Fertility and Family Planning Risk Factors

Overland Park Regional Medical Center understands that getting pregnant may require a little help for issues including: 

• Hormonal disorders
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Ovulation disorders
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Endometriosis
• Previous surgeries
• Ectopic pregnancies
• Birth defects

Factors that cause fertility issues and high-risk pregnancies usually fall into one of these categories:

• Age: older than 35
• Very high or very low levels of body fat/obesity
• Excessive exercise
• Chronic diseases (diabetes, lupus, arthritis, hypertension, asthma)
• Smoking
• Caffeine consumption
• Alcohol intake
• Occupational exposures (high temperatures, toxic substances, chemicals, pesticides, radiation, stress)
• Previous reproductive system disorders
• Medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, pain medications, hormones, antibiotics, antidepressants)

After one full year of unsuccessfully trying to conceive, it may be appropriate to discuss your family planning with a fertility specialist at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.