Endometriosis is a condition that is underdiagnosed by many physicians, and it's also underappreciated by many patients. Endometriosis exists in approximately 50% of women who struggle with infertility. This condition can result in adhesions, scarring, and inflammation—all things that greatly impact the function of your fertility.

This condition happens when the endometrial cells (the cells that line the uterus) spread outside of the uterus and develop endometrial lesions across all pelvic organs. It typically affects the ovaries most significantly, as well as the uterosacral ligaments. Once a woman develops endometriotic lesions, the inflammatory process that occurs often damages the fallopian tubes.

There is a significant amount of research that shows women who have endometriosis experience altered immunological responses. This can make the conditions for conception less than perfect. It can also have a direct impact on a woman's ovarian reserve, and it influences a woman's egg quality too.

The symptoms associated with endometriosis can also negatively influence a woman's fertility. Many women with this condition experience painful sex. They may also experience serious pain, bloating, and cramping between periods, which can also make a woman feel less inclined towards intimacy.

What should women with endometriosis do to support their fertility? Surgery is an option for temporary relief. Cysts and lesions can be carefully removed to reduce symptoms and improve fertility. Addressing hormonal issues with progesterone, or in some cases progesterone blockers, are other options. If you have endometriosis, visit your doctor and discuss your options—you do have some available to you.

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If you're experiencing fertility challenges, you should be aware of the different factors that have a significant influence on your fertility health. In this episode we're covering two of those factors: the cervical factor and the vaginal factor. There are various health aspects to consider for each factor, and this information is valuable to all women.

The cervix is a structure that guards the uterus. The size, shape, and appearance of the cervix differs greatly depending on a woman's age, medical background, and whether or not she's had children in the past. The interaction between the sperm and the cervical mucus is very important to fertility.

A woman's body has built-in systems to protect it, and in some cases—typically an overactive response—sperm will be deemed as a "foreign invader" and killed. This will have an effect on how baby-friendly your body is. Removal of abnormal cells on the cervix can also impact mucus production, which can in turn have a negative impact on fertility.

There are various aspects of vaginal health to consider for fertility as well. First, women who experience pain during sex will have a difficult time conceiving, for the obvious reason that intercourse may be difficult or less common. There are topical therapies and other types of therapies that can help mitigate this pain.

Vaginal dryness and recurrent vaginal infections can also reduce the likelihood of sperm survival. Vaginal health issues should not be ignored, so don't delay going to a medical professional. The best doctor to see is a gynecologist—especially if you are trying to get pregnant.

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Our human reproductive system is delicate, so if you're planning to have a baby, you'll want to know the things to look out for to give yourself the best chance of a successful pregnancy. In this episode, we'll be discussing the various tubal factors and uterine factors that could impact your pregnancy and lead to loss.

Poor egg quality is a crucial factor too, as is sperm quality. These can lead to embryos with genetic problems, and therefore a non-viable pregnancy. Healthy sperm should be able to travel into the fallopian tube to meet the egg there. The fallopian tube needs to be able to grab the egg for this meeting to take place.

The uterus has to be ready to not just receive the fertilized egg, but also be ready for implantation so the fetus can begin to grow. It's important to have a "baby friendly" uterus–this is when the thickness of the uterine lining really matters. Uterine deformities can occur in women and impact her ability to grow a healthy child.

Uterine polyps, uterine fibroids, and scar tissues are the main uterine factors that negatively influence fertility. Fibroids specifically can disrupt or deform the uterine cavity, and they may even interfere with the fallopian tubes. These can also cause bloating, distention, and pain. Many women with fibroids get pregnant easily, but a small percentage will have resulting difficulties.

Implantation requires a very specific molecular attachment process, and many chemical pregnancy losses are due to an issue with this process. This is just one of many things that has to go right for a healthy pregnancy, which truly serves as a reminder of what a miracle it is for women to be able to get pregnant and have a baby in the first place.

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If you're a couple looking to start or grow your family, this episode will have lots of valuable information for you: we're discussing fertility factors you should consider when planning for a child. If you've been trying for six months or longer and you and your partner are over 30 years old, don't wait to seek support sooner rather than later.

