Discovering that reproduction, one of the fundamental biological functions can pose challenges when starting a family with your spouse or partner can be incredibly disheartening. Even in countries like India, where population control is a significant concern, infertility rates are on the rise. 

The crucial point to remember is that these lifestyle habits contributing to infertility are within your control. By relinquishing them, you can enhance your reproductive health and increase your chances of conceiving.

Causes of female fertility problems

There are several factors that can contribute to fertility problems, including:

Body Weight

An imbalance in body weight, whether it's being overweight or underweight, can have implications for fertility. Being underweight can pose challenges when trying to conceive, making it more difficult to become pregnant. On the other hand, obesity can contribute to hormonal imbalances, a prominent factor in infertility for both men and women. Additionally, an increased body mass index (BMI) can impact the effectiveness of treatments for couples experiencing infertility.

Stress 

It is well known that stress can contribute to various health issues, including heart disease, asthma, obesity, and depression. However, the effects of stress extend beyond these concerns and can even hinder the ability to conceive. Professionals have been raising awareness about the influence of a fast-paced lifestyle on the libido and sexual desire of young couples in India.

Stress can also diminish sperm and semen quality, potentially impacting male fertility. Moreover, experts state that chronic stress can disrupt ovulation in certain women. This is due to the fact that stress can disrupt the functioning of the hypothalamus, the central part of the brain responsible for regulating hormones that stimulate the release of eggs from the ovaries each month.

Chemicals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Concerns regarding the adverse impacts of chemicals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have raised alarm among scientists and researchers, particularly regarding their effects on fertility. Notably, EDCs can be encountered in various everyday items such as food packaging, plastic water bottles, personal fragrances, tap water, and even the air we breathe. Regrettably, the excessive use of these substances is detrimentally affecting our natural reproductive capabilities, hampering our ability to conceive naturally.

Tobacco and alcohol

The use of tobacco has been linked to infertility in both males and females. Research has shown that women who smoke may experience delays in conceiving, while men who smoke have an increased risk of fertility problems. Additionally, heavy alcohol consumption can raise the chances of ovulation disorders in women, which are a common cause of female infertility.

Steps to enhance female fertility

Making healthy lifestyle choices can support and enhance female fertility. Consider the following suggestions:

Maintain a healthy weight

Ensure that your weight is within a healthy range as being overweight or significantly underweight can disrupt normal ovulation.

Prevent sexually transmitted infections

Take precautions to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, as they can lead to infertility in women.

Minimise night shift work

If you have the option, try to avoid regular night shift work, as it may increase the risk of infertility by potentially affecting hormone production. If you are required to work night shifts, prioritise getting adequate sleep during your non-working hours.

Manage stress effectively

Although stress itself may not directly prevent pregnancy, it can have an impact. Minimise stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as relaxation techniques, when you are trying to conceive.

Quit smoking

Smoking is known to lower fertility. It accelerates the ageing process of the ovaries and depletes eggs prematurely. If you are a smoker, consult your healthcare provider for assistance in quitting.

Limit alcohol consumption

Heavy drinking increases the risk of ovulation disorders. If you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to avoid alcohol completely. It is generally recommended to abstain from alcohol during conception and pregnancy, as the safe level of foetal alcohol consumption has not been established.

Moderate caffeine intake

Consuming less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day does not appear to significantly affect female fertility. Consider restricting your caffeine intake to one or two 6- to 8-ounce cups of coffee per day.

Exercise in moderation

Engaging in excessive and intense physical activity can impede ovulation and decrease the production of the hormone progesterone. If you have a healthy weight and are planning to conceive in the near future, it is recommended to restrict vigorous physical activity to less than five hours per week.

Minimise exposure to toxins

The negative effects on fertility can be caused by exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins such as pesticides, dry-cleaning solvents, and lead. Taking precautionary steps to reduce unnecessary contact with these harmful substances is crucial to safeguard fertility.

Conclusion

If you're considering pregnancy and have concerns about how your lifestyle choices may affect your fertility, it's advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider. They can assist you in identifying strategies to enhance your fertility and increase your chances of conceiving.