Risk Factors
Risk factors are certain issues that may be influencing or causing infertility. These factors are mostly temporary and can be treated by a simple change in lifestyle. The most common risk factors that are seen today include:
1 / Tobacco Use
Smoking not only increases the risk of infertility in both genders, but it can also undermine the effects of any fertility treatments. In a female, smoking can damage the cervix and the fallopian tubes. It is also believes that smoking ages ovaries and tends to deplete eggs prematurely.
Smoking during pregnancy can also increase the chances of a miscarriage. In a male, they can affect sperm quality, and quantity too. Passive smoking can also affect infertility greatly, so if you are a smoker, or live around a smoker, it is recommended to change this lifestyle aspect before attempting to conceive.
2 / Alcohol Use
Even the smallest amounts of alcohol are known to decrease the chances of conceiving. If alcohol use is a constant part of lifestyle, it is also recommended to gradually leave alcohol out of your consumption habits.
3 / Caffeine Use
Women who are trying to get pregnant are recommended to limit caffeine intake. Most doctors recommend to limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg a day. It is wise to consult a doctor regarding the guidance for safe use of caffeine.
4 / Being Overweight
Being overweight is known to increase the risk of infertility in both men and women. Eating and exercising to reach a healthy BMI to increase the frequency of ovulation and chances of pregnancy. Read below for more details.
4 / Being Underweight
For women, being underweight can cause infrequencies in ovulation, decreasing the chances of pregnancy. For men, being underweight can lead to abnormal sperm shape. Being underweight is often due to an unhealthy diet, which can be improved as shown below.
for Infertility.
6 / Unhealthy Diet
A diet which lacks in folic acid, iron, vitamin B-12, and zinc can heavily affect fertility. Vegans are also recommended to go on dietary supplements to assure the delivery of essential nutrients into their body. Avoiding trans fats, which are present in fried and processed for, will also help in making conception easier. It is also recommended to switch any sources of animal protein to vegetarian protein sources, such as lentils.
Another beneficiary switch would be to substitute low fat dairy products for high fats, such as switching skim milk for whole milk. Even though it is recommended to eat carbs, fiber rich foods are what should have priority. Refined carbs and sugars should be avoided.
7 / Stress
Many studies have shows that stress can lead to poorer results with infertility treatments. Stress tends to affect female ovulation and male sperm production, as well. It is advisable to find all root causes of stress in a couple’s lifestyle and work to eliminate them as much as possible.
8 / Sexual History
Previous history of STIs can definitely hinder pregnancy and can cause infertility. STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea tend to damage a female’s fallopian tubes. When partners have a history of unprotected intercourse, there is a higher risk of contracting an STI.
9 / Drug Use
Both street drugs and prescription drugs can make it harder to conceive. Long term use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen are often an underlying cause of infertility. Chemotherapy drugs often result in ovarian failure, that in some cases can be permanent. Radiation therapy, if aimed near the reproductive organs, it can increase the risk of infertility. Street drug use, such as marijuana or cocaine, can also multiply this.
10 / Lack of Exercise
Too much and too little exercise can both lead to fertility problems. Regular exercise is known to improve sperm quality, and improve the quality of eggs being released, along with aiding in producing more frequent ovulation.
Do you have unanswered questions around your fertility?
Our Expert
Dr. Lakshmi Chirumamilla
Dr. Lakshmi Chirumamilla is a distinguished Infertility Specialist and Reproductive Endocrinologist with over 25 years of expertise in Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine. She holds an M.D. (OBG), FRCOG (London, UK), and DFSRH (UK). She has completed a Fellowship in Assisted Conception at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK, as well as a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at St. George’s Hospital, London, UK.
She has also completed her Fellowship in Infertility and Assisted Reproduction (IVF) at these prestigious institutions. Additionally, Dr. Lakshmi earned the prestigious ‘Special Skills Module’ certification in Assisted Reproduction and Infertility from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Fertility Society.
25+ years of experience
Internationally Trained. With experience spanning across the UK, and Hyderabad. 8000+ Couples Treated.
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With her technique of personalising treatments per patient, to include lifestyle factors too, Dr. Lakshmi's success rate exceeds the industry standards by miles
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Believes that testing, treatments and medication should only be used where necessary.
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With options including minimally invasive natural conception, treating male infertility, IUI, IVF, Fertility Preservation, 3rd party reproduction.
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