Starting a family is an exciting journey, but it’s not always straightforward. Many factors can impact your fertility, and understanding them can help you on the path to parenthood.
Women Are Born with All Their Eggs
Women are born with a set number of eggs, typically between 1 and 2 million. Over time, this number decreases. By puberty, only about 300,000 eggs remain. Every month, one egg is released during ovulation.
You Don’t Need to Have Sex Every Day to Conceive
There is a specific time in a woman’s cycle when pregnancy is most likely. This window lasts up to 5 days before ovulation, but the highest chances occur 3 days before or on the day of ovulation. Planning intimacy around this time increases the chances of conception.
A 30-Year-Old Woman Has a 20% Chance of Conception Each Month
As women age, fertility naturally declines. For a 30-year-old woman, there is about a 20% chance of conceiving naturally each month. By age 40, that chance drops to just 5%.
Having a Child Before Doesn’t Guarantee Easier Conception Later
Even if you’ve successfully conceived once, it doesn’t always get easier the next time. Secondary infertility is when a woman struggles to get pregnant after already having a child. It’s common, but many women can conceive again with the help of a fertility specialist.
STDs Can Affect Both Male and Female Fertility
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can impact fertility in both men and women. For women, infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to serious complications like scarring, blocked tubes, or ectopic pregnancy. Men can also suffer from conditions like epididymitis, which can affect sperm health.
Your Health Impacts Your Fertility
Your overall health plays a significant role in fertility. Smoking can reduce fertility in women and decrease sperm production in men. Even moderate alcohol consumption can make it harder to conceive. Emotional factors, like anxiety and depression, can disrupt hormones that regulate reproduction.
Fertility Declines in Men Too
Men’s fertility also decreases with age. Sperm count and sperm movement decline, and sexual function may be affected. About 1 in 3 couples face challenges due to low sperm count, which can make conception harder.
Seek Help if You’re Struggling to Conceive
Understanding the facts about fertility is essential when trying to conceive. If you face difficulties, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional who can guide you through your options.
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