Table of contents:
- Facts about raising a cat can make it difficult to get pregnant
- How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis Infection
Are you a cat lover woman? If so, you've probably heard rumors about having a cat can make it difficult for women to get pregnant. However, is it true? Come on, see the full facts first here
The notion that having a cat can make it difficult to conceive may be a cause for concern for cat-loving women, especially those who are planning a pregnancy.
Well, if you are one of them, don't worry, okay? Actually, it's not your pet cat that you need to watch out for, but the Toxoplasma parasite infection that cats can spread through their feces.
Facts about raising a cat can make it difficult to get pregnant
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that arises due to infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This disease can be transmitted to humans through cats infected with the parasite. Cats can become infected with the T. gondii parasite when they eat raw meat, such as birds or wild rats.
Actually, until now, there is still no direct link between infection with the Toxoplasma parasite and the occurrence of infertility or difficulty getting pregnant in women. However, toxoplasmosis is indeed dangerous for pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage and birth defects in the fetus.
In addition, several studies have shown that untreated prolonged toxoplasmosis can lead to recurrent miscarriages. Over time, this risks making it difficult for women to get pregnant or even experience infertility.
That's why you still need to be aware of toxoplasma infection, especially if you are planning a pregnancy. However, don't worry, this doesn't mean you can't keep a cat. You can still be close to a cat, as long as you can care for and maintain good hygiene.
How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis Infection
To prevent toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted through cat feces, you need to take the following steps:
- Clean the cat litter box every day.
- Wear disposable gloves every time you clean cat litter.
- Wash hands with running water and soap after cleaning cat litter.
- Avoid giving raw meat to cat food, especially meat that comes from wild animals or whose quality is not guaranteed.
- Avoid touching stray cats, especially kittens.
If you regularly clean your pet cat's litter and cage properly, your cat's risk of contracting the Toxoplasma parasite will be smaller. That way, you can also avoid toxoplasmosis and this will certainly be safer for your fertility.
Well, it is also necessary to know, apart from toxoplasmosis infection, difficult pregnancy conditions or fertility problems in women, it can also be caused by various other things, including:
- Defects in the fallopian tubes or uterus
- hormone disorders
- severe or prolonged stress
- Certain diseases, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or PCOS
- Drug side effects
- Over 40 years old
Besides that, sometimes the problem of having difficulty getting pregnant in women can also be caused by fertility problems in their partner, for example due to sperm abnormalities.
Therefore, if you are planning a pregnancy, it would be better if you consult a doctor first. Your doctor may recommend that you and your partner undergo various tests to ensure that you have a he althy pregnancy later on.
Besides that, if you and your partner have been trying to have children but within 1 year or even more pregnancy does not occur or you often experience miscarriages, you should immediately consult a doctor, OK.