Here at Centurion Health, we are committed to raising awareness about the struggles faced by individuals and couples dealing with infertility. In this article, we’ll delve into important infertility awareness tips, explore its prevalence, discuss the risks involved, and offer strategies to improve fertility.
Understanding Infertility: Prevalence and Facts
Infertility is more common than many realize. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide are impacted by infertility. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that approximately 10% of women aged 15 to 44 struggle with infertility, with this figure rising to about 19% among women aged 15 to 49 who have never given birth.
Despite these numbers, there is hope. Approximately 44% of women with infertility seek medical assistance, and of those, 65% successfully give birth. It’s also encouraging that less than 3% of these cases require advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Factors Contributing to Infertility
Infertility is influenced by various factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons for rising infertility rates:
- Age and Fertility: Age plays a crucial role in fertility. As women age, the chances of conceiving decrease. Couples who delay childbearing face a higher risk of infertility, with a noticeable decline in pregnancy rates after age 30.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental exposures, such as radiation, pesticides, and chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), can impact fertility in both men and women. Additionally, prolonged heat exposure, like frequent saunas and hot tubs, can affect sperm production.
- Lifestyle Choices: Lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress, can affect fertility. Smoking can damage sperm and increase infertility risks in women, while alcohol use can impair conception. High levels of stress and depression may disrupt reproductive hormones, affecting sperm production and ovulation.
Tips to Improve Fertility
While some factors are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of conceiving:
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress are key. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and limiting exposure to harmful substances can also make a significant difference.
- Address Underlying Health Conditions: Certain chronic diseases and health conditions can affect fertility. Seek medical advice if you have conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases. Proper management of these conditions can enhance your fertility prospects.
- Consider MTHFR Testing: The MTHFR gene mutation affects folic acid metabolism, impacting fertility. If you suspect you have this mutation, consider getting tested.
- Opt for Supplements with Natural Folate: 5-MTHF and folinic acid are the bioavailable forms of folate. High doses of folic acid, which is synthetic, may not be metabolized as well.
If you’re experiencing infertility, it’s essential to seek medical advice and consider consulting a reproductive specialist. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends that women under 35 who haven’t conceived after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, and women over 35 after 6 months, seek specialist care.
To learn more about health and wellness, visit www.centurion.health or subscribe to the Frontline Health podcast. Remember, taking ownership of your health is the first step toward a healthier future. Until next time, take care, and stay healthy!
