Everything You Should Know About Fertility
We’ll walk through common causes, even more common myths, and some affirmative truths to arm yourself with as you prepare to grow your family.
Fertility is a Spectrum, Not an Absolute
There is no “fertile” and “infertile” – we all exist together on the spectrum of fertility with varying internal and external factors that can move us up and down that spectrum.
Factors that Impact Fertility Include:
01
Age
For women, the biggest factor in our degree of fertility is age. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which naturally reduce in quantity and quality as we age and complete cycles. By the time we reach our early 30s, our count has dropped from over 1 million eggs to a mere 100,000 or less. As we get older, not only does the quantity of eggs decrease, but egg quality diminishes as well. Similarly for men, the quality and quantity of sperm decreases with age however at a much slower pace.
02
Health Conditions
There are times when underlying health conditions can cause difficulty conceiving or result in recurrent miscarriages. Conditions include ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalance, endometriosis, uterine conditions, blocked fallopian tubes, or known sperm factors.
Common Myths & Misperceptions Around Fertility
MYTH #1
Infertility is Rare
Our very existence along with the number of other fertility clinics out there contradict this myth. It is true that infertility is rarely talked about, which can give the impression that there aren’t many who struggle with it, but the data proves otherwise. In fact, 1 in 6 couples experiences some form of infertility. Whether age or genetic disposition, there are millions of couples each year who experience difficulty conceiving and carrying. You are not alone in this journey.
MYTH #2
Infertility is a Female Issue
This is scientifically inaccurate. Fertility complications can arise for both males and females. The odds of finding a female-related issue is identical to finding a male-related issue. For women, fertility can be affected by anovulation, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, egg quality and quantity (ovarian reserve), and uterine factors. For men, fertility can be affected by sperm quantity, sperm quality, or vasectomy reversal.
MYTH #3
Recurrent Misccarriage is Not a Fertility Issue
While many patients who suffer multiple miscarriages wouldn’t consider themselves candidates for fertility treatment, it can actually be very beneficial. With advancements in technology, there are resources available to help couples who struggle with pregnancy loss to carry to term.
PLANNING FOR A POSITIVE PARENTHOOD JOURNEY
A Few Steps You Can Take to Set Yourself Up for Success
Take That First Step
Knowing that time is a considerable factor in fertility, we recommend setting up a consultation sooner rather than later to begin the process. Pre-pregnancy diagnostics can help provide clarity and transparency of underlying factors that may be affecting your fertility, allowing your fertility doctors to work diligently and strategically to set you on a course of action that is custom to your specific needs.
Consider a Board Certifiied, Fellowship-Trained Fertility Physician
Fertility and the reproductive system is incredibly complex. It’s important to seek out the most highly qualified physicians that have the education and experience to navigate these complexities strategically and effectively, giving you the best chance at a successful pregnancy. Both of our fertility specialists are double-certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. Learn more about our providers here.
Understand the Success Metrics
Statistics around fertility can be difficult to interpret, but they’re of the utmost importance when choosing a fertility clinic. Researching and understanding the success rates of the fertility clinics you’re considering can help simplify the decision of choosing a fertility provider. At STL Fertility, we’re proud to consistently perform above both regional and national success rates. Visit our Success Rates page to learn more.
There is Hope
Advancements in modern medicine have allowed us to make significant strides in the effectiveness of fertility treatment. We’re proud to have successfully led many couples on a pathway to parenthood, and would love to champion you on yours.