The biggest thing you should consider as a couple trying to conceive is the male factor, and doing a sperm analysis is simple. Your medical professionals will look for motility, morphology, and sperm count. This issue is estimated to be the problem in about 20% of all fertility cases, but it can also be easily ruled out.

As far as female factors, a woman's ovaries and hormones need to be considered. Issues with ovaries are the underlying cause for about 40% of infertility cases. Lab tests, like an ultrasound or ovarian reserve test, can help rule out any issues with your ovaries.

If for any reason you want or need to freeze your eggs, the best time to do it is in your mid-20s. Your 30s is not too late, either. However, in many cases, women don't consider this until much later, like in their 40s. Take time to weigh your life goals and aspirations, including having children, when the time is optimal if you can.

Brain issues, like pituitary tumors, can also have an impact on fertility. Benign tumors that develop and grow can have a negative influence on your fertility too. Up to 50% of women could have PCOS, and the estrogen dominance associated with this condition can also lead to fertility issues for couples.

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Many women have a unique story regarding their experiences and choices with their fertility. For those women looking to preserve their fertility for the right time, this episode is for you. First, peak fertility for a woman is in her early-to-mid 20s. All women are born with the number of eggs they will have for their life.

The number of eggs you have is far less important than the quality of eggs you have. When you are young, you are likely to be more resilient. This leads to better egg quality, but it also provides you with the resources you need to raise a child. The later in life you decide to become a mother, the less likely you are to have help available from your parents as well.

In every cycle, somewhere between 20 and 50 eggs are recruited for one mature egg. Women also lose about 1000 eggs each month, mostly as they get older. So, in spite of being born with a large amount of eggs, our ovarian reserve goes down quite drastically over time.

Certain conditions, like endometriosis or tumors, can impact your fertility. Young women who go through psychological stress or abuse also have very little ovarian reserve. Negative emotions and chronic stress influences endorphin output and can lead to poor nutrient flow to the ovaries.

Lack of sleep can impact your ovarian function too. A positive, non-stressful environment, moderate exercise, and quality sleep are all very important factors that affect your fertility. Certain foods can also expose you to hormone disruptors, which can also negatively impact your fertility. Lastly, it's important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol if you want to prioritize the health of your eggs.

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The fallopian tubes are an essential part of the female reproductive system. They are soft tubes that play a crucial role in the process of transferring eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. These tubes also provide a nourishing environment for the egg while it travels on this important journey.

The fallopian tubes are also where the egg could potentially be fertilized by sperm, becoming an embryo. For this reason, and many others, it's important to be aware of possible issues with the fallopian tubes. This includes inflammation, tubal obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, tubal adhesions, and endometriosis—just to name a few.

Some of these conditions, like an ectopic pregnancy, are considered emergencies due to the risk of fallopian tube rupture. Tubal ligation failures can also lead to ectopic pregnancies. Pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause scarring, damage, and blockage. Some women are born with abnormalities, like extra-long tubes.

Healthy fallopian tubes are important for women looking to conceive. For a woman without fallopian tubes, or tubes with extensive damage, IVF is an option for getting pregnant. Catching issues early can also help manage potential issues before they cause irreversible damage. There is one more condition that's very important to be aware of called hydrosalpinx. This is when fluid blocks your fallopian tubes, making it difficult to get pregnant.

There are often no symptoms, but it can be seen on ultrasound. Some women will have mild discomfort, but pelvic pain is rare. The number-one cause is pelvic infection, which can be caused by STDs like chlamydia. It's important for women to prioritize the health of their fallopian tubes, especially if having children is important to them.

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Hysterectomies are one of the commonly performed surgeries in the United States, with half a million being performed every year. More than 40% of women will end up having a hysterectomy in their lifetime. Having this procedure may mean the end of carrying a child, however if you still have your ovaries, you may be able to have biological children via a surrogate.

Your period is a sign of how your hormones are working. Being without a uterus may make it more difficult to uncover any possible problems. For some women, their uterus is associated with their womanly spirit or essence—which means the loss of their uterus can lead to feelings of loss.

Sexual function is another potential downside following a hysterectomy. The degree to which your sex life may be impacted depends on your age, the reason your uterus was removed, and whether your cervix and/or ovaries were removed.

