Preventing Infertility Part of Aurora Health Care Program

Milwaukee -

One in 8 couples of childbearing age have difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.

A number of factors can contribute to fertility issues for both men and women. Among them is age, tobacco and alcohol use. As well as being over or underweight and either exercising too much or not enough.

A woman's fertility gradually declines with age and this decline becomes more pronounced in her mid-30s. Infertility in older women may be due to the number and quality of eggs as they age or to health problems that may interfere with fertility. Men over age 40 may be less fertile than younger men are.

A couple's chance of achieving a pregnancy is reduced if either partner uses tobacco. Smoking also reduces the possible benefit of fertility treatment. Miscarriages are more frequent in women who smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and low sperm count in men.

For women, there's no safe level of alcohol use during conception or pregnancy. Avoid alcohol if you're planning to become pregnant because you may not realize you're pregnant for the first few weeks. Alcohol use increases the risk of birth defects, and it may also make it more difficult to become pregnant. For men, heavy alcohol use can decrease sperm count and motility.

Among American women, an inactive lifestyle and being overweight may increase the risk of infertility. In addition, a man's sperm count and testosterone levels may be affected if he is overweight.

Women at risk of fertility problems include those with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, and women who follow a very low calorie or restrictive diet.

Lack of or not enough exercise contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of infertility. Less often, ovulation problems may be associated with frequent strenuous, intense exercise in women who are not overweight.

Fertility treatment continues to evolve. Aurora Health Care offers a variety of different options for patients, including: In Vitro Fertilization, Frozen Embryo Transfers, Biopsy and Multi-Cycle In Vitro Fertilizations.

Each comes with different pros and minuses for hopeful parents, and it’s important that people understand what options are out there.

It’s also important that people understand that normally something like fertility likely isn’t covered under most insurance packages, so it can be a fairly substantial out of pocket cost. 

Dr. Aida Shanti will be a special live guest TODAY on the CBS 58 News at 4