How Lifestyle Impact Infertility | Birla Fertility & IVF

Effect of a person's lifestyle on fertility

An unhealthy lifestyle can affect the reproductive process; therefore, it is important to look at some of the elements that might affect the health of eggs and sperm.

Smoking

Smoking is detrimental not just to the baby but also to the mother. There is no such thing as a safe level of smoking; the only way to protect yourself and enhance your chances of conception is to quit immediately. Although not widely known, cigarette smoking has been linked to impacting fertility negatively. It also raises the stakes of congenital heart diseases, decreases sperm concentration, morphology, and motility in males.

Caffeine

Experts can’t tell for sure how caffeine affects a woman’s fertility or the baby’s health, but they do agree that large levels are likely to cause problems. Caffeine is a stimulant that has made it possible to consume it (tea, soft drink, chocolate, etc.). It has an impact on the neurological system and other organs including the reproductive system. The egg fertilisation and implantation process are disrupted if more than 3-4 cups of caffeine are consumed.

Consumption of Alcohol

Both men’s and women’s fertility can be affected by alcohol consumption. Even a small amount of alcohol might diminish the chances of becoming pregnant. Heavy drinking can lower a man’s sex desire, lower sperm quality, lead to impotence, and increase the time a woman takes to become pregnant, and decrease the odds of having a healthy baby.

Alcohol use can impact IVF treatment success rates by lowering oocyte yield and live birth rates. As a result, women considering IVF are advised to refrain from or limit their alcohol use before starting treatment.

Stress

Even after reading or listening multiple times that stress might affect your chances of getting pregnant, women continue to be concerned and stressed about their infertility. But, it is extremely important to channelise the thought process and make some behavioural changes. There are many forms of stress, including physical, social, or psychological, which can lead to failure in reproductive treatment. Stress not only contributes to treatment failure but it can also cause or exacerbate infertility.

Oral health

During pregnancy, a woman’s dental health can impact both her and baby’s health. It is always a good idea to see your dentist before trying for a baby to ensure you don’t have any indications of gum diseases.

FAQs

Can lifestyle affect egg quality

The quantity and quality of eggs are genetically determined and decrease over time, but the environment in which they grow, like any other cell in the body, can be influenced by lifestyle.

What are health and lifestyle variables that may contribute to infertility?

Nutrition, weight, physical and psychological stress, environmental and occupational exposures, and substance and drug use and abuse are some variables that may contribute to infertility.

How can I make myself more fertile?

By eating foods rich in antioxidants, like zinc and folate, avoiding trans fats and cutting down on carbs if you have been diagnosed with PCOS may help to improve fertility.