Factors affecting Fertility
According to experts, if you haven't had any success after 12 months of baby trying, you are officially having fertility problems. Age is probably the biggest pregnancy obstacle for women. Here are a variety of factors that could prolong successful conception.
1) Age
Fertility both in men and women declines with age. A women's fertility starts to steadily decline after her late 20's. After age 35, her fertility decreases rapidly. Along with the rest of your body, a woman's remaining eggs age with time. A man's testosterone levels naturally decrease with age. This can have an effect on libido. The quality of his sperm also drops with age.
2) Weight
Being overweight or obese in both men and women can reduce your chance of conception significantly. In women, being overweight can also have a greater risk of miscarriages or malformations. Problems during pregnancy's such as high blood pressure or premature delivery are also increased.
3) Toxins
Alcohol
Research suggests that even moderate levels of alcohol consumption (i.e 1-5 drinks per week ) can reduce the chance of conception. They strongly advice against drinking alcohol before or during pregnancy.
Caffeine
Caffeine has been linked to increase risk of miscarriage. High caffeine consumption in both men and women can also affect the chance of conception.
Smoking
Studies has suggested that women that smokes have approximately 50% the fertility rate of non-smokers. They recommend both prospective parents to quit smoking as passive smoking can also reduce fertility.
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4) Medication
If either of the prospective parents are taking any type of medications prescription or over the counter, it is recommended to talk first to your doctor or pharmacist before trying for pregnancy.
Some medications can affect sperm count whilst others can cause birth defects. Even taking ibuprofen during the third trimester can bring on early labor.
5) Reproductive conditions
Male sperm problem, Blocked tubes, ovulation disorder, endometriosis and uterine problems, infrequent or poorly timed intercourse6) Mistiming sexual intercourse
Most failed conception can be attributed to mistiming intercourse. Each month, there's only a short period of time when a women can become pregnant, usually 6 days leading up to ovulation. Ovulation kits can help pinpoint when you're ovulating, and also reading your body signs like cervical mucus discharge.