Vitamin D deficiency could be a key fertility factor

Vitamin D deficiency could be a key fertility factor

A recent study released from the University of Curtin in Perth, WA, has shown that Vitamin D deficiency could essentially be a key factor in fertility struggles in couples undergoing IVF. The researchers analysed the cells of over 300 women undergoing fertility treatment and found that women who were deficient in vitamin D were less likely to develop mature eggs and would produce poor quality embryos.

Fertility First has recognised the importance of sufficient vitamin D levels not only in our female patients, but also our male patients for over 10 years and routinely test our patients’ vitamin D levels as part of our preliminary assessment and treatment programs.

Data presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in both 2018 and this year has supported these findings and reinforced our clinic’s position on the importance of vitamin D testing. Low levels of vitamin D in females trying to conceive have been strongly linked to miscarriage rates, poor embryo development and recurrent implantation failure.

Recent studies have also shown there is a significant association between semen quality and vitamin D levels in male patients undergoing fertility treatment. Data released at the European Congress of Endocrinology showed that low levels of vitamin D were linked to reduced sperm quality, and concentration.

It is estimated that between approximately 31-58% of Australians are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important vitamin that is predominantly absorbed by the skin through sunlight and in addition to providing your body with strong bones and muscles, it has been shown to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, severe asthma in children and cancer.

So where can you get vitamin D? How much do you actually need to improve your sperm and embryo quality? It’s a very simple solution that can have a significant impact.

And where can you find vitamin D? Foods that are rich sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, cheese, egg yolks and orange juice. Vitamin D can also be found in mushrooms exposed to sunlight (some are commercially available) and you can also help boost your vitamin D intake by stepping outside and spending about 10-30 minutes in the sunshine. For guidelines as to how much vitamin D, you may want to check the Cancer Council’s resource.

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FAQ

How does Fertility First keep fertility treatment and IVF costs down?

As a Doctor-owned Medical Practice, our fertility and IVF treatment costs do not need to cover overheads and/or shareholder dividends, all of which have to come out of the income derived from patients’ treatment cycle fees at other fertility clinics in Sydney.

What is the NSW fertility treatment rebates?

From the 1st October 2022, the NSW Government announced a rebate of $2,000 in OOP expenses for all eligible patients. Fertility First is pleased to support the NSW Government’s fertility rebate at our Sydney fertility clinic.

What makes Fertility First different to other Sydney fertility clinics?

Fertility First is privately owned, which means we can place more focus on our patients. We offer a holistic approach to fertility and believe that it’s important to minimise the invasiveness of the fertility testing process and only carry out the necessary investigations, maximising your chance of a successful outcome. We offer extensive preliminary fertility testing, including Halosperm Assay.

We were one of the first Sydney fertility clinics to offer a donor sperm and donor egg program, thanks to our partnership with Central IVF.

How do I choose the best fertilty clinic for me?

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Sydney is a very important decision. You should consider factors like success rates, clinic location and appointment times, fertility treatment costs, repor with the Fertility Specialist and what treatment options are available.

Does Fertility First offer preliminary fertility testing?

Yes. We offer a range of fertility testing for both males and females. We aim to have fertility test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, fertility treatment options can then be considered.

Does Fertility First offer treatment for same sex couples and singles?

Yes. Fertility First offers a range of fertility treatments that are suitable for same sex couples and singles, including our donor sperm program. See our fertility treatment page for a full guide.

Does Fertility First offer Medicare rebates?

Yes. In order to assist you with a Medicare rebate for your fertility treatment, you will need a current referral to Fertility First.

Note: GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

Does Fertility First offer IVF treatment?

Yes. IVF treatment is offered to suitable patients after preliminary testing.