Some facts about infertility may surprise you. Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after 1 year of trying to conceive. In women 35 or older, infertility means not being able to get pregnant after 6 months of trying.
The Facts About Infertility: Your Physician Can Help
Baptist Health recommends that women who are trying or thinking about getting pregnant schedule an appointment with their physician so they are as prepared for a healthy pregnancy as possible. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant, you can also follow these tips to increase your chances of conceiving. For now, here are a few facts about infertility:
Fact #1
10% of women in the United States under the age of 44 have difficulty getting and/or staying pregnant.
Fact #2
Women do not have a higher infertility rate. Infertility affects men and women equally.
Fact #3
Age does play a role in infertility. Around one third of women over the age of 35 have problems getting pregnant.
Fact #4
Medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency can affect fertility.
Fact #5
Having a healthy weight increase your chances of getting pregnant. Being overweight or underweight can negatively impact a woman’s chances of conceiving.
Fact #6
A woman’s lifestyle, including smoking, excessive alcohol use and stress, can change her ability to have a baby.
Treatment Options are Available
There are numerous treatments for those who want to conceive but are having issues with fertility. Certain medications, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro fertilization (IVF) are all potential solutions that a fertility specialist may discuss with you. Baptist Health is here to help if you have questions or concerns about infertility; request an appointment with an OB/GYN today to discuss preconception care and how to increase your chances of getting pregnant.