Fertility is a person’s biological ability to conceive children. Although many people assume that fertility is guaranteed for much of their adult life, various factors can influence it, from age and genetics to lifestyle habits and certain medical conditions.
Reproductive health specialists point out that fertility does not depend solely on the woman. In fact, fertility problems can be related to female factors, male factors, or a combination of both. For this reason, when a couple faces difficulties in achieving a pregnancy, the medical evaluation must involve both members.
One of the aspects that most influences fertility is age. In women, the ovarian reserve naturally decreases over the years, especially after the age of 35. This can reduce the chances of pregnancy and increase the risk of reproductive complications.
In men, although sperm production continues throughout life, semen quality can also be affected by aging, which can influence reproductive capacity.
Habits that help preserve fertility:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute significantly to protecting reproductive health.
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Balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients for proper hormonal and reproductive function. Some studies suggest that a balanced diet can improve egg and sperm quality.
Maintain a healthy weight: Overweight and obesity can alter hormonal levels in both men and women. Likewise, extreme underweight can also affect ovulation and hormonal production. Maintaining an adequate body mass index promotes better reproductive health.
Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise helps control weight, improve circulation, and reduce stress. However, experts warn that excessive and extreme exercise can also cause hormonal imbalances, especially in women.
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Avoid tobacco: Smoking is associated with a decrease in fertility in both sexes. In women, it can accelerate ovarian aging, while in men, it can affect sperm quality and motility.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with reproductive function and affect semen quality. It can also alter menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Sleep well and manage stress: Adequate rest and good stress management contribute to hormonal balance. Although stress by itself is not usually the main cause of infertility, it can influence daily habits and overall health.
Diseases that can affect fertility:
In women, some of the most frequent are polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and certain autoimmune diseases.
In men, problems such as varicocele, hormonal imbalances, infections, or disorders that affect sperm production can decrease fertility.
Sexually transmitted infections also represent a significant risk when not diagnosed and treated in time, as they can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs.
When should you seek a medical evaluation?
Specialists recommend seeking a fertility evaluation when a couple has been trying to conceive for a year through regular unprotected intercourse and has not achieved a pregnancy.
However, there are situations in which it is advisable to consult first:
- Women over 35 years old who have been trying to conceive for six months.
- Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of menstruation.
- History of endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Recurrent miscarriages.
- History of pelvic or testicular surgery.
- Known semen quality issues.
- Previous oncological treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Early evaluation can facilitate diagnosis and increase the chances of finding suitable solutions.
One of the most common misconceptions is believing that infertility is an exclusively female problem. Scientific evidence shows that male factors are involved in a significant proportion of cases.
Another myth is thinking that an apparently healthy person cannot have fertility problems. Many reproductive conditions do not present obvious symptoms and are only discovered during specialized medical studies.
It is also incorrect to assume that fertility treatments guarantee pregnancy. Although reproductive medicine has advanced significantly in recent decades, results can vary depending on age, the cause of the problem, and other individual factors.
Fertility is part of the overall health of both men and women. Maintaining healthy habits, attending regular medical check-ups, and paying attention to potential warning signs can help preserve reproductive capacity and detect problems early.
Specialists agree that information, prevention, and timely access to medical care are fundamental tools for those who wish to start a family, allowing for informed decisions regarding reproductive health and future well-being.
