While some factors, such as certain medical conditions and genetics, are out of your control when it comes to infertility, there are some lifestyle choices that can also have an effect on your ability to conceive. While men and women may experience different factors based on gender that leads to infertility, a lot of the lifestyle choices that can impact fertility are the same. In order to promote and preserve your ability to conceive, it’s recommended that you lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid the following fertility-inhibitors on this list.
Lifestyle choices that can affect fertility in men:
Obesity
Obesity can affect male infertility in more ways than one. The extra weight can have negative effects on hormones and on sperm count. Studies have indicated that overweight men had a 22% decrease in the concentration of the sperm as well as a 24% decrease in overall sperm count.
Stress
Emotional stress can affect hormones that assist in producing sperm, and prolonged stress can ultimately decrease the total sperm count. In fact, the Fertility and Sterility journal published a study that found men who experienced up to two stressful life events within one year had slower and more malformed sperm.
Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use
It’s no secret that these substances have negative effects on your overall health, and when it comes to fertility they can continue to be just as damaging. All three of these addictive behaviors have shown to cause misshapen or slow sperm. Alcohol in particular can also lead to erectile dysfunction, sperm production, and semen quality.
Overheating
A variety of environmental factors can lead to overheating of the testicles, which in turn can impair sperm production and function. Overheating can occur from everyday activities such as wearing tight clothes, sitting and/or working on a laptop for long periods of time, and even cooking. Other lifestyle choices such as riding a motorcycle, cycling, and frequent use of saunas and hot tubs may also lead to issues with sperm and fertility.
Lifestyle choices that can affect fertility in women:
Weight
Being either overweight or underweight can affect fertility in females. This is because both of these two sides of the spectrum can lead to irregular ovulation, making it difficult to become pregnant.
Irregular sleeping patterns
Having regular, full nights of sleep helps to maintain many different systems within the body, including the hormonal system. Irregular sleeping patterns, including night shifts, can affect hormone production that contributes to infertility.
Alcohol and tobacco use
While these substances affect sperm in men, they can affect various key players in a woman’s reproductive system. Smoking has an aging effect on the ovaries, and prematurely depletes the number of eggs. Excessive consumption of alcohol puts you at a higher risk of ovulation disorders.
Overexercise
While exercising is a necessary part of staying healthy and physically fit, too much vigorous exercise can inhibit ovulation and reduce production of the hormone progesterone.
While not necessarily a choice, it’s important to note that exposure to certain chemicals and toxins such as pesticides, solvents and heavy metals can affect fertility in both men and women. Use caution if you are exposed to any of these pollutants in your day-to-day life.
Alliance Urology Specialists is home to an expert team of urologists that are committed to providing comprehensive care to adults with urologic health issues like male infertility. If you have questions about your fertility or any of the factors that may be affecting your fertility, reach out to us by calling our office at (336) 274-1114 or by requesting an appointment.
