Zora Health

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve helped more than 100 women and here’s a compilation of all the questions that you might have.

Still unsure? Talk with a care advocate to find out if Zora Health’s services are right for you.

Zora Health Services

What services do you offer?

Zora Health helps to make the process simple, accessible and convenient by providing the following:

  1. A simple package with transparent pricing with 
  2. A large database of partner clinics globally
  3. A subscription plan with flexible payment plans to better manage your finances
  4. Expert support to guide and navigate the process
  5. Consultation concierge to help with consultations and appointments

Which country do you operate in?

We operate out of Asia but can serve anyone globally. 

Just leave your contact and we can arrange for an initial introductory call.

Which country can I do my treatment in?

We can connect you with any doctors globally. 

What are the specific legal requirements in each country?

The specific legal requirements for IVF and egg freezing vary among South East Asian countries. In Singapore, for example, egg freezing is only allowed for medical reasons, and there are restrictions on the number of eggs that can be frozen. In Malaysia, there are no specific laws governing egg freezing, but there are guidelines that must be followed. In Thailand, egg freezing is allowed for medical reasons, but surrogacy is not legal. There is no legal framework in Indonesia for IVF and egg freezing.

It is important to research each country's specific laws and regulations to ensure that you are fully informed about your options and any potential limitations or restrictions.

You can always speak to our team and consult us to learn more. We are always here to help and provide you with the necessary information.

My friends recommended me a doctor but he/she is not in your network. Can I still use your services?

Yes, you have the flexibility to choose your own doctor, as Zora works with all doctors and clinics. You may choose your preferred doctor or one from our partner clinics and hospitals. We offer local and overseas options.  

Just let us know your preferred doctor and we will contact and discuss with them. 

What is included in expert support & how do I access it?

Our expert support includes access to a team of fertility specialists who can answer your questions and provide guidance throughout the process. 

 

You can access expert support through phone, email, or video chat.

What is a consultation concierge & how do I access it?

Our consultation concierge is a dedicated team member who can help you schedule consultations, appointments, and diagnostic testing.

 

You can contact our consultation concierge through phone, email, or online chat.

Is the treatment painful?

We understand that many women may feel apprehensive upon learning about the need for self-administered injections prior to the egg retrieval procedure. However, it's important to note that discomfort rather than moderate-to-severe pain is commonly reported by women throughout the process. Of course, we need to highlight that every individual's pain tolerance level differs. 

Rest assured that your doctor will provide detailed information and guidance regarding what to expect before, during, and after the egg freezing process, addressing any concerns you may have. Their expertise will help ensure your comfort and understanding every step of the way.

Treatment: IVF

How long is the IVF process?

All IVF and egg freezing appointments are outpatient procedures, which means you won't need to stay overnight at the clinics. You'll need to take some time off for your egg retrieval during the treatment. However, you can choose whether or not to take time off work for other appointments or procedures as necessary.

 

We offer appointment scheduling to accommodate your busy schedule.

Do I need to take time off work for IVF?

All IVF and egg freezing appointments are outpatient procedures, which means you won't need to stay overnight at the clinics.

 

You'll need to take some time off for your egg retrieval during the treatment. However, you can choose whether or not to take time off work for other appointments or procedures as necessary.

We offer appointment scheduling to accommodate your busy schedule.

What is the success rate of IVF?

The success rate of IVF varies depending on several factors, including age, medical history, and treatment type.

What if I don't get pregnant after treatment?

While we don't guarantee any success, our team will work with you to explore additional treatment options if needed and provide emotional support throughout the process.

What are some of the side effects that I may experience?

DURING STIMULATION

  • Skin changes

Some patients may experience skin changes due to hormonal shifts caused by fertility medications. Acne breakouts are the most common skin changes; others may experience dryness and flakiness. Although it is unpredictable how one's skin will react during the treatment cycle, there are simple steps you can take to prevent or manage such changes. Choosing a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser and moisturiser suited to your skin type is advisable before embarking on an IVF or egg freezing cycle.

