Currently, about one in eight Ontario couples is struggling to build a family. Female infertility problems producing eggs, blocked Fallopian tubes or endometriosis is responsible for about 51% of fertility problems. Male infertility, including low sperm counts and abnormally-shaped or slow-moving sperm, accounts for another 19%. About 18% of infertility is a combination of male and female factors, and 12% is unexplained.
A woman’s fertility can be affected by many factors, including:
Her age.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Cigarette smoking or heavy use of alcohol and some recreational drugs.
Unhealthy weight.
Environmental toxins, radiation, certain chemicals and pesticides.
Past use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control.
Presence of other conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disease, pituitary growths and tuberculosis.
Cancer treatments (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation).
Abdominal or pelvic surgery.71
For most women, fertility begins declining around age 30 even for women with healthy lifestyles. This is because:
Every woman is born with all of the eggs she is ever going to have. Each month, for every egg that is released and available for fertilization, many eggs mature and most are absorbed into the body. Most women will ovulate about 400 times in their lifetime.
Eggs get older as women age, making conception more difficult and increasing the chance for chromosomal abnormalities, which often causes miscarriage.
Many women are not aware of how they can be proactive in protecting their reproductive health.
A man’s fertility can be affected by many factors, including:
His age.
STIs.
Cigarette smoking or heavy use of alcohol.
Use of prescription medications, over-the-counter and recreational drugs and anabolic steroids.
Occupational hazards that expose men to toxins or high temperatures.
Treatment for cancer.
Any injuries or health conditions that affect the male reproductive organs, such as varicocele, injuries to the testicles, testicular cancer, hormone problems, vasectomy, impotence, birth defects and autoimmune disorders.72
It is important for primary care practitioners to discuss the relevant factors for infertility with their patients. Canadians should know how to best protect their fertility, but also be aware that no amount of prevention can reverse age-related fertility decline. Where there are no other fertility problems, leading a healthy lifestyle (e.g., maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking) may help to increase the chances of conceiving, but it cannot change the fact that fertility declines with age.
Every woman is born with all of the eggs she is ever going to have. Each month, for every egg that is released and available for fertilization, many eggs mature and most are absorbed into the body. Most women will ovulate about 400 times in their lifetime.
Eggs get older as women age, making conception more difficult and increasing the chance for chromosomal abnormalities, which often causes miscarriage.