Eight strange factors that can mess with your fertility
Jul 11, 2017 07:25
One in every six couples in the world, and one in every four couples in developing countries, was found to be suffering from infertility—according to a WHO study, published at the end of 2012.
No wonder so many people are trying every day to find out how to have a baby, where to find help or just what to expect in IVF procedure. The discovery of infertility is not easy and most people initially struggle with acceptance of their situation.
Once you have decided to seek help, it is hard to get your head around the amount of financial and emotional toll that comes with infertility treatments. Some people plan to go to Thailand or India for affordable IVF, some decide to opt for surrogacy, while others have to resort to adoption.
As the problem of infertility grows, the solutions to it will too. But have you ever wondered why so many people face infertility? Probably because our everyday life is spiked with various causes of infertility, most of which are silently doing the damage.
A report published in Today magazine analyzed 12 studies that included 10,928 female smokers, who were measured up for fertility against 19,179 women who did not smoke.
The smokers were significantly less fertile and were also found to have a 42 percent increase in conception delay of over one year as compared to the non-smokers.
So if you are trying but failing to conceive for a while, maybe it is time to kick that cigarette butt.
Production of melatonin—the “sleep hormone,” is suppressed with late-night light exposure. It is also produced in the reproductive tract and during ovulation, it blocks the eggs from damaging free radicals.
You can also include more of sunflower seeds, eggs, spinach, etc. for a boost.
If you are looking to get pregnant, see your doctor to ensure what medications you should be avoiding.
Many studies have pointed to the importance of vitamin D for balancing sex hormones in women and increasing the sperm count in men.
“Several studies have indicated that a woman's oral health may be related to her reproductive success,” said Susan Karabin, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Periodontology.
So make sure you brush and floss, and visit your dentist regularly.
If you are having problems conceiving and the doctor is unable to pin point a specific cause for it, you might want to look around at some of the regular things that could be silently messing with your fertility.
No wonder so many people are trying every day to find out how to have a baby, where to find help or just what to expect in IVF procedure. The discovery of infertility is not easy and most people initially struggle with acceptance of their situation.
Once you have decided to seek help, it is hard to get your head around the amount of financial and emotional toll that comes with infertility treatments. Some people plan to go to Thailand or India for affordable IVF, some decide to opt for surrogacy, while others have to resort to adoption.
As the problem of infertility grows, the solutions to it will too. But have you ever wondered why so many people face infertility? Probably because our everyday life is spiked with various causes of infertility, most of which are silently doing the damage.
Below are the eight factors that you never expected to mess with your fertility:
1. Smoking
Everyone knows you are not supposed to smoke when you are pregnant, but did you know that regular smoking could also affect your ability to conceive?A report published in Today magazine analyzed 12 studies that included 10,928 female smokers, who were measured up for fertility against 19,179 women who did not smoke.
The smokers were significantly less fertile and were also found to have a 42 percent increase in conception delay of over one year as compared to the non-smokers.
So if you are trying but failing to conceive for a while, maybe it is time to kick that cigarette butt.
2. Artificial late night light
Many doctors recommend against staring at smartphone or tablet screens at night because it interferes with your sleep cycle. A research study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, states that artificial light exposure during the night can impair your ability to conceive. It also adversely affects the fetal development if you're already pregnant.Production of melatonin—the “sleep hormone,” is suppressed with late-night light exposure. It is also produced in the reproductive tract and during ovulation, it blocks the eggs from damaging free radicals.
3. Excessive weight
Obesity and excessive weight in women interferes with their ability to conceive. Even if your mother suffered from obesity, you could be prone to hormonal imbalance and the possibility of infertility.4. Excessive exercise
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that almost about 12 percent of all infertility cases can be attributed to weight-related issues. But being underweight is also harmful for your fertility. Too much exercise or any activity that causes you to lose excessive weight can cause lack of ovulation and infertility.5. Vitamin Deficiency
Nutritional deficiencies, specifically lack of folic acid, can cause problems in conceiving. Most doctors recommend folic acid supplements to women who are trying to conceive. This vital B-complex vitamin is used by the body to create red blood cells, and it's critical for expecting mothers. Consult with your doctor and do NOT overuse the supplements. Excess of everything is harmful.You can also include more of sunflower seeds, eggs, spinach, etc. for a boost.
6. Antidepressants
Certain medications like those for anxiety and depression can cause your body to produce more prolactin, which interferes with ovulation.If you are looking to get pregnant, see your doctor to ensure what medications you should be avoiding.
7. No sunshine
Lack of sun exposure causes Vitamin D deficiency, which leads to many health problems including conception problems.Many studies have pointed to the importance of vitamin D for balancing sex hormones in women and increasing the sperm count in men.
8. Dental problems
The Journal of Periodontology published a study, which revealed that higher levels of gum bleeding and inflammation were found in women who sought infertility treatments as compared to those who conceived naturally.“Several studies have indicated that a woman's oral health may be related to her reproductive success,” said Susan Karabin, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Periodontology.
So make sure you brush and floss, and visit your dentist regularly.
If you are having problems conceiving and the doctor is unable to pin point a specific cause for it, you might want to look around at some of the regular things that could be silently messing with your fertility.
