Trying to conceive when dealing with a fever or illness can be extra challenging for those navigating the road of fertility treatments. Every situation is unique, and you may have questions about what to do next and how your health affects the process. Read on to find some insight into all the potential circumstances that could come up so you feel confident to recover and continue on with your fertility journey.
The Effects of a Fever When Trying to Conceive
Fertility treatments can already be emotionally and physically taxing for those dealing with them, but when illnesses and fevers come into play, it can be even more challenging. Illnesses and fevers can interfere with being able to follow certain fertility treatment protocols, as well as have an effect on the overall health of the individual. In some cases, a fever may cause a delay or disruption in treatments altogether. The emotional toll of these disruptions can be immense, as couples are often anxious to continue with their fertility treatments so they can conceive successfully.
Dealing with illness while undergoing fertility treatments is difficult enough without the added stress of worrying whether or not the treatments will still be effective despite any minor delays or changes in protocol. With this in mind, it is important to know how illnesses and fever may affect fertility treatment progress so you can make informed decisions that will help ensure successful outcomes.
How Fevers Can Affect Ovulation
The effects of fever on female ovulation are still not well understood, but existing studies suggest that the body’s temperature may have an impact on reproductive hormones and ovulation. When a woman experiences a fever, her body temperature rises above its normal range (usually 98.6°F), which can interfere with hormone production related to ovulation. This alteration in hormone levels may affect the timing and/or frequency of a woman’s menstrual cycles, as well as the quality of her eggs. In some cases, fevers can even disrupt the release of an egg during ovulation and prevent pregnancy from occurring. Additionally, research has found that exposure to higher temperatures over a prolonged period of time can reduce ovarian function and fertility potential in women.
How Fevers Can Affect Sperm
Fevers can have a significant impact on male sperm production. Studies have shown that high temperatures in the genital area can damage or even kill existing sperm and reduce levels of new sperm production. The effects of fever on sperm production can range from short to long-term, with some studies suggesting that prolonged exposure to high temperatures may lead to permanent infertility, though those would be rare cases. Additionally, it has been suggested that elevated body temperature during sexual intercourse could result in damaged sperm that could lead to decreased fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. It is important for men who have had a fever recently or are prone to getting fevers often to consult with their doctor, who can help them come up with strategies to protect their fertility.
Tips for Trying to Conceive When Sick
When trying to conceive when sick, it’s important for couples to take extra care and be mindful of their health. For starters, couples should make sure they are getting enough rest and staying hydrated. It’s also important to talk to a doctor if symptoms seem serious, or if there is a persistent fever that won’t go away. In addition to taking care of physical health, couples may also want to consider lifestyle changes that can help manage fertility issues when sick. These might include reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation and making dietary changes such as eating more fruits and vegetables or cutting down on processed foods.
Couples should discuss any medications they are taking with their doctor, as some drugs may affect fertility or some fertility medications may affect recovery time from your illness. Taking these steps can ensure couples are in the best possible condition for conception when one or both partners is affected by a cold or other illness.
Dealing with a Fever While Trying to Conceive
When it comes to conceiving while dealing with a fever or illness, there are a few important points to consider, such as checking how medications may affect fertility, recovering from your sickness before attempting to conceive, and taking the precautions to avoid sickness moving forward. Taking these precautions can help ensure the health and well-being of both partners and may increase the chances of successfully conceiving a baby.
While a fever can be frustrating for any couple trying to conceive, remember that you’re not alone. If you have questions or concerns about how your fertility may be impacted by a fever or other illness, reach out and make an appointment with the fertility specialists at Red Rock Fertility Center to see the best options for you as you recover.