  • Bloating and Constipation

Bloating is a common side effect of treatment, which can affect one's appetite due to the limited abdominal space occupied by the ovaries and bloating. Constipation is also a typical bowel change during fertility treatment and is often associated with elevated progesterone levels, which occur after ovulation, egg retrieval, and during pregnancy.

  • Weight Gain

Weight gain during fertility treatment is normal due to stress, hormone fluctuations, and bloating. Despite being common, weight gain may still lead to elevated stress, and one should seek ways to manage it.

  • Headaches

Headaches can also occur during treatment, especially in patients who frequently experience headaches or migraines. Hormonal changes in the body typically trigger these headaches.

 

AFTER RETRIEVAL

  • Soreness

After the egg-freezing cycle ends, menstrual cycles should return to normal, and any soreness from the egg retrieval should subside within a few days. You may feel some pain upon waking up, such as vaginal soreness or abdominal cramping, similar to period pains. However, such side effects typically last a few days after the procedure. Most women can resume their regular activities, including work, the day after the procedure, although taking a few days off to recuperate is also acceptable.

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur if the egg freezing medications stimulate the ovaries excessively. This condition results in swollen, enlarged ovaries and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. While the chances of OHSS or other egg-freezing severe side effects are minimal, medical professionals monitor patients for signs of such complications throughout the process. If any severe side effects are detected, the doctor will take immediate steps to prevent them.

What are the risks of fertility treatment?

Fertility treatment carries some risks, including the risk of multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and ectopic pregnancy. Our team can provide more information based on your specific circumstances.

Can I switch from another fertility clinic to Zora?

We will absolutely love to help. While our standard protocols cover most situations, we understand that each patient's situation is unique. Our team is always happy to work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your needs.

If you have frozen eggs or embryos from another clinic, we can help you coordinate the transfer process to ensure a seamless transition to our clinic.

Just give us a call or schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

What is ICSI?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) commonly employs the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique, which involves the injection of a sperm cell directly into the centre of an egg to increase the chances of fertilisation. 

Treatment: Egg Freezing

What factors should I consider if I am considering egg freezing?

When considering egg freezing, there are several important factors to keep in mind. The timing of the procedure is a crucial consideration since both eggs and sperm decline in quality and quantity as we age. It is generally recommended to freeze your eggs as early as possible to ensure optimal quality and quantity. While there is a "magic age" of 35 for eggs, it's still recommended to freeze them earlier if possible.

 

Cost is another important factor to consider. If cost is not a major concern, then freezing your eggs can be a good form of "insurance" as they are frozen at the age you do it. However, it's important to note that egg freezing is not a foolproof method, and there is much debate about its efficacy.

 

The type of treatment is another consideration to keep in mind. If you are looking to preserve your fertility, you can opt for either egg freezing (for single women) or embryo freezing (for couples). If you are looking to get pregnant, there are various options such as IVF, IUI, and others.

 

Legalities are also an important factor to consider. Can you do egg freezing in Singapore, for example? Additionally, it's important to think about what happens in the future, as some places only allow married couples to use the frozen eggs.

 

Finally, logistics must be taken into account. Where do you want to do the procedure? If overseas, would you prefer to do a hybrid process (stimulation in Singapore, retrieval overseas), or spend 2-3 weeks overseas for the entire process? Each option has its own pros and cons that must be weighed carefully.

What is the difference between egg freezing & embryo freezing?

What is egg freezing?

Egg freezing is a procedure that involves collecting a woman’s eggs from her ovaries and freezing them for use in the future.

 

There are a number of reasons why women may choose to freeze their eggs. Often, women want to preserve their fertility so that they can try and have a family when they are ready at a later date. This is known as ‘social’ egg freezing. Women may also choose to freeze their eggs before undergoing medical treatment that may impact their fertility, such as chemotherapy. When a woman is ready to use the frozen eggs, they are defrosted and fertilised, before being transferred to the womb.

 

What is embryo freezing?

