Lifestyle and environmental factors can affect fertility

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most couples. Infertility may result from an issue with either you or your partner, or a combination of factors that prevent pregnancy. The prevalence of infertility is much higher in developing countries due to a number of factors, including poor access to assisted reproductive techniques and proper health care. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in South Africa, infertility occurs in approximately 20% of the population. That is one in every five couples.

Fertility declines with age in both men and women, but the effects of age are much greater in women. In their 30s, women are about half as fertile as they are in their early 20s, and women's chance of conception declines significantly after age 35. Male fertility also declines with age, but more gradually.

Lifestyle and environmental factors can affect fertility

Age is not the only factor. There is much research that proves lifestyle factors such as how well you sleep and where you live, along with certain behaviours, can have a profound effect on fertility. Such factors include nutrition, weight, and exercise; physical and psychological stress; environmental and occupational exposure; substance and drug use and abuse; and medications.

Here are some practical examples from research of the lifestyle and medical factors that can affect fertility:

• Obesity is linked to lower sperm count and quality in men.
• Among women with obesity who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), losing 5% of body weight greatly improves the likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy.
• Being underweight is linked to ovarian dysfunction and infertility in women.
• Strenuous physical labour and taking multiple medications are known to reduce sperm count in males.
• Excessive exercise is known to affect ovulation and fertility in women.
• Research shows that using body-building medications or androgens can affect sperm formation.
• Substance use, including smoking tobacco, using other tobacco products, marijuana use, heavy drinking, and using illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine reduce fertility in both men and women.
• Having high blood pressure alters the shape of sperm, thereby reducing fertility.
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause infertility in females and males. Those who have to undergo these types of treatments may want to consider fertility preservation.

Interestingly, it is a myth that the type of underwear a man chooses to wear is not related to his levels of fertility.

Source: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/lifestyle

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