8 Surprising Facts About Fertility

June 28, 2024

8 Surprising Facts About Fertility

Fertility is a topic that has garnered increasing attention in recent years, as more individuals and couples navigate the journey toward parenthood. While some aspects of fertility may seem straightforward, there are many surprising facts and nuances that can affect a person’s ability to conceive.

Facts About Fertility

From age-related fertility declines to the impact of lifestyle factors, understanding these lesser-known aspects of fertility can be invaluable for those considering starting a family. Island Reproductive Services is here to explore some surprising facts about fertility that may shed light on this complex and deeply personal journey.

Fertility Peaks Earlier Than Expected

One of the most surprising facts about fertility is that it peaks earlier than many people realize. While it’s commonly understood that fertility declines with age, the decline actually begins much earlier than most individuals anticipate. In fact, a woman’s fertility starts to decline in her late 20s and early 30s, with a more significant decrease occurring after the age of 35. For men, fertility also begins to decline gradually after the age of 40, although the decline tends to be more gradual compared to women.

Stress Can Impact Fertility

Stress is a ubiquitous part of modern life, but its impact on fertility is often underestimated. Research has shown that high levels of stress can affect reproductive hormones, disrupt ovulation, and decrease sperm quality, potentially making it more difficult to conceive. While occasional stress is normal, chronic stress or intense stressors such as job loss, financial difficulties, or relationship problems may have a significant impact on fertility.

Weight Can Affect Fertility

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health, but it also plays a significant role in fertility. Both overweight and underweight individuals may experience disruptions in their menstrual cycles, hormone levels, and ovulation, making it more challenging to conceive. Achieving a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can improve fertility outcomes for individuals struggling with weight-related fertility issues.

Age Isn’t the Only Factor

While age is a significant factor in fertility, it’s not the only one. Various lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, medical conditions, and genetic factors can also impact fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental toxins, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis can all affect fertility, regardless of age.

Male Fertility Matters Too

Fertility is often perceived as primarily a female issue, but male fertility plays a crucial role in the conception process as well. Approximately one-third of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. It’s essential for both partners to undergo fertility testing and evaluation to identify any potential issues that may be affecting their ability to conceive.

Ovulation Timing is Key

Understanding the menstrual cycle and ovulation timing is essential for maximizing the chances of conception. Contrary to popular belief, women are not fertile every day of their cycle. Ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, with a window of approximately 6 days—5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself—during which conception is most likely to occur. Tracking ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature charting or ovulation predictor kits can help couples identify the most fertile days of the cycle and optimize timing for intercourse.

Fertility Treatments Are Not a Guarantee

While fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) have revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, they are not a guarantee of success. Success rates for fertility treatments vary depending on factors such as age, underlying fertility issues, and treatment protocols. Additionally, fertility treatments can be emotionally, physically, and financially demanding, and may not be the right choice for every individual or couple.

Secondary Infertility is Real

Many people assume that once they’ve had one child, they’ll have no trouble conceiving again in the future. However, secondary infertility—difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term after having one or more children—is a real and often overlooked issue. Various factors, such as age, changes in fertility status, or new underlying health conditions, can contribute to secondary infertility, highlighting the importance of seeking timely evaluation and support if pregnancy does not occur as expected.

Fertility is a multifaceted and often surprising aspect of reproductive health that can be influenced by a variety of factors. At Island Reproductive Services, after learning about your goals, your past history, and often your apprehensions, treatment options are discussed with you and/or your partner. Your individual needs become our motivation. We are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. For more information or facts about fertility, check out our website or give us a call at (718) 948-6100.

June 14, 2024

The Benefits Of Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

As technology advances, so too does our ability to understand and manipulate the genetic makeup of embryos. Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a revolutionary tool that allows for the screening of embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for genetic abnormalities before implantation in the uterus.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

This groundbreaking technique offers numerous benefits to couples undergoing fertility treatment, providing them with valuable information and opportunities to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy. Island Reproductive Services is here to dive into the advantages of Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS).

Increased Pregnancy Rates

One of the primary benefits of PGS is its ability to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy during IVF treatment. By screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation, PGS helps identify embryos with the highest chance of implantation and successful development, leading to higher pregnancy rates and reduced risk of miscarriage.

Reduced Risk of Autism and Developmental Delays

Although most cases of autism are not strictly chromosomally related, some cases may be picked up with PGS. Specifically, many deletions and duplications of chromosomes are associated with autism. Some embryos may have these abnormalities detected by PGS. These embryos, if transferred, could lead to a live birth with an affected child. PGS can prevent these cases.

Reduced Risk of Genetic Disorders

PGS enables the detection of genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Turner syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities that may result in genetic disorders or developmental disabilities. By identifying embryos with these abnormalities early in the IVF process, PGS allows couples to make informed decisions about which embryos to transfer, reducing the risk of passing genetic disorders to their offspring.

Improved Embryo Selection

PGS provides valuable information about the genetic health of embryos, allowing fertility specialists to select the highest quality embryos for transfer during IVF treatment. By choosing embryos with the correct number of chromosomes and a lower risk of genetic abnormalities, PGS can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the need for multiple IVF cycles.

Enhanced Peace of Mind

For couples undergoing fertility treatment, the uncertainty and emotional toll of multiple IVF cycles can be overwhelming. PGS offers peace of mind by providing valuable information about the genetic health of embryos, allowing couples to make more informed decisions about their treatment options. Knowing that they have taken proactive steps to reduce the risk of genetic abnormalities can alleviate anxiety and stress during the IVF process.

Reduced Risk of Multiple Pregnancies

In traditional IVF treatment, multiple embryos are often transferred to increase the chances of pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of multiple pregnancies and associated complications. PGS allows fertility specialists to select the highest quality embryos for transfer, reducing the need for multiple embryo transfers and the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Minimized Risk of Miscarriage

Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of miscarriage in early pregnancy. By screening embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation, PGS helps identify embryos with a lower risk of miscarriage, leading to higher pregnancy rates and improved outcomes for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

Family Balancing

For couples who have a child with a genetic disorder or who are carriers of a genetic condition, PGS offers the opportunity to select embryos that are free from the same genetic abnormality, reducing the risk of passing on the condition to future children. PGS also allows for family balancing, enabling couples to choose the sex of their embryos for family planning purposes.

Ethical Considerations

PGS can also help prevent the need for selective abortion in cases where genetic abnormalities are detected in the embryo after implantation. By screening embryos before transfer, PGS allows couples to make decisions about their embryos in a more ethically and morally responsible manner, reducing the need for difficult decisions later in pregnancy.

By providing valuable information about the genetic health of embryos, PGS empowers couples to make more informed decisions about their treatment options and family planning goals. As technology continues to advance, PGS holds promise for further improving the success rates and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, ultimately helping more couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

Contact Island Reproductive Services Today!

Consulting with a qualified fertility specialist and seeking support from reputable resources can provide clarity and guidance throughout the IVF process. Ultimately, understanding the facts about IVF can empower individuals to navigate fertility challenges with confidence and optimism. Request an appointment today!