We worry about our heart, bone and skin health, but do we worry enough about our fertility health?
Dr Ashish Das, medical director of City Fertility Centre Brisbane, said for those lucky enough, having a baby was one of the most significant things that could happen in their lives, but most took it for granted that it would happen easily, when they were ready.
“The fact is that one in six couples have trouble falling pregnant,” Dr Das said.
“Fertility issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including increasing maternal age, lifestyle, environmental factors and medical conditions, among others.
“Age is one of the top reasons people have trouble conceiving, as fertility declines as age increases. Women are most fertile in their 20s, but due to a change in lifestyle, many people are delaying having children until after this age.”
Official figures show the average maternal age in Australia has now reached 30.
Dr Das said although the age clock could not be wound back, people could take other steps to optimise their fertility, including simple things such as managing their weight, exercising and eating well.
In addition, Dr Das said, many common medical issues that impacted on fertility, including endometriosis, ovulation disorders and blockages, were mostly treatable.
City Fertility, which has clinics across Brisbane – including at Chermside Medical Complex (2/956 Gympie Rd) – will set up an information booth at Westfield Chermside shopping centre from Monday, June 18, to Sunday, June 24, to answer your fertility-related questions.
The information stand will be manned by nurses and other staff from the fertility centre, and visitors can undertake a free fertility health check in the form of a quiz.
Free Introduction to Fertility Treatment brochures will also be available, covering topics from “What is Infertility?” to “Optimising Your Chances” and “Possible Treatments”.
The information booth will be near Godfreys from 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 9pm Thursday and 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday. Westfield Chermside is at the corner of Gympie and Hamilton Rds.
For more information, contact City Fertility Centre Brisbane on 1800 123 483 or visit www.cityfertility.com.au.
Fertility Fitness Tips
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet that provides adequate protein, carbohydrate and fibre.
- Aim to undertake moderate exercise for an average of 30 minutes three times a week.
- Take folic acid for the three months before and for the first three months of pregnancy (females only).
- Restrict alcohol intake.
- Stop smoking and any drug use.
- Check your medications/supplements intake with your doctor.
- Limit your caffeine intake.
