Statistics show that about 20 percent of couples of reproductive age suffer from infertility, and in many cases, tests will reveal a medical cause as to why a couple is unable to conceive. Problems such as endometriosis, low sperm count, reduced sperm motility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and abnormalities of the uterus and cervix are usually successfully addressed by couples through testing and treatment.
However, one factor that contributes to infertility is often ignored and may not be considered early, even though it is a major contributing factor to why women do not or do not conceive. There is. . It’s a lifestyle factor, including nutritional deficiencies, obesity, stress, smoking, alcohol intake, and exposure to toxins, which can significantly impact fertility in a variety of ways.
“Diets that are deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, zinc and iron can affect reproductive health,” explains nutritionist Claudia Ashley. “For women, malnutrition can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and difficulty ovulating. Poor nutrition during pregnancy can also increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.”
She said when obesity is a factor, excess body fat can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones and cause conditions such as PCOS and insulin resistance.
“These can affect ovulation and make it difficult to conceive,” Ashley says. “Please note that obesity is also associated with higher rates of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy.”
She says that chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can inhibit the action of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, so women who experience excessive stress have a sharply increased chance of becoming pregnant. I explained that it could go down.
“High stress can cause irregular periods and ovulation problems, making it difficult to conceive,” Ashley says. “And for smokers, cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage eggs, reduce their quality, and lead to decreased fertility. Smoking can also lead to egg loss. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and low birth weight.
The same goes for alcohol: “Too much alcohol can interfere with your menstrual cycle and ovulation, which can affect your fertility.” Alcohol can also damage a developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage. . For men, heavy drinking can reduce sperm quality and count. ”
Ashley says chemicals found in certain cleaning products, pesticides, plastics like BPA, and industrial pollutants can disrupt endocrine function, causing hormonal imbalances and lowering your chances of getting pregnant. said. “These toxins impair egg quality, affect menstrual cycles, and increase the risk of miscarriage and infertility,” she said.
She advises couples who are having trouble conceiving to “maintain a balanced diet, achieve a healthy weight, reduce stress, avoid smoking and alcohol, avoid harmful Significant improvements can be made by proactive lifestyle changes, such as limiting exposure to toxins.” Fertility Outcomes”.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sex.
