Female fertility is a complex and intricate topic that has gained a lot of attention in the recent years. Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year or more of regular unprotected sex. It is estimated that around 15% of couples worldwide struggle with infertility issues.
If you’re looking for a female fertility specialist, there are a number of things to consider before making your decision. It’s important to choose a specialist who is reputable, experienced, and who offers the most up-to-date treatments and technologies.
Finding a suitable fertility specialist can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and information, you can make an informed decision that will put you on the path to achieving your dream of starting a family. Here are some crucial points to consider before making the final choice.
Do’s and Don’ts for Fertility
There are some important do’s and don’ts to be aware of when it comes to fertility. Here are a few that you should keep in mind as you look for a fertility specialist and begin to undergo treatment.
Do’s:
– Get a comprehensive health check-up and know your overall health status.
– Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes exercise, stress reduction, and sufficient sleep.
– Treat any existing health conditions that may impact fertility, such as PCOS, thyroid problems, or diabetes.
– Be open to fertility treatments, such as IVF, IUI, ICSI or surrogacy if needed, and choose a specialist who can offer these treatments.
– For women over the age of 35 it is recommended that you seek a fertility specialist after six months of not conceiving.
– Consult with your fertility specialist for further guidance on timing, treatment protocol etc.
Don’ts:
– Don’t wait too long to seek help – the earlier you start the better the chance of success
– Don’t ignore any signs of fertility problems and don’t assume that infertility is a woman’s problem
– Don’t smoke, consume alcohol and caffeine excessively or use any other illicit substances.
– Don’t stress yourself over infertility issues as it can impact your mental health and anxiety level
– Don’t indulge in risky unprotected sex that can lead to the spread of STDs that can cause infertility issues
– Don’t try to diagnose and treat fertility problems without consulting with a fertility specialist.
Best Foods and Vegetables for Fertility
Nutrition is an important factor in fertility. Consuming nutrient-rich foods can help promote overall health and wellness, while also boosting fertility. Here are some foods and vegetables that may help improve your chances of conceiving:
– Leafy green vegetables such as Spinach, Broccoli, and Kale are excellent sources of folate, a B-vitamin that can help to reduce the risk of ovulatory issues.
– Berries such as strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are high in antioxidants that protect the eggs from cellular damage
– Avocado is high in monounsaturated fats that help to balance hormone levels
– Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats are rich in fibre, phosphorous, and vitamin B6, and can help regulate blood sugar levels and increase fertility.
– Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can help to improve egg quality and increase fertility.
Lifestyle and Habits
It is not just your diet, but also your lifestyle and habits that can significantly impact your fertility. Here are a few things that you should do or avoid to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
– Maintain a healthy body weight and body mass index (BMI) as being underweight or overweight can adversely impact chances of conceiving
– Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises
– Quit smoking and minimize exposure to secondhand smoke
– Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
– Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it as intense exercise can interfere with ovulation
– Avoid exposure to toxins, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals that can affect fertility.
Fertility Treatments: IVF, IUI, ICSI, Surrogacy
In some cases, fertility treatments may be required to help you conceive. There are a number of fertility treatments available, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and surrogacy.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF):
In IVF, the eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are then transferred back into the uterus.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
IUI involves placing the partner’s sperm directly into the uterus using a catheter, during the woman’s ovulation period.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
ICSI is a more advanced form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This technique is used when conventional IVF is not successful.
Surrogacy:
Surrogacy is an option for women or couples who are not able to carry a pregnancy to term. It involves using a surrogate to carry the pregnancy after the embryo is created using IVF.
Overall, like everything else in life it is important to choose a specialist after thorough research and evaluation. You should choose a specialist who is experienced, well-versed in the latest technology and treatment modalities, and is able to provide you with the necessary emotional support and guidance throughout your fertility journey.