FACTORS AFFECTING FERTILITY

31 March 20212′ read3 sections

CONTENTS

Factors that affect female fertility
Factors that affect male fertility
Improving fertility

Most people know that our fertility declines as we age. But there are many other factors to consider as well. If you are planning a family in the future, it is important to understand your fertility, the factors that affect it and what you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.

Factors that affect female fertility

There are many factors that can affect female fertility. Some, such as lifestyle choices, are easier to control. Others, such as certain medical conditions, may be harder to manage. These factors include:

●Ovulation disorders
●Age
●Endometriosis
●Surgery or infections that leave scar tissue between the pelvic organs
●Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antibiotics and painkillers
●Excess weight
●Hyperprolactinaemia (high levels of prolactin in the blood)
●Sexually transmitted diseases
●Blockages or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes
●Pelvic inflammatory disease
●Exposure to environmental hazards
●Uterine disorders
●Hormonal imbalances
●Autoimmune disorders
●Alcohol and tobacco use

Factors that affect male fertility

Likewise, there are many factors that can affect male fertility. These factors include:

●Smoking and alcohol use
●Drug use
●Certain medications for ulcers or psoriasis
●Exposure to toxic substances or hazards
●Heat exposure of the genitals
●Certain conditions or illnesses, such as hernia surgery, undescended testes, prostatitis or genital infection, mumps after puberty, and others

Improving fertility

Although some conditions affect fertility, there are changes you can make to boost your fertility and your chance of conceiving. Make sure you maintain a healthy body weight (a body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9), use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections, follow a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.

If you plan to conceive in the future and would like to find out more about infertility, call the fertility specialists at the "Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine" on (+30) 2310 277 032

*The content of this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have about medical conditions.

TAGSfertility testing

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Factors that affect female fertility

Factors that affect male fertility

Improving fertility

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?