Fertility: 3 Essential Factors

Whether this is your first time setting foot onto the path of family planning or it has been a while since you’ve experienced being pregnant, understanding fertility is the first place to begin empowering yourself.

If you are already pregnant, you can learn more about healthy pregnancy practices to keep you and your baby in the best possible health for the entire gestation period. If you are in the category of aspiring parents, you probably have a wide range of questions while planning to conceive. Although there are many factors that can have an effect on fertility, these three key components that influence fertility health can help you make informed decisions along your reproductive journey. 

Age and Fertility 

The first aspect to consider is the impact of both parent’s age on fertility. This is related to both mom and dad, since both sperm and egg have a time-line of effectiveness related to each individual’s own “clock.” As a woman ages, the quantity and quality of her eggs tend to decline, leading to reduced fertility. Overall, studies have shown that a woman’s fertility peaks in her early 20’s and tends to cease around eight years before the onset of menopause. For a more in-depth look at optimal age range to conceive, you can read the female fertility age chart. For men, although their timeline differs, the effects of aging on semen can begin to be felt in men’s 40s. 

This overall chart can help you understand your timeline as you consider when to begin your family plan: 

Female Fertility at Age Chart

Lifestyle and Fertility 

Lifestyle plays a pivotal role in determining fertility levels for both men and women. Maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular exercise, and eating a balanced and healthy diet can positively influence reproductive health for both mom and dad. 

Habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can adversely affect fertility. If you are planning to get pregnant, be aware that drug use during pregnancy can cause serious risks to the mother and the child, for example: 

• ● Cocaine use leads to a higher risk of maternal migraines and seizures, premature membrane rupture, and placental abruption 

• ● Methamphetamine use increases risk of preeclampsia, premature delivery and placental abruption 

• ● Heroine use during pregnancy can result in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, in which baby is dependent on opioids 

For further information and a full list of drug effect and pregnancy, see substance use while pregnant and breastfeeding. 

Pre-pregnancy Check-up 

If you don’t see a doctor on a regular basis, a pre-pregnancy check-up will provide you with essential information concerning your current fertility health. Let your physician know that you plan to try to conceive and share information concerning the timeline. They should provide a full overall on your health including testing for STIs, heart health concerns such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, current medications you are taking, and any other medical concerns you may have related to pre-existing health conditions or family history.  

Understanding the various factors that effect fertility is key in order to prepare you for the journey of parenthood. These are just three facts that can effect fertility, and you can take proactive measures to optimize your chances of conception. 

For further guidance and support on your fertility journey, connect with us at Alpha Life Pregnancy Center. Reach out to us at 910-565-2031 or visit alphalifepc.org to explore our range of fertility services and resources. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you navigate the path to parenthood with confidence and care.