There are rarely signs or symptoms of infertility, which is why consistent checkups with an OB-GYN are so important. Early detection of a problem is one of the most efficient ways to combat infertility and achieve successful pregnancy outcomes later.
Although there are oftentimes no warning signs for infertility, there are certain known factors that can put you more at risk, including age, weight, presence of STDs, smoking and alcohol consumption, premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, and poly-cystic ovarian syndrome. This list of factors can seem overwhelming, but many are within your control and preventable. For instance, women with a BMI greater than 30 are significantly more likely to have a difficult time getting pregnant, and are more prone to miscarriages than women with a BMI of less than 30. Just like with most aspects of your health, there are steps you can take to improve your fertility health. Losing weight, refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol use and getting regular exams are all things you can do to better your chances of being able to conceive. If your infertility stems from something you cannot control, such as endometriosis, there are many different treatment options that will greatly increase your chances of conception.