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Writer's pictureJimena Castro

Factors that affect fertility

Updated: Oct 29, 2021

"Forget all the reasons it won’t work and believe the one reason it will."

If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, you're not alone, in the United States alone 10 to 15% of couples are infertile.


According to the CDC, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex.

Factors that affect fertility

Men and women normally present the same factors that tend to increase infertility.

  • Age

  • Overweight and underweight

  • Exercise issues

  • Smoking, excessive use of alcohol, and use of other drugs such as marijuana

  • Exposure to testosterone or other medications (flutamide, cyproterone, bicalutamide, spironolactone, ketoconazole, or cimetidine)

  • Exposure to radiation

  • Frequent exposure of the testes to high temperatures

  • Exposure to environmental toxins (pesticides, lead, cadmium or mercury)

When to seek medical advice

Women seeking to get pregnant and have been having difficulties conceiving for at least one year should talk to a health provider earlier if:

  • Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer

  • Are over age 40

  • Have irregular or absent periods

  • Have very painful periods

  • Have known fertility problems

  • Have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Have had multiple miscarriages

  • Have undergone treatment for cancer


Men on the other hand should talk to the doctor if they have:


  • A low sperm count or other problems with sperm

  • A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems

  • Undergone treatment for cancer

  • Small testicles or swelling in the scrotum

  • Others in your family with infertility problems

Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies that significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant.


Treatment of Infertility:

A couple or a single mother can conceive their baby through different fertility approaches:

  • Artificial Insemination:

Artificial Insemination is also called Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or low complexity treatment. It is effective for male infertility, ovulatory disorder, the difficulty of intercourse with normal sperm count, frozen sperm, or the infertility of unexplained causes. The procedure entails inserting prepared sperm into the female reproductive system for fertilization. The washed sperm can be by partner or donor. Artificial Insemination requires ovary stimulation with medication to achieve desired results. The success rate of artificial insemination is highest when under 35 years.


Artificial insemination is not advised for females above the age of 40. However, alternative fertility options are still suitable for older mothers.

  • In_vitro fertilization (IVF):




In-vitro fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) considered a high complexity treatment. It was previously known as Test Tube Babies. IVF involves stimulating and retrieving multiple mature vegas that are later fertilized with sperm in a laboratory under suitable conditions for successful fertilization. After the fertilization, the embryo is implanted in the female uterus by a surgical procedure.


The success rate of IVF is above 50% for women under 35 and lower with the increasing age. IVF is helpful in both primary and secondary infertility due to problems conceiving a second child.

  • Other Fertility Treatment options:

There are other several fertility treatments options that your doctor can suggest.


Reception of Oocytes from the Partner (ROPA) Method: This allows same-sex couples to “share motherhood”, one female donates her eggs for fertilization while the other receives the embryo in her uterus.


OVODONATION: helps mothers with ovulation problems to conceive. The process consists of fertilizing the eggs of a donor with the sperm of the couple.


FERTILITY PRESERVATION: the storing or freezing of sperms makes possible the pregnancy later on suitable time.


We understand infertility is a problem for a lot of couples and women trying to build a family. We know and understand that the process is hard and emotionally draining; that is why Medical Tourism Advisors will be helping the patient along the whole process providing them with all the support they need. We have managed to establish lasting relationships with top fertility clinics in Costa Rica that will help patients achieve their goals. Medical tourism advisors are here for you before, during, and after treatment. Contact us and let us help you start your journey to parenthood.








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