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What Women Should Know About Infertility

Published in the Utica Observer Dispatch.

Link to the original newspaper article.

Infertility - the inability to conceive after months, and sometimes years, of trying - affects more than 7 million people in the United States. Studies have shown that a woman's likelihood of conceiving declines as she ages, but women concerned about their fertility are not powerless.

April 25 through May 1 is National Infertility Awareness Week. If you're thinking about having a baby, even if your plans are for several years down the road, now is a good time to evaluate your fertility.

Here are some facts you should know about this issue that affects about 12 percent of childbearing-age women in the United States.

- You can't reverse the natural effect of aging on your fertility, but there are certain factors you can control, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling stress, getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthful diet and following an overall healthful lifestyle. Likewise, encourage your partner to follow a healthy lifestyle, which can affect the count and quality of his sperm.

- It is possible to get an accurate perspective on your current fertility potential. The First Response Fertility Test for Women measures the level of follicle stimulating hormone in your urine on the third day of your cycle. Knowing this information allows a woman to start a dialogue with her doctor sooner.

- Infertility is not just a woman's problem. In 35 percent of infertility cases, the problem is related to the woman; in 35 percent of cases, to the man; and in 20 percent of cases, both partners have a problem. And 10 percent of infertility cases simply can't be explained at all.

- In vitro fertilization is not the only treatment for infertility - in fact it's not even the most common. About 85 percent to 90 percent of infertility cases can be treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. IVF and similar treatments are needed in fewer than 3 percent of cases.

- Even with the natural loss of fertility that comes with age, most women will still have tens of thousands of eggs at age 30, and thousands still at age 40.

 

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Disclaimer: As a Health Coach, I will never attempt to diagnose, treat, make claims, prevent or cure any disease or condition. I advise my clients that Health Coaching is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed health care professional.