Fertility in the CAF

What members need to know about Fertility, Timing, and Support

Why may CAF members be affected more?

• Posting frequency
• Deployment
• Social disconnection

What can I do?

Both partners

• Stop smoking/vaping
• Reduce alcohol
• Stop recreational drug use
• Aim for a healthy weight
• Track cycles & time intercourse
• Use sperm‑friendly lubricants

Male partner

• Stop testosterone, anabolic steroids, and male supplements
• Avoid heating testicles (e.g. hot tubs)
• Consider coenzyme Q10

Female partner

• Start a prenatal vitamin
• Cervical cancer screening (if due)
• Review medications with primary care provider and seek advice about safety in pregnancy

When should I seek help?

Female 

• 40+ years: immediately
• 35- 39 years: after 6 months of trying
• < 35: after one year of trying
• Seek help sooner if:
  • Infrequent or absent periods
  • Known endometriosis
  • Prior pelvic surgery or tubal ligation

Male

• Prior genital surgery or vasectomy
• Previous STBBI
• Significant medical condition
• Sexual dysfunction
• Known infertility

Same Sex Couples – may seek help immediately

Fertility preservation

• Military service can make family planning harder by delaying pregnancy due to training, taskings, and deployment
• Egg/embryo freezing can provide options for the future BUT it does not guarantee pregnancy/birth
• Not currently covered by spectrum of care outside of medical reasons (e.g., cancer, gender affirming care)
• Very expensive (about $12-15K) and has ongoing storage fees ($600-1000/year)

Fertility facts

• 1 in 6 heterosexual couples experience infertility
• Pregnancy is not guaranteed, even with treatment.
• Wait times can be long for fertility clinics - plan ahead.
• Testosterone or other anabolic steroids can greatly reduce/eliminate sperm production!
• Obesity increases infertility risk for both males and females. For females, there is increased risk of complications, including pregnancy loss.
• Females over age 35:
  • Fertility declines
  • Longer to get pregnant
  • Risk of pregnancy complications
  • Increased rates of miscarriage and pregnancy loss

    Plan ahead and anticipate long wait times when referred to civilian fertility clinics