Embryo freezing is a procedure that allows women to store fertilised eggs for later use. These eggs will have been fertilised in a laboratory with either a partner or donor’s sperm. Most often, when people undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), good quality embryos are left over after embryo transfer. These embryos can be frozen for use in the future, should the treatment not work or should people wish to try for another baby.

 

Other people may choose to freeze their embryos to preserve fertility, so they can use them to try to get pregnant at a later date. This is known as the ‘freeze all’ or elective frozen embryo transfer (FET) technique. In certain cases, patients with specific health conditions may benefit from having an FET. Sometimes, embryos are frozen to be donated to others, or for medical research.

 

Main Difference

The difference between freezing eggs vs. freezing embryos can be found in the lab, too. During embryo freezing, the eggs are fertilized using IVF before they’re frozen, and develop, over a period of several days, into embryos, which are then flash frozen. Once again, the health of the embryos, created from young and healthy eggs, is maintained when they’re frozen at such a low temperature.

 

Should I go for egg freezing or embryo freezing?

When it comes to comparing freezing eggs versus freezing embryos, egg freezing is often the more practical and flexible choice for many women. Freezing embryos requires fertilization with sperm before freezing, which may not be useful or feasible for single women or those unsure about their co-parenting plans.

 

1. CONSENT AND AUTONOMY
A key difference between embryo freezing and egg freezing is the issue of autonomy. Eggs can be frozen without needing to be fertilized first, which allows women to preserve their fertility independently and decide what eventually happens to their eggs. With embryo freezing, the embryos belong to two people. If you freeze embryos with donor sperm, you may not be able to use them if you find a partner later and want to have biological children with them.

 

Additionally, freezing embryos with your current partner may limit your options down the line and even create legal issues if you disagree on how to use or dispose of them.

 

“With embryo freezing, the embryos belong to two people. This means if you’ve used a partner or private donor’s sperm, they could withdraw consent for the embryos to be used at any time before they are transferred (this does not apply if you’ve used sperm from a donor bank). This means if your circumstances change – a relationship breaks up, for example – you could end up in a situation where you are unable to use the embryos you’ve frozen.” In contrast, freezing eggs offers more reproductive autonomy and the ability to delay co-parenting decisions until you're ready. It's also a simpler path forward in the case of a breakup or divorce, and discarding unfertilized eggs is a more straightforward decision than discarding embryos.

 

2. COST
Egg freezing is generally more affordable than embryo freezing since the latter requires in vitro fertilization before freezing.

 

3. SUCCESS RATE
Many people also believe a frozen embryo is more likely to become a pregnancy than a frozen egg. But that’s not a true comparison, statistically speaking. Comparing freezing eggs vs. freezing embryos typically requires several eggs to result in one embryo, no matter which method you choose. You can freeze many eggs, which may be fertilised later to create a few embryos, or, you can fertilize the eggs right after retrieval and freeze the few embryos that develop. Either way, you will likely have the same number of potential chances at pregnancy.

 

There was a time, using older slow-freeze technology, when embryos survived the freezing and thawing process better than eggs because embryos are slightly less delicate. However, the introduction of vitrification (flash freezing) has largely eliminated this difference. With this state-of-the-art technique, the survival rates when freezing eggs vs freezing embryos are very similar: 90%+ of eggs and about 95% of embryos survive.

 

Overall, egg freezing is a practical and accessible choice that allows more women to preserve their options for the future. Ultimately, it is still your own choice!

How many eggs should I freeze?

The number of eggs to freeze varies depending on several factors, including age and ovarian reserve.

On average, it takes two egg freezing cycles to reach the recommended number of eggs for optimal chances of pregnancy. While not every frozen egg will result in a successful pregnancy, freezing more mature eggs increases the chances of success.

 

For women 37 or younger with good ovarian reserve function, it is typically recommended to freeze between 15 to 20 matured eggs. For women over 37 or those with diminished ovarian function, it is recommended to freeze 25 to 30 eggs to provide multiple attempts to conceive.

