discussing issues frankly with your doctor right from the start you'll optimise your chances of conceiving, having a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Source: www.babycenter.com - What Factors are linked to Fertility

ACCESS is Australia's National Infertility Network that seeks to alleviate the pain and isolation of the one in six people in Australia who suffer from the debilitating impact of infertility and childlessness.  ACCESS helps by making men and women aware of the medical and social choices available to help them deal with infertility and can be contacted by telephone on +61 2 9737 0158 or www.access.org.au.