Find out if you are fertility fit at Carindale information stand

We worry about our heart health, bone health and skin health but do we worry enough about our fertility health?

Southside-based City Fertility Centre Fertility Specialist Dr Rolf Weissenberger said for those who are lucky enough, having a baby is one of the most significant things people will do in their lives, but most take it for granted that it will happen easily, when they are ready.

“The fact is, that one in six couples has trouble falling pregnant,” Dr Weissenberger said.

“Fertility issues can be caused by a variety of factors including increasing maternal age, lifestyle, environmental factors and medical conditions among others.

“Age is one of the top reasons people have trouble conceiving. Fertility declines as age increases, women are most fertile in their twenties however due to a change in lifestyle many people are delaying having children until after this age.”

Official figures show the average maternal age in Australia has now reached 30 years.

While the age clock can’t be wound back, people can take other steps to optimise their fertility including simple things like managing their weight, exercising and eating well.

Dr Weissenberger said, in addition, many common medical issues that impact fertility are mostly treatable including the likes of endometriosis, ovulation disorders and tubal blockages.

City Fertility Centre who has clinics across Brisbane including on the Southside at Capalaba and Sunnybank will set up an information booth in the Westfield Carindale from Monday 17 to 23 September to answer any of your fertility related questions.

The information stand will be manned by nurses and staff from the fertility centre and visitors can undertake a free fertility health check in the form of a quiz if they would like.

Free ‘Introduction to Fertility Treatment’ information brochures will also be available covering topics from ‘What is Infertility?’ to ‘Optimising your Chances’ and ‘Possible Treatments’.

The information booth will be located near Goldmark Jewellers from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm Thursday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

For more information contact City Fertility Centre on www.cityfertility.com.au

Fertility Fit Tips

• Eat a healthy balanced diet with adequate protein, carbohydrate and fibre
• Aim to undertake moderate exercise for an average of 30 minutes, three times a week
• Take folic acid for the three months prior to and for the first three months of pregnancy (females only)
• Restrict alcohol intake
• Stop smoking and any drug use
• Check your medications/supplements intake with your doctor, and
• Limit caffeine intake.