 

Your specialist can provide more guidance based on your specific circumstances.

How long can eggs be frozen?

Eggs can be frozen for many years, with some studies suggesting that they can remain viable for up to 10 years or more.

What are some of the side effects that I may experience?

DURING STIMULATION

  • Skin changes

Some patients may experience skin changes due to hormonal shifts caused by fertility medications. Acne breakouts are the most common skin changes; others may experience dryness and flakiness. Although it is unpredictable how one's skin will react during the treatment cycle, there are simple steps you can take to prevent or manage such changes. Choosing a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser and moisturiser suited to your skin type is advisable before embarking on an IVF or egg freezing cycle.

  • Bloating and Constipation

Bloating is a common side effect of treatment, which can affect one's appetite due to the limited abdominal space occupied by the ovaries and bloating. Constipation is also a typical bowel change during fertility treatment and is often associated with elevated progesterone levels, which occur after ovulation, egg retrieval, and during pregnancy.

  • Weight Gain

Weight gain during fertility treatment is normal due to stress, hormone fluctuations, and bloating. Despite being common, weight gain may still lead to elevated stress, and one should seek ways to manage it.

  • Headaches

Headaches can also occur during treatment, especially in patients who frequently experience headaches or migraines. Hormonal changes in the body typically trigger these headaches.

 

AFTER RETRIEVAL

  • Soreness

After the egg-freezing cycle ends, menstrual cycles should return to normal, and any soreness from the egg retrieval should subside within a few days. You may feel some pain upon waking up, such as vaginal soreness or abdominal cramping, similar to period pains. However, such side effects typically last a few days after the procedure. Most women can resume their regular activities, including work, the day after the procedure, although taking a few days off to recuperate is also acceptable.

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur if the egg freezing medications stimulate the ovaries excessively. This condition results in swollen, enlarged ovaries and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. While the chances of OHSS or other egg-freezing severe side effects are minimal, medical professionals monitor patients for signs of such complications throughout the process. If any severe side effects are detected, the doctor will take immediate steps to prevent them.

Financing

What is fertility financing? What types of fertility treatments does your financing cover?

Fertility financing is a service that provides funding to help cover the costs of fertility treatments, such as In vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and more. 

How much financing can I receive for my fertility treatments?

The amount you can borrow depends on a variety of factors, including your credit score, income, and the cost of your chosen fertility treatment. Our financing solutions offer flexible options to suit your specific needs. Contact us to discuss the funding options available to you.

Is there a maximum financing amount?

We do not have a maximum loan amount, but we are compliant with Singapore's laws. We will work with you to determine a loan amount that is appropriate for your specific needs.

What are the interest rates for your financing solutions?

Interest rates vary depending on the financing solution selected and the individual case. Contact us for more information on interest rates and financing options.

How long does the financing process typically take?

The financing process can vary depending on the individual case and the financing solution selected. We strive to provide prompt and efficient service, and will keep you updated throughout the process.

What documents do I need to apply for financing?

You will need to provide proof of income, identification documents, and other financial information as part of your application.

Are there any restrictions on the fertility clinics I can use with your financing services?

No, you can use our financing services at any fertility clinic.

Is your financing available for international patients?

Our financing is currently only available residents of Singapore. We are working hard to expand and offer our solutions internationally. Who is issuing the loans?

Who is issuing the loans?

Loans are issued by a third-party lender, which is an independent financial institution or organization separate from our company. We collaborate with these lenders to provide you with the best possible loan options, but the actual issuance and management of the loans are handled by them.

Is there any penalty for repaying the loan early?

No, there isn't. 

Infertility

What is infertility?

 Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after six months of unprotected sex. 

Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility.



What causes female infertility?

