7 Ways to Consider Your Fertility This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

While it is important to always keep your health in mind, having a set time each year to take some time and think about your overall wellness and fertility can be helpful. Here are 7 ways that you can consider your fertility this breast cancer awareness month.

1. Get a checkup: It may not seem necessary to see your doctor every year, but it’s actually really important! The doctor will review any health concerns or questions that you have, giving you an opportunity to bring up problems that you are experiencing, such as heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular periods. The doctor can do a full evaluation and recommend additional testing or screening that you might need. Having this regular visit, including a breast exam, Pap smear and internal pelvic exam, can identify health problems early on. It can also help to manage simple problems that may affect your fertility later on.

2. Test for sexually transmitted infections: If you are sexually active, it is important to be checked for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year or more frequently if you think you might have been exposed to an infection sooner. Many STIs do not have any symptoms, but can still be passed between partners. While all STIs have an effect on your overall health, certain infections can even impact your fertility and make it difficult to get pregnant. There are many options for getting tested if you don’t have insurance or a regular women’s health doctor. Check in with your local Planned Parenthood or local health department to find a clinic near you.

3. Keep track of your cycle: If you don’t usually track your menstrual cycle, you should start this month! Knowing how long your cycle is and lasts, as well as any other symptoms you may experience throughout the month can provide information to your doctor. It can help identify patterns or conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), that can impact your ability to have children later on. There are many options for keeping track of your cycle, from traditional methods like a calendar, to more modern apps that’ll sync with your phone. You should share this info with your doctor at your yearly visit.

4. Quit smoking: There is no better thing that you can do for your health or fertility than to quit smoking. Smoking can damage eggs (and sperm in your partner!) and can cause complications during pregnancy should you become pregnant. Research has shown that people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have difficulty getting pregnant than non-smokers. So go ahead and make this the year that you quit smoking for good. If you need help, speak with your doctor or check out smokefree.org for advice.

6. Manage your stress: Excessive stress is a killer! While some stress is normal and can actually help you function a little better, too much stress has been linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue and changes in sex drive (none of which are good if you are wanting to get pregnant soon). Exercise, journaling, yoga, and relaxation techniques can all help you stress less.
7. Make positive lifestyle changes: There’s no need to wait until January to start making healthy lifestyle changes. Get started now! Need a few ideas? Here are a bunch of health habits you can start working on now:

• Start cutting out processed or sugary foods.
• Find alternatives to soda and juices.
• Drink more water
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
• Cut back on alcohol
• Curb your caffeine use
• Be more active in your everyday life
• Start a regular exercise regimen

You don’t need to start everything all at once because the goal is to make lasting lifestyle changes. It may be easier to work on these one at a time (until they become an established habit) before adding in a new one.

7. Think about others: If you’ve ever thought about donating your eggs or becoming a surrogate, maybe this is the time! Many men, women and couples are dependent on the amazing generosity of women just like you to either donate their eggs or become a surrogate mom. There can be some strict qualifications, so it is important to work with a reputable agency because they will know the ins and outs of these procedures and can best help guide you through the process.

It can be easy to neglect your health or fertility when you’re young and healthy. But now is the best time to start thinking about it. So take this October to do a few simple things for your health – your body will thank you for it!