Prevention of Infertility

Not all infertility can be prevented, but many risks can be reduced.

Protect your reproductive health

• Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and get tested and treated promptly. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can damage the tubes.
• Treat pelvic infections early.
• Do not delay care for pelvic pain or very painful periods.
• Get vaccinated against mumps and other illnesses that can affect fertility.

Lifestyle

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do not smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Avoid recreational drugs and anabolic steroids.
• Manage stress and sleep.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid extremes.

Plan the timing

• Fertility declines with age, especially after 35 in women. If you plan a family, consider when to start trying.
• Seek advice early if you are 35 or older, or have known risks.

Before treatments that affect fertility

If you need chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, ask about fertility preservation, such as freezing eggs, sperm or embryos, before treatment.

At work and home

Reduce exposure to heat, pesticides and industrial chemicals, as advised.

Manage long-term illness

Keep diabetes, thyroid disease and other conditions well controlled.

Key point

Protecting against infection, living healthily and not delaying evaluation are the most useful steps.

Before your appointment

Come as a couple if you can. Note how long you have been trying, cycle length and regularity, past pregnancies, surgeries, infections and medicines. Bring past reports and, if available, a semen analysis. List supplements and herbs you take, along with smoking, alcohol and exercise habits. Ask about tests, treatment options, costs, success rates and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.