Age and Lifestyle

Age

We know that, as women approach 40 years of age, their chances of success with assisted reproduction techniques fall and that over the age of 40 it becomes quite poor. At Queensland Fertility Group we will treat patients with their own eggs up to the age of 45 years, and patients with donor eggs up until the age of 50 years. 

Lifestyle is another key factor with studies proving that poor lifestyle choices can negatively affect fertility. When trying to fall pregnant, it's a good idea to examine your general health.

Weight


Women who are overweight or underweight have a reduced chance of success with infertility treatment. Abnormal weight is usually defined as a high BMI (body mass index) of >25 and a low BMI of <20. Evidence based on Australian and international studies have shown that the pregnancy rate is halved for very obese women.

Smoking


Both women and men are advised to stop smoking before starting treatment, not only because it reduces the chance of treatment working but also because of the adverse affects on a pregnancy. Patients who smoke will need twice as many IVF cycles when compared to non-smokers. For men, there is a link between smoking and poorer quality of sperm.

Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption


Excessive alcohol consumption is known to have an adverse effect on fertility and pregnancy so it's a good idea to cut down or abstain completely while trying to fall pregnant. Caffeine may also affect fertility by disrupting ovulation. Coffee consumption should be limited to 1 cup per day.