Prevention of Infertility in Men and Women

Some
types of infertility are preventable. But several strategies may increase your
chances of pregnancy.

Prevention of Infertility for Couples

Razzak
and Wais (2012) stated that for couples, having regular intercourse several
times around the time of ovulation offers the highest pregnancy rate.
Intercourse occurring several days before and until a day after ovulation
improves the probability of pregnancy. This is usually at the middle of the
cycle halfway between menstrual periods for most women with menstrual cycles 28
days apart.

Prevention of
Infertility for Men

For
men, although most types of infertility are not preventable, Razzak and Wais (2012)
stated that these strategies may help:

·
Avoid drug and tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, which may contribute to male infertility.

·
Avoid high temperatures as this can affect sperm production and motility.

·
Avoid exposure to industrial or environmental toxins, which can impact sperm production.

·
Limit medications that may impact fertility, both prescription and non-prescription drugs.

Exercise
regularly, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is directly related to testosterone
levels, which is a key hormone responsible for sperm production. Eating a
balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients to optimize sperm function
and minimize the effects of factors which may otherwise damage sperm.
Treating
reversible causes, such as a varicocele frequently improves sperm numbers and quality
and may help to prevent further loss of fertility.

Prevention of
Infertility for Women

For
women, a number of strategies may increase the chances of becoming pregnant
which according to Razzak and Wais (2012) include:

·
Exercise moderately: Regular exercise is important, but if the woman is exercising so
intensely that causes periods to be infrequent or absent, fertility may be
impaired.

·
Avoid weight extremes: Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone production and cause
infertility.

Quit
smoking: Tobacco has multiple negative effects on fertility, not to mention
the general health and the health of a foetus.
Avoid
alcohol and street drugs: These substances may impair a woman’s ability
to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Expectant women should avoid drinking
of alcohol or use illegal drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine.
Limit
medications that may impact fertility: The use of some prescription and non-prescription
drugs can decrease a woman’s chance of getting pregnant or keeping a
pregnancy. Expectant women should stop taking prescription medications
without medical advice.
Limit
caffeine. Women trying to get pregnant should limit caffeine intake.