Good health alone does not always guarantee fertility. Dr. Yeong Cheng Toh, our medical director and fertility specialist, explains why this is so and shares key insights into the factors influencing reproductive success.
The Link Between Health and Fertility
As awareness of health and wellness grows, many assume that maintaining physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle means good fertility. However, Dr Yeong explains that this is not always the case.
“Being young and healthy does not necessarily mean good fertility health,” he says. “While age plays a significant role, fertility is also influenced by reproductive health factors that may not be visible or directly linked to general well-being.”
Hidden Fertility Challenges
The path to parenthood isn’t always straightforward, even for those who appear to be in peak physical condition. Many factors can affect fertility. For women, these indicators can be irregular menstrual cycles, excruciating periods, unexpected bleeding between cycles, persistent pelvic pain, or a history of multiple miscarriages. Sometimes, subtle changes in weight, skin condition, or hair patterns could indicate hormonal imbalances that could affect fertility. Recognizing these early infertility signs allows for timely diagnosis and broader treatment consideration and enables proactive planning on the next steps.
Men are not exempted from fertility concerns either. Dr Yeong points out that changes in sexual function, discomfort or swelling in reproductive organs, and ejaculation issues can all be early signs of potential fertility challenges.
Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Fertility
Daily habits and lifestyle choices have a role to place in reproductive health. Dr Yeong emphasizes several key areas where modifications can significantly impact fertility potential:
Smoking is one of them.
“Smoking can reduce fertility by damaging the ovaries and depleting the egg supply too early,” Dr Yeong warns. He strongly recommends seeking professional help to quit smoking when planning for pregnancy.
Alcohol consumption is another critical factor. Heavy drinking can interfere with ovulation, potentially compromising fertility. “For the best chances of conceiving, it is advisable to stop drinking alcohol when trying to conceive and during pregnancy,” Dr Yeong says.
Even seemingly innocent habits like caffeine consumption require moderation. Following guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Yeong recommends limiting intake to one cup of coffee or three cups of tea daily. This measured approach helps maintain optimal conditions for conception.
Exercise: Finding the Right Balance
Physical activity supports overall well-being, but too much intense exercise can affect fertility. “Excessive workouts, such as prolonged running or high-intensity cycling, may impact ovulation and lower progesterone levels,” says Dr. Yeong.
The recommended limit for high-intensity exercise is five hours per week or 60 minutes daily to maintain fitness while protecting reproductive health.
Environmental Factors
Urban living life exposes us to various environmental toxins that can impact fertility. Familiar sources include pesticides and dry-cleaning solvents.
Even clothing and relaxation choices can impact fertility. Keeping the testicular area cool is essential for healthy sperm production, as excessive heat can reduce sperm count and quality. Avoiding hot baths, tight underwear, or clothing helps maintain an optimal temperature, supporting better reproductive health.
The Weight Factor
Body weight plays a significant role in fertility treatment outcomes, particularly for those undergoing IVF. Dr Yeong explains that being underweight can lead to irregular menstrual cycles or complete cessation of ovulation, making it challenging to retrieve an adequate number of eggs during IVF procedures. It may also reduce the chances of successful fertilization and embryo implantation.
Conversely, a high body weight presents another set of challenges. “Obesity is associated with hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance and elevated levels of certain hormones like leptin, which can disrupt ovulation and affect egg quality,” Dr Yeong notes. Additionally, obesity increases the risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which could further complicate fertility treatments.
Genetic Considerations in Fertility
Genetics plays a crucial role in fertility health, extending beyond the immediate goal of conception to the health of potential offspring. Dr Yeong emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genetic counselling, including extended carrier testing, to identify any inheritable conditions that might affect fertility or future children.
When to Seek Professional Assessment
Dr Yeong provides clear guidelines for when individuals should consider fertility testing:
- For those under 35, after one year of unsuccessful conception attempts
- For individuals over 35, after six months of trying
- When there are known reproductive health conditions
- If there’s a family history of fertility issues
- When experiencing irregular menstrual cycles
- Following reproductive surgery or infections
- After experiencing multiple miscarriages
The Role of Age and Medical History
While lifestyle changes can enhance fertility, age remains the most significant factor in predicting success. Additionally, existing medical conditions and medications can affect fertility treatments, so making early assessment helps.
Take a Proactive Approach
Fertility is influenced by more than just age and general health. A comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes, genetic considerations, and regular screenings—can help identify potential concerns early.
If you have questions about your fertility, Dr Yeong recommends seeking guidance from a specialist to personalize a plan that aligns with your unique health profile. Recognizing early signs and making informed changes today can better prepare you for your fertility journey.