It's important to know there are potential traumas that can happen due to having this type of surgery. Other organs like your kidneys and bladder could be affected. For example, a significant percentage of women experience increased feelings of urgency to urinate and frequency of urination after a hysterectomy.

Before you decide to get a hysterectomy, it's important to consider your personal circumstances. Ask your health professionals about your options, and don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Depending on your age, the state of your uterus, and your personal preferences, you may be better off choosing surgical or non-surgical options that allow you to keep your uterus.

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Hysterectomies are one of the commonly performed surgeries in the United States, with half a million being performed every year. More than 40% of women will end up having a hysterectomy in their lifetime. Having this procedure may mean the end of carrying a child, however if you still have your ovaries, you may be able to have biological children via a surrogate.

Your period is a sign of how your hormones are working. Being without a uterus may make it more difficult to uncover any possible problems. For some women, their uterus is associated with their womanly spirit or essence—which means the loss of their uterus can lead to feelings of loss.

Sexual function is another potential downside following a hysterectomy. The degree to which your sex life may be impacted depends on your age, the reason your uterus was removed, and whether your cervix and/or ovaries were removed.

It's important to know there are potential traumas that can happen due to having this type of surgery. Other organs like your kidneys and bladder could be affected. For example, a significant percentage of women experience increased feelings of urgency to urinate and frequency of urination after a hysterectomy.

Before you decide to get a hysterectomy, it's important to consider your personal circumstances. Ask your health professionals about your options, and don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Depending on your age, the state of your uterus, and your personal preferences, you may be better off choosing surgical or non-surgical options that allow you to keep your uterus.

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Does a perfect diet exist? Some of the most popular diets to follow today include paleo, keto, and carnivore. While any one of these diets might make you feel good for a few weeks or months, variety is the key to eating in a way that fully supports a well-functioning body.

Being on any specific diet for a long time has the potential to help you lose weight. Many lead to a natural reduction in calories by emphasizing whole foods. Stable and improved blood sugar levels are also a common outcome from reducing processed carbs. Reduced inflammation is another benefit of following a specific diet.

Genetic individuality can also influence how any one diet impacts you specifically. One negative outcome, specifically those with an emphasis on high protein, can put a strain on your kidneys. Another downside might be inadequate fiber intake from excluding foods like grains and legumes.

Knowing there are pros and cons to each diet, how do you choose which one is best? The truth is there's no such thing as a perfect diet—but there may be a perfect diet for you. While you're exploring your options, here are a few things to look for: adequate nutrients, a focus on whole foods, balanced macronutrients, and controlled portions.

Even the perfect diet should allow for the occasional treat. Balance is the key to maintaining a strong diet long-term. Whatever diet you choose, it should be sustainable and support your health goals, whether that's weight loss, autoimmune disease, or blood sugar balance.

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Food is medicine, and what you eat has a significant impact on your health. While it's good to be conscious and intentional with what you eat, an intense focus on your diet can easily turn into an obsession. This is in part due to the fact that awareness around how what we eat affects our bodies has increased recently.

Different types of diets and eating styles have also been popularized online. Dietary advice is just about everywhere you look, pressuring you to eat a specific way to lose weight. Some of the most well-known diets include Mediterranean, carnivore, Atkins, Whole30 diet, and paleo.

Alongside types of diets, there are also different types of eating patterns or eating styles. One such example is intermittent fasting. This pattern narrows your eating window to between 6 and 8 hours. This style of eating has been documented to support cellular repair. However, if not done properly, this can instigate erratic eating habits for some people or lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Intermittent fasting may also lead to an increase in cortisol. However, this varies greatly from person to person. Some people experience a temporary rise, while others adapt without any fluctuation at all. If you're going to try this eating style, make sure you also prioritize sleep so you can manage stress and reduce any negative outcomes from this eating pattern.

Repeated exposure to intermittent fasting protocols may change the way you interpret hunger signals (hunger hormones) from your body. This, along with other hormones like norepinephrine and melatonin, can also be impacted by fasting cycles. If you decide to try intermittent fasting, be sure to monitor your body's response and modify the pattern (or try another style) if needed.

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