  • Ovulation disorders, which affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. These include hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Hyperprolactinemia, a condition in which you have too much prolactin — the hormone that stimulates breast milk production — also may interfere with ovulation. Either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) can affect the menstrual cycle or cause infertility. Other underlying causes may include too much exercise, eating disorders or tumors.
  • Uterine or cervical abnormalities, including abnormalities with the cervix, polyps in the uterus or the shape of the uterus. Noncancerous (benign) tumors in the uterine wall (uterine fibroids) may cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or stopping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
  • Fallopian tube damage or blockage, often caused by inflammation of the fallopian tube (salpingitis). This can result from pelvic inflammatory disease, which is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, endometriosis or adhesions.
  • Endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, may affect the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
  • Primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause), when the ovaries stop working and menstruation ends before age 40. Although the cause is often unknown, certain factors are associated with early menopause, including immune system diseases, certain genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome or carriers of Fragile X syndrome, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
  • Pelvic adhesions, bands of scar tissue that bind organs that can form after pelvic infection, appendicitis, endometriosis or abdominal or pelvic surgery.
  • Cancer and its treatment. Certain cancers — particularly reproductive cancers — often impair female fertility. Both radiation and chemotherapy may affect fertility.

Diagram of a female reproductive

What causes male infertility?

  • Abnormal sperm production or function due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems such as diabetes, or infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps or HIV. Enlarged veins in the testes (varicocele) also can affect the quality of sperm.
  • Problems with the delivery of sperm due to sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation; certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis; structural problems, such as a blockage in the testicle; or damage or injury to the reproductive organs.
  • Overexposure to certain environmental factors, such as pesticides and other chemicals, and radiation. Cigarette smoking, alcohol, marijuana, anabolic steroids, and taking medications to treat bacterial infections, high blood pressure and depression also can affect fertility. Frequent exposure to heat, such as in saunas or hot tubs, can raise body temperature and may affect sperm production.
  • Damage related to cancer and its treatment, including radiation or chemotherapy. Treatment for cancer can impair sperm production, sometimes severely.

Diagram of a Male Reproductive

When should I see a doctor?

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms. Sometimes, women with infertility may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. In some cases, men with infertility may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.

Women should talk with a care provider earlier, however, if they:

  • Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer
  • Are over age 40
  • Have irregular or absent periods
  • Have very painful periods
  • Have known fertility problems
  • Have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Have had multiple miscarriages
  • Have undergone treatment for cancer

Men should talk to a health care provider if they have:

  • A low sperm count or other problems with sperm
  • A history of testicular, prostate or sexual problems
  • Undergone treatment for cancer
  • Small testicles or swelling in the scrotum
  • Others in your family with infertility problems

How long should I try to get pregnant before seeing a doctor?

A woman’s chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after age 30. Most experts suggest women younger than age 35 with no apparent health or fertility problems and regular menstrual cycles should try to conceive for at least one year before seeing a doctor. However, for women aged 35 years or older, couples should see a health care provider after 6 months of trying unsuccessfully. Women over 40 years may consider seeking more immediate evaluation and treatment.

 

Some health problems also increase the risk of infertility. So, couples with the following signs or symptoms should not delay seeing their health care provider when they are trying to become pregnant:

 

For women:

  • Irregular periods or no menstrual periods
  • Endometriosis
  • A history of pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Known or suspected uterine or tubal disease
  • A history of more than one miscarriage
  • Genetic or acquired conditions that predispose to diminished ovarian reserve (chemotherapy, radiation)

 

For men:

  • A history of testicular trauma
  • Prior hernia surgery
  • Prior use of chemotherapy
  • A history of infertility with another partner
  • Sexual dysfunction

 

It is a good idea for any woman and her partner to talk to a healthcare provider before trying to get pregnant. They can help you get your body ready for a healthy baby, answer fertility questions, and give tips on conceiving.

What are some of the risks?

