Infertility Risk Assessment

Women: Know Your Fertility Risks

Learn about some risks for infertility and what you might do to preserve your own ability to conceive a child.

Infertility is a disease that affects about 6 million American couples, roughly 10 percent of the reproductive age population. It’s not just a female problem - men and women contribute about equally to the cause. Being aware of some risks for infertility may help you avoid a struggle when it comes time to try to get pregnant.

If you have any risk factors for infertility or have tried to conceive for one year without success, talk to your doctor.

Risk	The facts	What you can do
Age	A woman’s fertility starts to decline in her late 20s.	Contemplate your desire for a family and try to factor it in with other life plans, such as career and education.
Endometriosis	Cells from the lining of the uterus migrate elsewhere in the pelvis and implant and grow, causing infertility.	Consider using hormonal contraceptives, such as the Pill or a vaginal ring or patch. They minimize growth of the uterine lining during each monthly cycle.
Heredity	Women whose mother or sisters have endometriosis are more likely to develop the disease. (see Endometriosis risk factor)	Talk to your doctor about being tested for early detection and treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome	Women with PCOS have irregular periods or no periods at all, and thus experience months when they do not ovulate and therefore cannot get pregnant.	See a reproductive endocrinologist for a complete hormonal workup. Drug therapies can help women with PCOS ovulate more consistently.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases	If left untreated, STDs can infect the upper genital tract, causing scar tissue and damage to the fallopian tubes.	Consider using a condom, which offers the most protection against STDs. Be cautious about using an IUD, which may increase risk of pelvic infection and incidence of infertility.
Cancer Treatment	Radiation and chemotherapy treatments frequently damage ovaries.	Discuss options with your doctor such as emerging technology in freezing eggs and ovarian tissue or surgically moving ovaries away from areas to be irradiated.
Smoking	Smoking is harmful to ovaries, and causes rapid depletion of eggs. It also increases the risk of miscarriage.	Talk to your doctor about a plan to quit smoking.
Premature Menopause	If a woman’s mother experienced menopause earlier than age 40, she has a higher chance of premature menopause as well.	Ask your mother when she experienced menopause so you know what to expect. Discuss with your doctor, too.
Surgery of reproductive organs	Loss of an ovary, tubal ligation or surgery for cervical dysplasia may all make it more difficult to become pregnant.	Let your doctor know if you’ve had such surgery; you may need medical intervention to conceive.

Men: Know Your Fertility Risks

Learn about some risks for infertility and what you might do to preserve your own ability to conceive a child.

Infertility is a disease that affects about 6 million American couples, roughly 10 percent of the reproductive age population. It’s not just a female problem — men and women contribute about equally to the cause. Being aware of some risks for infertility may help you avoid a struggle when it comes time to try to get pregnant.

If you have any risk factors for infertility or have tried to conceive for one year without success, talk to your doctor.

Risk	The facts	What you can do
Age	A man’s fertility begins to drop after age 35	Contemplate your desire for a family and try to factor it in with other life plans, such as career and education.
Exposure to chemicals	Radiation, pesticides and industrial solvents may harm sperm production.	Avoid exposure to these agents; see urologist for a semen analysis.
Exposure to heat	Prolonged or repeated exposure to heat impairs sperm count, movement, and formation.	Avoid hot tubs and saunas. Wear loose-fitting undergarments such as boxer shorts.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases	If left untreated, STDs can damage the delicate organs that transport sperm.	Consider using a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, which offers the most protection against STDs
Cancer treatment	Radiation and chemotherapy treatments frequently damage sperm-producing cells.	Men about to undergo cancer treatment might investigate sperm banking
Varicocele	Varicose veins in the scrotum, or varicocele, lead to abnormal sperm production and movement.	See a urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Surgery of reproductive organs	A vasectomy causes sterility by cutting the tubes that move sperm.	A urologic microsurgeon can perform a vasectomy reversal.
Prescription Drug Use	Some prescription drugs can cause infertility, including medications to treat heart disease and high blood pressure.	Provide your doctor with a complete list of prescriptions you are taking, asking specifically if they impact fertility.
Smoking	Smoking lowers sperm counts, hampers sperm movement and causes some sperm to be abnormally shaped.	Talk to your doctor about a plan to quit smoking.

You can find out more about fertility and infertility diagnosis and treatment from the American Fertility Association. Visit our Web site http://www.theafa.org, or visit http://www.focusonfertility.org.

This fact sheet is part of the Focus On Fertility campaign (http://www.focusonfertility.org) and is sponsored by OrganonUSA (http://www.organonusa.com).

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Infertility Risk Assessment

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