By Deborah Bamisaye
Welcome back! We can’t stop congratulating Segun and Shalewa who already have two beautiful children. You remember them? I’m sure you do! In this month’s edition, we want to continue the conversation. We were discussing the benefits of testing for fertility before wedding and we saw two benefits already in the last edition: How it Prevents Future Emotional Distress and How Decisions are Made based on information gotten from medical results of tests done. With that said, we will explore more benefits before we dive deeper. Shall we!
Potential Benefits of Testing before Wedding:
· Strengthening Communication and Trust: Undergoing tests together can foster openness, transparency, and support, potentially strengthening the relationship.
· Avoidance of Social Stigma: In some cultures, knowing fertility status beforehand can prevent social stigma or blame, especially towards women, if infertility is discovered later in marriage.
· Health and Family Planning: Early detection of fertility or genetic issues allows for timely medical intervention and better preparation for healthy pregnancies and offspring.
· Disease Prevention: Premarital fertility testing is often bundled with other health screenings (e.g., for sexually transmitted infections and genetic diseases), minimizing health risks to both partners and future children.
· It Tests the Authenticity of Acclaimed Love – Claiming ‘I love you’ should not just be by word of mouth or the urge not to remain lonely but should be truly meant. If you want to know someone who would trust you, who will stand by you just in case life happens after wedding (hope you know what I mean by that), this is the very first time to prove it by this test.
One Can Be Sure that:
Some would never attempt these tests maybe because they are yet to read what you are reading now, if so – then share this edition with them. It’s a digital world you know and sharing is as simple as abc. While a few would surely take the tests, which is always a better choice in my opinion and yet many for the sake of: ‘If the result is unfavorable and he rejects me, where will I start from.’ – The fear of ‘where will I start from’ is the major reason why most females (and a few males) would resist taking these tests. I do really understand and I empathize with you but the tests may actually be favourable you know – you never can tell and if otherwise, treatment starts for a healthier you and don’t forget, true love is put to test here. This is the time to know if he/she is only getting married to your face, your shape, your stature, your money or to who you really are. So, saying – ‘It’s worth it” may not be an understatement.
Now, we’ve had enough of actions to be taken before wedding. Let’s talk about actions after wedding; do you know that, some couples start worrying as early as 2-3 months into marriage or anything less than 1 year? While that may not be strange, it would be good to know when exactly the concern should begin, considering certain factors. Let go!
Married for Over a Year Now with No Children?
Married couples who are trying to have children are generally advised to start considering medical advice if they have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success, provided the woman is under 35 years old. If the woman is 35 or older, couples should seek advice after 6 months of trying to conceive. This is a common guideline to determine when to worry and seek help, as most couples conceive within a year of regular, unprotected sex.
Timing or Guidelines for Concern
· For women aged 35 or younger: worry and see a fertility specialist if no pregnancy occurs after 12 months of trying.
· For women older than 35: seek help after 6 months of trying.
· For women 40 and above: seek specialist advice as soon as trying to conceive begins because fertility naturally declines with age.
Considerations
- “Regular sex” typically means having intercourse every 2 to 3 days.
- Individual factors such as health status, medical history, and reproductive conditions may warrant earlier consultation.
- Both partners share equal fertility responsibilities, so both should be evaluated if problems arise.
These 2 Doctors have got this to say:
- Dr. I. S. Yakub, a leading infertility specialist in Abuja, Nigeria, advises that couples under the age of 35 should wait for one year of trying to conceive before consulting a fertility specialist. For those over 35, the waiting period is shorter at six months due to the increased likelihood of age-related fertility decline. He emphasizes seeking early medical advice if conception does not occur within these timelines, but also stresses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the process.
- Dr. Tayo Adeiyi, a gynaecologist, also underscores the importance of seeking medical help after one year of unprotected intercourse if conception has not occurred. This waiting period allows for natural conception chances while ensuring couples do not delay seeking timely treatment for infertility.
Both doctors agree that waiting one year is a reasonable time frame to allow natural conception while avoiding unnecessary early anxiety or delays in medical intervention when needed.
In the overall, couples should remain patient but also aware of this timeline to decide when to seek medical advice for fertility issues. Early discussion as a couple and with healthcare professionals can help address any concerns or underlying issues before they become more serious.
Come to think of it – Could there be things Waiting Couples are Not Doing Right Before Thinking Something is Wrong?
Sometimes – Yes! There are natural ways of ensuring couples play their part before thinking there is a problem.
Couples can improve fertility naturally before seeking medical help by adopting several lifestyle and dietary changes:
· Track ovulation to time intercourse during the fertile window, as the egg is viable for about 24 hours and sperm can survive up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract.
· Maintain a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels and ovulation in women and reduce sperm quality in men.
· Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (found in fruits, vegetables, nuts), omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients like folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E which protect sperm and egg cells from damage.
· Exercise moderately to improve overall health and fertility, avoiding excessive or intense workouts that might impair female fertility.
· Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and limit caffeine intake as these can negatively impact fertility in both men and women.
· Stay well hydrated to maintain cervical mucus quality important for sperm transport.
· Consider prenatal vitamins with folic acid and B vitamins to support fertility and pregnancy health.
· Men can improve sperm health by avoiding heat on the testes, such as by wearing loose underwear and avoiding hot baths.
These natural strategies support reproductive health and increase chances of conceiving naturally, but couples with ongoing difficulties should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
As we take a break on this topic now – we would love to have you join us again. Next month, we’ll begin with ‘Why it may be difficult for Quarrelling Couples to conceive according to research and after that, we’ll dive deeper into the topic. Get ready for more true-life stories as we run along.
See you soon!
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