Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education Additional Supports ...

What is infertility?
Infertility is the malfunctioning of a man or a womanÕs reproductive system. Male
infertility is responsible for 40% of infertile couples and female infertility is responsible
for 40%, 10% combined and 10% unexplained. It is estimated that 10-15% of couples
are not able to conceive within one year of trying. However, the majority of couples do
conceive whether or not they are treated for infertility.
Types of Infertility
Primary Infertility
A couple has never conceived despite unprotected intercourse for at least 12 months.
Secondary Infertility
A couple has previously conceived but is subsequently unable to conceive within 12
months despite having unprotected intercourse.
Third Type of Infertility (Pregnancy wastage)
A woman has conceived but unable to produce a live birth.
Pre-conceptual Health
Pre-conceptual health is the general health status of a person prior to conception. Preconceptual
health is the single most important determinant of male and female fertility.
Good health care prior to conception reduces unplanned pregnancy, promotes healthier
pregnancies and healthier births, reduces the risk of low birth weight, birth defects and
premature deliveries.
Most birth defects occur 2-8 weeks after conception, often before a woman knows she is
pregnant.
Research now shows that an increased intake of folic acid (a B vitamin) by women before
she becomes pregnant reduces the risk of birth defects called Neural Tube Defects
(NTDÕs). These are birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord (e.g., Spina Bifida).
Good sources of folic acid or folate are fruits and vegetables. The critical time to have
enough folate is before conception occurs. 50% of all pregnancies are not planned.
D. Factors Affecting Reproductive Health
Environmental Factors
i) Smoking
Females who smoke:
• are at risk for lowering folic acid, vitamin C and beta-carotene levels. These reduced
levels are all associated with infertility, delay in conception, ectopic pregnancy and
menstrual disorders
• have an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, fetal and neonatal death
• will have a child lower in birth weight due to reduced nutrients and oxygen to the
fetus in utero
Males who smoke:
• may have the quality of their sperm affected
• marijuana may have the quality of the their sperm reduced
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education (PPL30), Module #1 Healthy Relationships and Sexuality
Page 15