For some of you, fertility treatment has just begun. Some might be in the middle of a cycle or perhaps thinking about trying.  It’s never too late to start setting goals and deciding to make positive life changes. In this article, we have created a fertility goal checklist for you to help you set goals and consider making changes that can improve your chances of a pregnancy.

Your Fertility Goal Checklist:

Your age when trying to get pregnant:

We know you have heard this before, but it’s a really important message to send. AGE of the female is the SINGLE strongest determinant of success in IVF (and fertility in general). So if you are considering starting or continuing your fertility journey, are under 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully for pregnancy for 1 year, or over 35 for 6 months, then it is important to stop delaying and seek assistance. Fertility Solutions now has a tiered structure to treatment options. This also applies to treatment costs. If you are thinking that you can’t afford fertility treatment and IVF, you may want to consider our different options.  Click here to learn more on costs of IVF.

Your weight when trying to get pregnant:

Is weight an issue?  We know that it can be a sensitive issue for many, however being over or underweight does have a significant effect on a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Why is this? Being significantly under or overweight has been linked to women experiencing problems with ovulation (egg production). This subsequently causes irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, being overweight can also lead to an increased risk of miscarriage and difficulty in achieving a good response in fertility treatment. When you have lots of weight to lose, it can be daunting to look at your long-term weight goal. So it’s critical to set milestones along the way.

If you’re overweight and trying to get pregnant, start with the goal of losing just 5 percent of your weight. It has been know that even this small weight loss can, in some cases, help a woman’s menstrual cycle become normal again.  Once this is achieved, aim for 10 percent etc. Short-term goals are more achievable and realistic and help to keep you motivated. We have a few tips to help you with weight loss, click here.

Smoking and Alcohol when trying to get pregnant:

Smoking definitely affects the quality of eggs and sperm.  If you or your partner smoke, then not only should you think about the overall effect smoking has on your general health but also the effect it has on your ability to fall pregnant. Alcohol consumption should also be ceased when trying to become pregnant – there is no better reason to make changes than wanting to have a baby.

It is not too late to make a New Years Resolution!

We hope this fertility goal checklist has been helpful. If you need assistance to stop smoking or lose weight or have issues with any of the items mentioned above – make an appointment to have a chat with your GP.  There are a lot of ways they can assist you.  The New Year is a new start and a new beginning – we are always happy to discuss your personal situation and offer free consultations with a fertility nurse.  Book a Consultation with a Fertility Nurse.

Read more about:

Getting Started
How can I improve my chances of falling pregnant?
How can I improve my chances of falling pregnant? Part 2
Your Weight and Fertility
Infertility and How to Deal with Christmas Gatherings and Family