Dr. Lisa Smith, a reproductive endocrinologist at our local clinic, recently hosted an engaging webinar focused on the journey of trying to conceive (TTC). She addressed many concerns and provided valuable insights for those facing challenges along the way. Here’s a friendly rundown of some key questions and answers from the session.
Q: Can outside factors like diet, caffeine, alcohol, and exercise lead to miscarriages, or are they primarily due to genetic issues?
Dr. Smith: Most miscarriages are linked to chromosomal abnormalities. Research shows that about 70% of miscarriages in women under 35 and around 80% in women over 35 are due to these genetic factors. While lifestyle choices like diet and exercise do play a role in general fertility, moderation is key. Alcohol, however, should be completely avoided during pregnancy due to its significant risks.
Q: After experiencing multiple miscarriages, why should I still hope for a successful pregnancy?
Dr. Smith: It’s true that all your eggs come from the same age pool, but not every egg is genetically abnormal. As you age, the likelihood of having genetically normal eggs decreases. So, there’s still a chance for a healthy pregnancy with the right egg.
Q: Does having had one or more miscarriages increase the likelihood of future miscarriages?
Dr. Smith: Having one miscarriage doesn’t change your chances for the next pregnancy. If you’ve had two, the risk of a third does increase slightly, and with three or more, the chances rise a bit more. It’s wise to consult a fertility specialist after two miscarriages for a thorough evaluation.
Q: When should we time intercourse based on cervical fluid and ovulation?
Dr. Smith: It’s best to have intercourse before you see clear, stretchy mucus, as this indicates rising estrogen levels leading to ovulation. Since sperm can survive in the body for a few days, timing it right before ovulation is ideal.
Q: What tests help determine the causes of miscarriage?
Dr. Smith: We often start with genetic tests like Karyotypes to check for chromosomal issues. We may also examine the shape of the uterus, hormone levels, and screen for conditions like diabetes or blood clotting disorders that could impact a developing pregnancy.
Q: Can regular use of painkillers affect male fertility?
Dr. Smith: While common NSAIDs like ibuprofen aren’t strongly linked to male infertility, long-term use of opiates can disrupt hormone production necessary for sperm production. This can ultimately affect fertility and sexual function.
Q: Does excessive exercise impact fertility?
Dr. Smith: A healthy lifestyle is important, but too much exercise can lead to weight loss that disrupts your menstrual cycle, which signals irregular ovulation. Finding a balance is crucial.
Q: If I’m overweight, how much weight should I aim to lose to improve my chances of conceiving?
Dr. Smith: Aiming for a BMI between 20 and 25 is ideal. Staying below 35 is recommended for better pregnancy outcomes. If your BMI exceeds 44, it poses increased risks for pregnancy.
Q: What options are available for men who have had a vasectomy?
Dr. Smith: A vasectomy reversal is one option, allowing for natural conception. Alternatively, we can retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis for IVF.
Q: What does diminished ovarian reserve mean?
Dr. Smith: It refers to a lower number of eggs available for fertilization. This can be detected through specific tests. Having a low ovarian reserve doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have high-quality eggs, though.
Q: How does PCOS affect fertility?
Dr. Smith: PCOS can hinder your chances of getting pregnant due to hormonal imbalances that often lead to irregular ovulation. Treatments like ovulation induction can help.
Q: Can someone have regular periods but not be ovulating?
Dr. Smith: Regular cycles are usually a good indicator of ovulation. If you’re experiencing spontaneous periods without medical intervention, it’s likely you’re ovulating.
Q: How many rounds of timed intercourse typically lead to pregnancy?
Dr. Smith: Many fertile couples conceive within 4 to 5 cycles of timed intercourse. For those struggling with infertility, after three cycles without success, it’s usually time to explore further options.
Q: How reliable are commercial ovulation predictor kits?
Dr. Smith: If the kits are working correctly, they should indicate a negative result most days and a positive signal only during your ovulation window. If you see positive results every day, they may not be accurate. It’s best to time intercourse the day the kit turns positive and again the following day.
Q: Can stress impact ovulation?
Dr. Smith: Yes, stress can lead to irregular cycles, affecting your overall fertility.
Q: What emotional support does your clinic offer for couples trying to conceive?
Dr. Smith: We provide a variety of support options: an online community with 23,000 members sharing experiences, in-person support groups tailored for those on similar journeys, and access to full-time social workers for personalized counseling.
Q: How does nutrition influence fertility?
Dr. Smith: Your diet plays a role in fertility. Maintaining a balanced diet with limited alcohol and caffeine can be beneficial.
Q: What steps can I take to enhance my fertility?
Dr. Smith: The best first step is to schedule a fertility evaluation. This can help identify specific areas where you might improve your chances of conceiving.
To learn more about helpful techniques during pregnancy, check out our post on using a birthing ball. You can also explore fertility supplements from experts at Make a Mom. For more information on IVF and other treatments, the NHS is an excellent resource.
Summary
Dr. Smith’s insights provide a wealth of information on the journey to conception, addressing everything from lifestyle factors to medical evaluations. Whether you’re just starting to try or have faced challenges, understanding these key concepts can help empower your journey.