IVF Babble

Seven “fertile” truths

Did you know that one in six couples around the world has difficulty conceiving?

Infertility has taken on significant dimensions in recent years, as one in six couples has difficulty conceiving. Here Mrs Alexia Chatziparasidou, Senior Clinical Embryologist and Director of Embryolab, responds to some of our reader’s questions on this important health issue which concerns us all.

Fertility is not always a given!

Even young people may experience fertility disorders. There does not even have to be any symptoms or a medical history.

Our fertility is affected by age!

Even though life expectancy has generally increased around the world, it does not necessarily mean that women remain fertile for longer. It is only natural to experience a gradual decline in our fertility as years go by. Women are more vulnerable over time, with their fertility range rarely exceeding two decades.

Men are also vulnerable as they get older

Studies have shown that there is an increasingly negative effect both on the sperm quality as well as on its genetic composition, as paternal age increases.

Science is incapable of remedying ovulation and spermatogenesis disorders

Despite the significant progress in the field over the last 39 years, science is still unable to remedy the disorders caused by age in ovulation and spermatogenesis (the production and development of sperm) processes.

Our lifestyle affects our fertility

Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition and increased body weight affect both the egg quality and the spermatozoa (mature sperm cells), as well as the likelihood of embryo implantation in the uterus.

There are substances that cause temporary or permanent fertility loss

Systematic intake of androgens or related formulations to improve sport performance as well as the use of narcotic drugs can cause temporary or permanent loss of fertility.

What about medical treatments for serious or chronic diseases?

Medications specifically for serious or chronic diseases (i.e. cancer, autoimmune diseases) can significantly affect fertility both for men and women.

Click here to contact Mrs Alexia Chatziparasidou, Biologist, Sr. Clinical Embryologist, ESHRE accredited, Director of Embryolab’s Assisted Reproduction Clinic

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