  • Age. Women's fertility gradually declines with age, especially in the mid-30s, and it drops rapidly after age 37. Infertility in older women is likely due to the lower number and quality of eggs, and can also be due to health problems that affect fertility. Men over age 40 may be less fertile than younger men.
  • Tobacco use. Smoking tobacco or marijuana by either partner may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Smoking also reduces the possible effectiveness of fertility treatment. Miscarriages are more frequent in women who smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and a low sperm count in men.
  • Alcohol use. For women, there's no safe level of alcohol use during conception or pregnancy. Alcohol use may contribute to infertility. For men, heavy alcohol use can decrease sperm count and motility.
  • Being overweight. Among American women, an inactive lifestyle and being overweight may increase the risk of infertility. For men, sperm count also may be affected by being overweight.
  • Being underweight. Women at risk of fertility problems include those with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, and those who follow a very low-calorie or restrictive diet.
  • Exercise issues. A lack of exercise contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of infertility. Less often, ovulation problems may be associated with frequent strenuous, intense exercise in women who are not overweight.

What tests are done to diagnose infertility?

In the usual fertility test,

 

Fertility tests for women:

  • Medical history discussion, especially to check for ovulation or menstrual cycle issues
  • Blood tests to check hormone levels and ovarian reserve (the number of potential eggs remaining in a woman’s ovaries).
  • Pelvic examination
  • Minimally invasive procedures, such as ultrasound imaging (sonogram) and surgery, to check for structural causes of infertility

 

Fertility tests for men:

  • Medical history discussion
  • Semen test

 

Depending on your situation, rarely your testing may include:

 

For women:

  • Hysterosalpingography. Hysterosalpingography (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fee) evaluates the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes and looks for blockages or other problems. X-ray contrast is injected into your uterus, and an X-ray is taken to determine if the cavity is normal and to see if the fluid spills out of your fallopian tubes.
  • Hysteroscopy. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may request a hysteroscopy to look for uterine disease. During the procedure, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted device through your cervix into your uterus to view any potential abnormalities.
  • Laparoscopy. This minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision beneath your navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A laparoscopy may identify endometriosis, scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and uterus.

 

For Men:

  • Hormone testing. You may have a blood test to determine your level of testosterone and other male hormones.
  • Genetic testing. Genetic testing may be done to determine whether there's a genetic defect causing infertility.
  • Testicular biopsy. In select cases, a testicular biopsy may be performed to identify abnormalities contributing to infertility or to retrieve sperm for assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF.
  • Imaging. In certain situations, imaging studies such as a brain MRI, transrectal or scrotal ultrasound, or a test of the vas deferens (vasography) may be performed.
  • Other specialty testing. In rare cases, other tests to evaluate the quality of the sperm may be performed, such as evaluating a semen specimen for DNA abnormalities.

What is unexplained fertility?

Unexplained infertility is when fertility testing hasn't found a cause to explain a person or couples infertility. Treatments include fertility medication, lifestyle changes, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What are the risks of fertility treatment?

Fertility treatment carries some risks, including the risk of multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and ectopic pregnancy. Our team can provide more information based on your specific circumstances.

What lifestyle factors can affect fertility or IVF success for women?

Your lifestyle and environment can have an impact on your fertility. Research consistently shows that numerous lifestyle factors can affect fertility in women, men, or both, including but not limited to:

  • Nutrition, weight, sleep quality and exercise
  • Physical and psychological stress
  • Environmental and occupational exposures
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Substance and drug use and abuse
  • Alcohol and caffeine consumption
  • Medications

For instance, research has found that:

  • Obesity is linked to lower sperm count and quality in men
  • Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have obesity can greatly improve their chances of ovulation and pregnancy by losing 5% of body weight
  • Being underweight is linked to ovarian dysfunction and infertility in women
  • Strenuous physical labour and taking multiple medications can reduce sperm count in males
  • Excessive exercise can affect ovulation and fertility in women
  • Using body-building medications or androgens can affect sperm formation
  • Substance use, including smoking tobacco, using other tobacco products, marijuana use, heavy drinking, and using illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine, can reduce fertility in both men and women
  • High blood pressure can change the shape of sperm, thereby reducing fertility
  • Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause infertility in females and males. Those who have to undergo these types of treatments may want to consider fertility preservation.

Lifestyle factors are modifiable habits and ways of life that can greatly influence overall health and well-being, including fertility.