Seek help now to increase your chances of conception

By Keith Emuang

When fertility help is sought, the doctor will obtain as much information as possible about the couple's medical and sexual background.

Dr Ho Hon Kwok, Consultant OG, Mount Alvernia Medical Centre, "I usually speak with the couple together, looking into their lifestyles to help with my assessment of their fertility status. This is done before any general or reproductive screening is carried out."

If deemed necessary, a sperm analysis is done on the husband's sperm (after three days of abstinence) to assess its quality, quantity, vitality and morphology (form and shape). Should the results be less than ideal, further semen culture and hormonal tests may be ordered.

"For a woman, besides her medical background and family history of any genetic problems, details of her menses, fertility history and use of contraception are vital. Any history of urogenital infections is also asked for," stresses Dr Ann Tan, Consultant OG at the Women & Fetal Centre.

A woman may need to undergo a full pelvic ultrasound examination to identify the presence of endometriotic cysts, fibroids or polycystic ovary syndrome while, according to Dr Tan, basic hormonal studies are key to understanding her fertility status.

Blood tests are important to evaluate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and estradiol levels, which indicate the egg reserves in a woman’s ovaries.

To determine the presence of abnormalities of the uterus (e.g. polyps, fibroids), ovaries (e.g. cysts), pelvis (e.g. endometriosis) as well as whether the fallopian tubes are blocked, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) may be performed. Some conditions can be corrected during laparoscopy, which is carried out as day-surgery under general anaesthesia.  

Raising the odds
Besides subscribing to a healthy lifestyle incorporating a well-balanced diet, exercise and adequate rest, doctors advise couples to be aware of any existing medical conditions and take measures to keep them under control.

Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, over-exercise, obesity, anorexia and excessive coffee intake are also known to affect fertility. Addictive or lifestyle drugs are other causes while STDs, associated with having multiple sex partners, can cause blocked and diseased fallopian tubes.

Stress, which is another obstacle for conception, also has to be properly managed. 

Dr Cheng elaborates, "For a man, physical or mental stress can affect his ability to have an erection, and thus performance. For women, it may disrupt her menstrual cycle. She may even stop ovulating altogether."

On nutritional supplements, doctors recommend vitamins C, E and A for both, while the husband may benefit from added intake of selenium, zinc and calcium. Folic acid is prescribed for the female as it reduces the chances of neural tube defects in baby should she conceive.

Though unproven, Dr Ho suggests herbal supplements.

"Swiss oats is believed to boost energy and counter lethargy. At the end of the day, no energy means no sex and without sex, forget about baby."

It is also vital to build on the level of intimacy to promote a healthy sex life, one that Dr Loh feels should mean having sex at least three times a week.

Dr Ann Tan sums it up; "If you want to start a family, don't let finances cloud you to avoid starting earlier in life for a child. Money can always be earned but fertility is a gift voucher with an expiry date."

- Mother & Baby
Grab your latest issue at all major newsstands and bookstores today!