Let’s talk about fertility. Did you know that every June 4th their day is celebrated all over the world? Well yes, as you read it. The objective is to talk openly about fertility problems, breaking taboos and eliminating prejudices about it.
And we cannot forget that infertility affects a large number of couples of reproductive age, causing numerous emotional disturbances. That is why it is essential to speak openly, understanding that once again information is and will be our main weapon.
What is fertility?
When we talk about infertility we are referring to the inability to conceive a child (primary infertility) or to the difficulty doing so after having previously had another child (secondary infertility). This problem is established when after Maintaining regular, unprotected sexual relations for a year does not result in pregnancy.. In the case of women over 35 years of age, the criterion for consulting with a specialist is reduced to practice without results in 6 months. At this time a study would be carried out to find out the causes of the problem and carry out some type of treatment.
Causes of infertility
Infertility can be associated with physical, hormonal problems, difficulties due to lifestyle or environmental factors.Both women and men can have fertility problems. which may be caused or related to congenital defects, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cancer, obesity, consumption of toxic habits, stress, sexually transmitted diseases… Here you can read more about gestational diabetes.
The factor deserves special mention age being determining factor in fertility. In women, it begins to decrease from the age of 32, decreasing considerably from the age of 40. In men, age is a risk factor, especially once they reach 50 years of age.
To all this we must add certain pathologies related to ovulation such as polycystic ovary syndrome or premature ovarian failure and abnormalities of the female reproductive system such as malformations (polyps, tubal obstruction…).
In the case of male infertility, it is important to rule out sexuality problems, diseases of the male reproductive system and alterations in fertilization that make the transport of semen difficult.
How to know if you are fertile
You may not ask yourself this question or have these types of concerns until the moment you decide to increase your family.
Infertility can affect both sexes. However, regardless of gender, different studies can be carried out in order to verify the quality and ability to conceive a baby.
On the one hand, in women a medical record where the medical history, the consumption of toxic habits and the menstrual cycle are studied. At the same time,hormonal studies and examinations of the uterus along with ultrasounds.
On the other hand, in men the quality of sperm and testicular duct where they are driven.
Fertility myths
You may not have given much importance to the topic of fertility until now. It’s normal. It happens to most of us. You are born, you grow, you reproduce and you die. It’s the cycle of life and you don’t think you have any difficulty with it. However, in the “wide world of fertility” there are numerous erroneous beliefs and ignorance about this topic.
Among the most common statements or opinions we find the following:
“Since I have a super regular period, I’m sure I’m fertile and I won’t have problems having children tomorrow.”
Mech! Mistake! You may get your period like clockwork and it will still be difficult for you to have children because…it has nothing to do one thing with the other.
“Nowadays it is very easy to get pregnant after turning 40. Look at Silvia Abril, Gloria Serra, Ana Rosa Quintana or the newly minted mom for the second time Paula Echevarría!
We are sorry to tell you this but… this statement is wrong. Age is directly linked to ovarian aging. Is it possible to have children over 40 years old? Yes. Is it simple? No. Most of the time, reproductive techniques such as egg donation (using donor eggs) or cryogenization (your own – and old – frozen eggs) are necessary.
Without forgetting that the older the woman is, the greater the likelihood that the eggs will have abnormalities, especially chromosomal ones, making it more likely that an abortion or premature birth will occur. In addition, the postpartum period and recovery will be more complicated.
“When my partner and I want to have children, the ideal will be to have sexual relations on a daily basis. The more times we do it, the more possibilities there will be!”
It has its logic but… it is not true. Otherwise that would be an ideal solution, right? It is important that know your menstrual cycle to know for sure which days comprise your fertility window. It is not necessary to have sex every day but rather to do it every other day with a frequency of about two or three times a week. We also have to tell you that for semen to have higher quality, abstinence of 2-4 days is recommended. In this way, the possibilities of fertilization improve. Here you can read more about the sexuality in pregnancy and about sexual health.
“A friend told me that to get pregnant it is advisable to raise your legs after intercourse. She also says that if you have had an orgasm the probability is even greater.”
I wish but… no. Not about the legs. The sperm ascend quickly enough towards the cervix after ejaculation. And of course, not the orgasm thing.
Furthermore, we are sorry to tell you that there are no positions in which it is easier to get pregnant.
Treatments for infertility
If after several studies you have come to the conclusion that your partner and/or you have fertility problems… don’t panic! Currently there are methods that can “pave the way” for you, such as (from least to greatest complexity) the following:
- scheduled intercourse or what is the same, having sexual relations at the time of greatest ovulation.
- intrauterine insemination of semen previously treated in the laboratory.
- In vitro fertilization.
- Egg donation.
Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) such as the last two comprise a great medical advance, also favoring the freedom of new family models, such as the case of women who decide to have children alone or couples whose members belong to the same sex.
How to increase fertility?
The consumption of tobacco and/or alcohol, obesity or, failing that, extreme thinness, a sedentary life, poor nutrition and stress or poor management emotional health They are risk factors that can affect fertility.
At SingularMom we recommend that you pay attention to everything mentioned above, trying to lead as healthy a life as possible. Stay calm if you are looking for a pregnancy. Do not schedule sexual relations as it can cause stress for both you and your partner. Remember that ovulation is different for each woman and in each cycle it depends on different factors.
And of course don’t forget that information is power. Our goal with our preparation classes It is that you have it at your fingertips, literally, before, during and after the birth of your baby.
Will you let us accompany you?
