Your ability to conceive a child is known as your fertility. As a woman, you should release an egg every month in the middle of your menstrual cycle. If that egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm and attaches to your uterine wall, you become pregnant.
While this seems simple, your fertility is affected by many things, and it could take years for you to become pregnant if something is affecting your fertility.
If you’re struggling to become pregnant, Dr. John Paul Roberts offers fertility assistance at his office in Plano, Texas. Dr. Roberts has many years of experience as an OB/GYN and is an expert in diagnosing fertility problems.
Along with his skilled team, Dr. Roberts helps you figure out what’s causing your fertility problems so you can increase your chances through treatment.
Infertility is a problem that affects both men and women who have been trying to conceive a child without success. While you might think of infertility as primarily a female problem, men can also have issues with their sperm.
There are many causes for infertility, some which are treatable with medications and some that require more invasive procedures. The most common causes of female infertility include:
Your age also plays a role in your overall fertility. You’re most fertile in your 20s. Fertility begins to slowly decline as you approach the age of 35. You can certainly still get pregnant after 35, but it may be more difficult.
Medical problems also cause infertility. Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and celiac disease may lead to infertility. This is usually due to the fact that your menstrual cycle is affected by these disorders.
Your body and your hormones are affected by your lifestyle choices. There are plenty of changes you can make to boost your fertility and increase the chances of conceiving.
Both sides of the weight spectrum can negatively affect your fertility. Being overweight or underweight can lead to problems with ovulation.
Caffeine and coffee consumption plays a role in your fertility. When you’re trying to get pregnant, limit your caffeine intake to less than 250 milligrams a day. If you’re able to cut it out completely, that’s even better.
Although exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, too much exercise actually lowers your fertility. When exercising, avoid vigorous and lengthy routines. This can inhibit ovulation and cause issues with the production of progesterone.
Not all lubes are made for fertility purposes. Many lubes actually cause sperm to die or inhibit their mobility. If you absolutely need lube for intercourse, choose one that’s specifically formulated for couples trying to get pregnant.
Eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins may increase your overall fertility. Folic acid is an essential vitamin while you’re trying to conceive. It helps to prevent neural tube defects when you do get pregnant. Vitamins also help hormone production, which is essential for getting pregnant.
If you smoke, quit before you start trying to get pregnant. Cut back on alcohol, as it can also interfere with your overall fertility. Dr. Roberts can suggest other changes to increase your odds of getting pregnant.
If you and your partner have been trying without success to get pregnant, make an appointment with Dr. Roberts. If you’re young and have been trying for a month or so, Dr. Roberts may suggest continuing to try for a year before seeking help.
But if you’re over 30 and have been trying for six months without success, it’s time to see Dr. Roberts. The older you get, the more your fertility declines.
Ultimately, it’s your decision when to seek help for fertility. Because both you and your partner could have underlying problems, you both should get checked.
There are many fertility treatments available to help you successfully conceive a child. Dr. Roberts discusses these options with you and helps you determine the best route to take for a successful pregnancy.
If you’re struggling with fertility and need help increasing your chances of getting pregnant, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roberts today. Call our office in Plano, Texas, or book an appointment through this website.
