Fertility: Practical Steps to Improve Your Chances
About 1 in 6 couples have trouble conceiving. That number sounds scary, but a lot of fertility issues are diagnosable and treatable. This page cuts straight to what matters: common causes, when to get tested, simple lifestyle moves that help, and what to know about medications like carbimazole if you have a thyroid condition.
Common causes and tests
Fertility problems come from both partners. For women, irregular cycles, blocked fallopian tubes, and hormonal issues (like thyroid or high prolactin) are frequent culprits. For men, sperm count, shape, and movement matter most.
Start simple: track ovulation for a few months and note cycle length and symptoms. If things don’t happen, basic tests include a semen analysis for men and blood tests for women (TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin) plus an ultrasound to check ovarian and uterine health. These tests give clear next steps, whether it’s medication, surgery, or fertility treatment.
Medications, including carbimazole, and pregnancy
Thyroid health is easy to miss but has a big impact. An overactive or underactive thyroid can reduce fertility and raise miscarriage risk. Carbimazole is a common drug for hyperthyroidism. It can help bring hormones back to normal, which may improve chances to conceive. However, some studies link carbimazole use in early pregnancy to a higher risk of birth defects, so doctors often review treatment plans if you’re trying to get pregnant or already pregnant.
If you take carbimazole or any thyroid medicine, talk to your endocrinologist or OB/GYN before trying to conceive. Don’t stop meds on your own. Your doctor may adjust dose, switch drugs, or change monitoring during pregnancy to balance your health and fetal safety.
Other medications can affect fertility too—ask your provider for a medication review. If you’re using fertility drugs or supplements, get clear guidance on timing and side effects.
Small changes add up. Stop smoking, cut back on alcohol, aim for a healthy weight, and keep moderate exercise. Eat a balanced diet and take 400 mcg of folic acid if you’re trying to conceive. Stress matters, but extreme changes in activity or calories are worse for fertility than mild stress; find steady routines that suit you.
Timing helps: having sex every 1–2 days during the fertile window (the few days around ovulation) raises the odds. Apps and ovulation kits can help you pinpoint that window without overthinking it.
See a doctor sooner if you’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after six months, or if you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year. Also seek help earlier if you have irregular cycles, known reproductive issues, or chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease.
Fertility workups are straightforward and often solve the mystery. If you want, check our articles on specific drugs and conditions or bring questions to your next clinic visit. Getting clear answers is the first big step toward having a baby.
Carbimazole and Fertility: What You Should Know
As a blogger, I've recently been researching the relationship between Carbimazole and fertility. Carbimazole is a medication commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition that can impact fertility in both men and women. While this medication can help regulate hormone levels and improve fertility chances, it's important to discuss its usage with your healthcare provider. Some studies have shown potential risks to the unborn child if Carbimazole is taken during pregnancy. So if you're trying to conceive or are already pregnant, make sure to have an open conversation with your doctor about the best course of action.
19.05.23
Alistair Mukondiwa
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