Your medical history
If you and your partner believe your medical history could stand in the way of conception you should arrange to see a doctor straight away. If you are below 35 and have been trying for more than 12 months (or are above 35 and have been trying for more than 6 months) you should ask your doctor for advice.1 Remember, fertility declines rapidly with age.2
Female conditions that may warrant early referral:
- Endometriosis
- Irregular or absent periods (when not using contraceptives)
- Severe lower abdominal pain at the time of menstrual bleeding
- Two or more miscarriages
- History of sexually transmitted disease
- History of pelvic/genital infection
- History of abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Chronic medical condition (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
- History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- History of endocrinological disorders
Male conditions that may warrant early referral:
There are a number of medical conditions that can affect male fertility. For more detailed advice on those shown below, please consult a fertility specialist.
- History of mumps after the onset of puberty
- History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- History of undescended testicles in childhood
- History of abdominal or testicular surgery
- History of sexually transmitted disease or genital infection
- Chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
Medication
A number of products, including some common medications used to treat ulcers and high blood pressure, can influence a man’s sperm count and libido (sex drive).
Little is actually known about the effects on fertility of commonly-used drugs. Until recently, safety studies did not include an assessment of the effects on the human gonads (testicles or ovaries). However it’s now known that some drugs used to treat conditions unrelated to fertility, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can drastically reduce semen quality.
Various drugs used to treat cancer and autoimmune disease are also potentially damaging to gonadal function. Anabolic steroids, sometimes used illicitly by athletes and body builders, have severe side effects on production of sperm.
| If you’re trying to conceive, take time to discuss the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor. |
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Vitamins and alternative medicines
The availability of alternative medicines, dietary supplements and vitamins, is widespread. Some claim to boost fertility. The truth is that the full effect of most supplements and medicinal herbs on fertility is unknown.3
However, in some cases couples can increase their potential for conception by reviewing their diet and fitness regime. Find out what changes you can make to improve your chances of conception.
1. Definitions of fertility and recurrent pregnancy loss Fertil Steril 2008; 90:S60. 2. Age and Fertility. A Guide for Patients. ASRM 2003; http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/agefertility.pdf 3. Optimizing Natural Fertility. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:S1-6.
