Fertility awareness: What every student should know about future family planning
February 4, 2025
Fertility can fluctuate with age. While not everyone aspires to have children in the future, some do. Regardless of where you stand, this information is valuable should you decide to pursue parenthood later on.
As time goes by, reproductive health tends to decline. Age is the most critical factor affecting female fertility. For many women, the optimal age to conceive falls between 23 and 31. A healthy woman in her 30s has approximately a 20-25% chance of getting pregnant in a single cycle. After reaching 31, a woman's odds of conception decrease by roughly 3% each year.
Menopause signifies the end of fertility for women. Typically, women enter menopause in their early 50s. However, the inability to conceive and sustain a pregnancy generally begins before menopause occurs.
At any age, your lifestyle choices can influence your chances of conceiving. Maintaining a healthy weight, as advised by your healthcare provider, is vital for preventing and addressing various health concerns, including fertility issues. It's important to focus on a suitable diet and exercise routine to achieve and maintain that weight.
Here are a few additional considerations:
- Limit or avoid alcohol: Excessive drinking is associated with an increased risk of ovulation issues.
- Reduce caffeine: It's recommended to consume less than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily, which equates to about one or two 6-ounce to 8-ounce cups of coffee.
- Avoid excessive exercise: Even individuals at a healthy weight can experience negative effects on ovulation and lower progesterone levels from overly intense workouts.
- Steer clear of toxins: Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, dry-cleaning chemicals, and lead, can adversely affect fertility. Stay informed about these hazards and try to minimize your exposure.
Source: 37th Training Wing
Ultimately, being informed about fertility and making mindful lifestyle choices now can empower you to make the best decisions for your future, whether that includes starting a family or not.
