Fertility is the ability to conceive, whereas infertility is the inability to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex ⁴. For females, fertility is especially focused on egg and uterine health, AKA the ability to ovulate and get pregnant.
Here are some signs of high fertility in women:
1. High antral follicle count: Your doctor can see your antral follicles via transvaginal ultrasound, and research has found that a higher number of active antrum follicles on the ovaries correlates to a high ovarian reserve ¹.
2. Regular cycles: If you have a regular cycle, it’s a lot easier to identify when you’ll be ovulating, and when you should be having sex. This greatly increases your chances of conceiving ¹.
3. Positive ovulation tests each month: If you’re getting consistent positive ovulation test results, this means you have a regular ovulatory cycle and have a higher chance of getting pregnant ¹.
4. Changes in your cervical mucus: Cervical mucus changes before and during ovulation, taking on a texture and color similar to egg whites, and a stretchy or slick consistency. This change indicates peak fertility and helps sperm navigate toward the egg, as well as making sex more enjoyable ¹.
5. Periods aren’t very heavy or painful: Tracking period symptoms can help a person determine if you are dealing with any chronic gynecological conditions that may affect fertility ¹.
6. Healthy levels of anti-mullerian hormone: An AMH test provides insight into the number of eggs you have left and can determine if your ovaries are showing signs of early aging ¹.
On the other hand, there are some signs of low fertility as well:
1. Menopause: Going through menopause or perimenopause means you will soon be unable to conceive. Menopause usually starts in the mid-late 40’s but can happen earlier ⁴.
2. Fibroids: Non-cancerous uterine tumors, known as fibroids, aren’t incredibly dangerous, but they are common and they can impact fertility ¹.
It’s important to note that these signs are not definitive and may not apply to everyone. If you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s best to consult with a medical professional.
Factors that can affect fertility:
There are many factors that can affect fertility, including but not limited to:
1. Age: As women age, their fertility declines due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs they produce²⁴. Men also experience a decline in fertility as they age².
2. Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can impact fertility, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress levels. According to Mayo Clinic², obesity and exposure to environmental toxins can also affect fertility.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can affect fertility in both men and women. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women². In men, conditions such as varicocele, a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, can affect sperm quality².
4. Medications: Certain medications can affect fertility in both men and women. For example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage reproductive organs and affect fertility².
5. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause infertility in both men and women⁵.
6. Genetic factors: Some genetic factors can affect fertility in both men and women. For example, Turner syndrome, a condition that affects women, can cause infertility².
7. Weight: Both overweight and underweight women may experience fertility issues³.
Can men experience infertility too?
Yes, men can experience infertility too. According to Mayo Clinic¹, male infertility occurs when a man is unable to start a pregnancy with his female partner. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm.
Other factors that can contribute to male infertility include illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices, and exposure to environmental toxins¹. If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
What are some common treatments for male infertility?
According to Mayo Clinic¹, some common treatments for male infertility include:
1. Surgery: Surgery can be used to correct or repair anatomic abnormalities or damage to reproductive organs. For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens repaired. Prior vasectomies can be reversed. In cases where no sperm are present in the ejaculate, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis using sperm retrieval techniques.
2. Medical procedures: Medical procedures can be used to deliver sperm to the woman. For example, intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.
3. Medications: Medications can be used to treat underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to infertility. For example, antibiotics can be used to treat infections that may be affecting sperm production.
4. Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can also improve fertility.
It’s important to note that the appropriate treatment for male infertility will depend on the underlying cause of the infertility. If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
How successful are fertility treatments for men?
The success of fertility treatments for men depends on the underlying cause of infertility. According to Mayo Clinic¹, some common treatments for male infertility include surgery, medical procedures, medications, and lifestyle changes.
The appropriate treatment for male infertility will depend on the underlying cause of the infertility. Success rates for each treatment can vary widely depending on the individual case, and there is no guarantee that any particular treatment will be successful.
For example, when done each month, success rates for each intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment may be as high as 20%². If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
Can stress affect male fertility?
Yes, stress can affect male fertility. According to a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, stress can reduce sperm and semen quality, which could have implications for male fertility1. The study found that men who experienced two or more stressful life events in the past year had lower sperm quality than men who did not experience any stressful life events1.
Stress can also impact several aspects of male fertility, especially sperm quality, negatively. Studies have found that stress can negatively impact the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in men, which can cause complications in spermatogenesis (the production of sperm), resulting in reduced sperm quality2. If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
How can I find a fertility specialist near me?
There are several ways to find a fertility specialist near you. One option is to ask your family doctor or gynecologist for a referral to a fertility specialist. You can also use online directories to search for fertility specialists in your area. Here are some directories you can use:
1. Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood offers fertility treatments and can help you find a fertility specialist in your area. You can visit their website to learn more ¹.
2. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association**: RESOLVE offers a professional services directory that includes more than 600 professionals, including reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, mental health therapists, and other family building professionals. You can search for a family building professional in your area using their directory ².
3. HFEA: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) offers a fertility clinic search tool that you can use to find a fertility clinic in your area. You can visit their website to learn more ³⁴.
4. Zocdoc: Zocdoc is an online directory that allows you to search for fertility specialists in your area and book appointments online. You can visit their website to learn more ⁵.
what to look out for in a fertility specialist
When looking for a fertility specialist, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Board certification: Make sure your fertility specialist is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties².
2. Experience: Look for a fertility specialist who has experience treating patients with similar fertility issues as yours¹.
3. Success rates: Ask about the clinic’s success rates for treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)¹.
4. Communication: Choose a fertility specialist who is easy to communicate with and who takes the time to answer your questions¹.
5. Location: Consider the location of the clinic and how easy it is to get there¹.
6. Cost: Fertility treatments can be expensive, so it’s important to consider the cost of treatment and whether your insurance covers any of the costs¹.
7. Clinic size: Think about whether you’re comfortable being attended to by multiple doctors, or if you’d prefer to work with just one².
Refrences:
Female Infertility:
1. [Mayo Clinic – Symptoms & Causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308)
2. [Natalist – 6 Signs of High Fertility in Women](https://natalist.com/blogs/learn/signs-of-high-fertility)
3. [Teatoxlife – 5 Signs Of High Fertility In A Woman](https://www.teatoxlife.com/blogs/pregnancy/signs-of-high-fertility-in-a-woman)
4. [Boldsky.com – Signs Of High Fertility In Women](https://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/basics/2016/signs-of-high-fertility-in-women-099203.html)
5. [Bustle – 11 Signs You Might Be Super Fertile](https://www.bustle.com/wellness/signs-you-might-be-super-fertile-because-your-body-can-tell-you-a-lot)
Fertility Treatments:
1. [Planned Parenthood – Fertility Treatments For Infertility](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments)
2. [RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association – Find a Professional](https://resolve.org/get-help/find-a-professional/)
3. [HFEA – Fertility Clinic Search](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/clinic-search/)
4. [HFEA – Choose a Fertility Clinic](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/)
5. [Zocdoc – Best Infertility Specialists Near Me](https://www.zocdoc.com/infertility-specialists)
Male Infertility:
1. [Mayo Clinic – Symptoms and Causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773)
2. [Johns Hopkins Medicine – Infertility Risk Factors for Men and Women](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/infertility-risk-factors-for-men-and-women)
3. [NICH – Lifestyle and Environmental Factors](https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/lifestyle)
4. [MSN – What is Infertility and its possible symptoms, causes, risk and prevention methods?](https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/condition/Infertility/hp-Infertility?source=conditioncdx)
