Different paths to conception
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a widely recognized method of assisted conception. This process begins with hormone treatments and injections designed to stimulate the ovaries, encouraging them to produce more eggs. Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved and then fertilized with a sperm sample in a laboratory to create embryos. The final step involves transferring the embryos into the uterus, with the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a procedure that aids natural conception by placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus. This technique boosts the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes and fertilizing the mature egg. In some cases, medications and a trigger injection are used to stimulate the production of multiple eggs and to time their release accurately.
Ovulation Induction is a hormone treatment that uses oral medications such as Clomid or Letrozole to stimulate the ovaries to develop eggs and induce ovulation. This increases the chances of successful conception through timed intercourse. It can be used as a primary method or in conjunction with IUI, especially for women with irregular menstrual cycles or those who do not ovulate.
Age and Lifestyle
When it comes to fertility, age and lifestyle play important roles for both women and men. Understanding how these factors affect reproductive health can help you make informed choices, take proactive steps, and seek support when needed.
Why Age and Lifestyle Matter
Fertility is closely linked to overall wellbeing. While some factors—like age—are beyond our control, lifestyle choices can significantly influence reproductive health. Recognising these influences empowers individuals and couples to protect and plan for their fertility with confidence.
Female Fertility
Age as a factor
- Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have.
- Egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age, particularly after 35.
- As eggs age, the likelihood of chromosomal changes increases, which may affect conception or pregnancy outcomes.
- Fertility treatments such as IVF can still be effective, but success rates tend to decrease with advancing age.
Lifestyle as a factor
- Weight: Being significantly underweight or overweight may disrupt normal ovulation.
- Smoking and alcohol: Both can affect egg quality and reduce the chances of conception.
- Stress: Prolonged or high stress may influence hormone balance and menstrual regularity.
- Nutrition and exercise: Balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and moderate physical activity can support overall reproductive health.
Male Fertility
- Men continue to produce sperm throughout life, but sperm quality may decline with age.
- Older age may be associated with reduced sperm motility and increased DNA fragmentation.
- Lifestyle habits—such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, or frequent exposure to heat (e.g., hot tubs, laptops on the lap)—can lower sperm count and quality.
- Health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance may also affect fertility potential.
When to Seek Advice
Consider consulting a fertility specialist if:
- You have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (or 6 months if the woman is over 35).
- You have lifestyle or medical factors known to affect fertility.
- You or your partner experience irregular menstrual cycles, low sperm count, or other reproductive concerns.
- You wish to explore fertility preservation options, such as egg or sperm freezing.
Supporting Your Fertility Journey
At GenPrime, we believe fertility care starts with awareness. Our team provides education, assessment, and support to help individuals and couples understand how age and lifestyle influence reproductive health.