Infertility is one of the biggest challenges that a couple can face in their relationship. You might have a lot of questions around why you haven’t been able to conceive, and this might be taking a toll on your relationship. Here are some of your infertility questions answered.  

Is infertility a male or female problem?

Infertility isn’t just a woman’s problem. Men can be infertile too. In fact, men and women are equally likely to have fertility problems.

Does age affect fertility?

Age affects the fertility of both men and women. It’s important to be informed of when one’s fertility starts to decline for both men and women. Your healthcare provider can help determine this for you.

Can termination cause infertility?

Termination doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. It also doesn’t increase the risks for pregnancy complications if you do choose to get pregnant again. But home remedies and illegal termination services can pose a risk to your fertility and other complications.

If I had a baby once, can I be infertile now?

Because fertility declines with age, it’s possible and even common for couples who had no trouble getting pregnant with their first child, to struggle to conceive the second time around,  which is called secondary infertility. Secondary infertility can be due to a number of reasons. It is important to speak to your doctor and find solutions together.

https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/what-to-know-about-secondary-infertility

Can contraceptives cause infertility?

When it comes to birth control and fertility, there can be a lot of confusion. But hormonal contraceptives don’t cause infertility, no matter which method you use or how long you’ve been using it.

Can infertility be prevented?

There are steps that you can take while trying to conceive such as;

Eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

Not smoking, misusing drugs or drinking excessively.

Early and regular sexual reproductive health screening.

Staying physically active, but not straining yourself. Remember to speak to your healthcare provider about the best options for you and your partner.

Can infertility be cured?

Depending on the cause of infertility, there are various fertility treatments that can assist in conceiving.

I had a miscarriage, am I infertile?

Although miscarriage is very common, having a miscarriage, or even two, does not make you less fertile.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines have any effect on your chances of becoming pregnant.

Some people find themselves more fortunate and end up falling pregnant quicker or more easily, but for others it can be a longer journey. It’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider if you have not conceived after a year of trying. They can check for common causes of fertility problems and suggest treatments that could help. If you have any other questions about infertility, comment below.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).