Discover expert tips from Dr Ghada Hosny on enhancing fertility through lifestyle changes, proactive care and holistic health support
PARTNER CONTENT: Reproductive health isn’t just a concern for couples when they’re trying to conceive; it starts much earlier in fact, long before the thought of having a baby even crosses their minds.
According to Dr Ghada Hosny, a Fertility Specialist at HealthPlus Fertility, reproductive health begins in the womb.
“Reproductive health starts when a baby is still a fetus when it’s still inside the uterus,” she explains.
“A mother’s health during pregnancy significantly impacts the future fertility of her child regardless of gender.”
Modern lifestyle brings several challenges that can affect fertility in both men and women. Dr Hosny emphasises the role of sleep, smoking, diet, weight management, and mental well-being in maintaining reproductive health.
As part of providing comprehensive care to couples, HealthPlus Fertility offers a multidisciplinary team, including andrologists and reproductive laparoscopic surgeons, who can address various underlying issues.
Major lifestyle challenges affecting fertility
“Starting from getting enough sleep,” says Dr Hosny. “Sleeping eight hours at night is very important.” This is crucial not only for the woman planning to conceive but also for the developing baby.
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Dr Hosny further highlights how certain professions that call for night shifts leave women more prone to fertility issues due to disrupted sleep patterns.
Another significant lifestyle factor is smoking. “It’s not just about quitting smoking when trying to conceive; the damage from smoking can linger in the body long after a person has stopped,” Dr Hosny notes.
This applies to both partners, as research has shown that smoking in men can lead to DNA fragmentation in sperm, which not only affects fertility but can also result in repeated pregnancy loss.
“The effect of smoking on sperm health can take up to 120 days to reverse,” she adds, emphasising that both partners should consider quitting smoking at least three to four months before trying to conceive.
To aid parents with the same, HealthPlus has several smoking cessation programmes that couples can explore. For women, being overweight can pose additional challenges.
“During pregnancy, any female will gain between 10 to 15 kgs,” says Dr Hosny. Therefore, being overweight even before pregnancy can put added stress on the heart and circulation, potentially affecting the baby’s health.
To support couples in achieving a healthy weight, HealthPlus Fertility offers specialised weight reduction programmes, along with access to nutritionists.
Dr Hosny also highlights the often-overlooked role of mental health in fertility. Stress, particularly the anxiety around conceiving, can hurt ovulation. Elevated stress hormones like prolactin can delay pregnancy. As part of their holistic care, there are also mental health specialists and advisors at HealthPlus to help couples cope with stress.
Proactive check-ups and family planning
For couples not ready to start a family immediately but who are looking to plan their future, proactive fertility check-ups are a valuable service offered at HealthPlus.
“We conduct baseline fertility check-ups for newly married couples to help them understand their current fertility status and family plan in the safest manner,” says Dr Hosny.
The check-up includes tests like the AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test for women and semen analysis for men. It must be noted that the entire evaluation process is not a one-size-fits-all process, with couples strongly advised to consult with specialists and not rely solely on test results.
The importance of information
Most importantly, Dr Hosny advises against misinformation from social media and digital platforms that can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for couples trying to conceive.
“Health education is very important,” she advises. “When I give advice, it’s based on the individual’s condition, not a generalised concept.”
By understanding the factors that impact reproductive health and taking proactive measures, couples can improve their chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy.
HealthPlus Fertility offers a range of services and expert guidance to support couples on this journey, from preconception care to specialised fertility treatments, ensuring a holistic approach to reproductive health.
For more information, visit healthplusivf.com/our-experts/dr-ghada-hosny/
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