ClareThere are a number of considerations when it comes to fertility and ensuring the happy health of your future baby. There may be some areas that you hadn’t thought about either, which can help with your future plans. Here are some health conditions that have the potential to impact fertility.
Pelvic surgery
If you have had any form of pelvic surgery, such as a laparoscopy, then scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes can affect fertility. The cervix can be heavily affected, depending on the outcome of the surgery.
Endometriosis
This is a condition where small pieces of the womb lining, known as the endometrium, begin to grow in other places. Normally this level of growth can occur around the ovaries which can cause immense pain and discomfort to sufferers, as well as causing issues in fertility. Fertility is affected in this case if the condition causes damage to the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Certain drugs and medications
Illegal drugs are known to cause more complications, such as Class A drugs. Like with smoking and alcohol consumption, they will be spoken about at length with your GP before and during your pregnancy.
Other medications can cause issues as well. For example, chemotherapy if you are receiving treatment for cancer. They can cause ovary failure, which are required to function in order to conceive properly.
It’s therefore important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking ahead of time, so that they can make arrangements or discuss other options for you.
Sterilisation
If you have opted to be sterilised it means you have opted to have your fallopian tubes blocked so that it is impossible for an egg to travel through to the womb. These are not normally reversible and will cause big issues if you are not prepared in the future for children.
So long as you are kept in the know about what can cause infertility, and what conditions can affect fertility, then you will be able to prepare and know what could be deemed necessary for your health. Should you require further advice, you could always go for a fertility evaluation appointment to see what you can receive support in.
*This is a collaborative post.
