May 6, 2016

What are the 8 essential things you need to know about infertility?

Positive Mind Body Australia May 4, 2016

1) You are not alone — approximately 1 in 6 couples in Australia experience issues with infertility. Even though situations may be different, it is important to know that you are not alone. The isolation often felt during this time can be excruciating due to how we deal with this in society. We need to break down the silence and offer care and support to those with fertility issues rather than judgment, harsh criticism or worst still a complete lack of awareness that not everyone can automatically have children when they want.

2) Fertility treatments cover a wide range of issues and success rates vary. You may be suitable for treatments other than IVF so it is important to discuss with your doctor your concerns about fertility early. Treatment may not be as easy or as successful as you think. Many women/couples undergo several cycles before they experience success, and success is not always guaranteed.

3) Both partners need to be tested — don’t assume the issue lies with one person. Men are notoriously late in getting tested and yet they represent approximately one third of fertility issues. Men may need support to get over the embarrassment factor, however it is important that testing is done early.

4) Timing is everything — don’t assume that everything is working and you will be able to fall pregnant when you want. Research suggests that most people don’t know very much about fertility until they start trying to conceive. Fertility begins to decline around 30 years of age, however if you experience PCOS or endometriosis, you may experience difficulty earlier. Egg quality declines at aged 35 and even more so at 40. Sperm quality also declines as men age.

5) Celebrity babies reinforce myths — Don’t be fooled by all celebrity ‘miracle pregnancies’ you read about, many of these are either IVF, donor egg or surrogacy babies, however strap-on baby bumps can keep the celebrity secrets.

6) Lifestyle is a major contributor to healthy reproduction. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, exercise and nutrition all play a part. You need to have good medical and health advice, support and guidance on taking care of yourself when you are trying to conceive and to carry to full term. If you treat your body like you are already pregnant you will probably have a healthier body to enhance your chances of conceiving and carrying to full term.

7) Managing stress is a major component of infertility, staying in fertility treatments and often the success of fertility treatments. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can not only reduce stress and its impact on the body, they can also encourage the body’s natural healing system to support conception.

8) The Mind Body Program for Fertility is a research proven 10-week group program that enhances your chance of conceiving whether you are trying naturally or going through IVF. The programs are available in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. To learn more about the Mind Body Program in your region:

http://www.positivemindbody.com.au/mind-body-program-for-fertility/

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