When we are young, our focus is often on building relationships, developing our careers, travelling, and discovering our own interests. Starting a family is usually not at the top of the priority list and that is completely understandable.
Ironically, these are also the years when our fertility is at its highest. Then, when the time finally feels right to start trying for a baby, many couples are surprised to find that conception takes longer than they expected. It can be an emotional and lonely experience, especially when it seems as though everyone else is having children with ease.
There are several factors that can influence fertility, and being aware of them can help you make informed choices while also reminding you to be kind to yourself.
One of the biggest changes we have seen is that many women are choosing to start trying for a family later in life. While 30 is still young, female fertility does gradually decline with age, becoming more noticeable from around 35 years onwards. This doesn’t mean pregnancy isn’t possible but it can sometimes take longer or need assistance.
Our overall health and lifestyle also play an important role. Chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol, recreational drugs, environmental toxins, and some long-term health conditions can all contribute to oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s natural defences. Oxidative stress can damage both egg and sperm cells, reduce fertilisation rates, and it affects healthy embryo development.
Many women also accept monthly pelvic pain as something they simply have to live with. While period pain is common, it is not normal and ongoing or severe pain every month is not something to ignore. Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can sometimes go undiagnosed for years because symptoms are dismissed as ‘normal’. Seeking medical advice early can make a real difference.
Other health conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders may also affect fertility because they can influence hormone balance and the immune system. Managing these conditions well is an important part of supporting reproductive health.
When pregnancy doesn’t happen as quickly as hoped, many women instinctively place enormous pressure on themselves. However, fertility is not solely a woman’s responsibility. Around a third of unexplained infertility cases involve female factors, another third is impacted by male only factors. With a further third affected by a combination of both male and female factors.
Research has highlighted concerns about declining sperm quality. Lower sperm counts, reduced sperm movement and DNA fragmentation can all affect the chances of conception.
Perhaps the most important advice is this: face the journey together. Open, honest conversations with your partner can ease the emotional burden and encourage both of you to make positive lifestyle changes and seek support when needed. Fertility is a shared journey, and no one should feel they have to carry it alone. Looking after your physical health, prioritising rest, reducing stress where possible, and asking for help early are all positive steps that can support both your wellbeing and your hopes for the future.
by Amanda Roe, a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, Life and Health coach specialising in Women’s Health. She offers a range of services including acupuncture for fertility, pelvic floor dysfunction, scar’s and pain. She combines this with clinical hypnotherapy to help people suffering with trauma, fears, phobias and eating disorders. For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/text Amanda on: 087 633 1898
