A woman's fertility declines significantly after the age of 35.
Reducing or avoiding alcohol and tobacco use is an essential component of successful fertility treatment.
In recent years, there has been a visible rise in infertility complications among people leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Unhealthy habits like unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, constant stress and smoking are the major causes of infertility. Dr Suchitra Reddy, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and Fertility Consultant, Motherhood Fertility and IVF, Sarjapur, Bangalore, says this is a dangerous trend as it has serious implications for people and couples who want to start a family.
Diet and fertility
Diet is an essential factor for health and fertility. Diets characterized by processed foods, high sugars and unhealthy fats contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders, which are closely linked to infertility. Specifically, obesity in women disrupts hormone balance and ovulation, while obesity in men negatively impacts sperm quality and count. A balanced diet, on the other hand, supports fertility. Nutrients such as folate, zinc and antioxidants play a role in the normal functioning of reproductive organs.
Lack of physical activity
A sedentary lifestyle is also a major factor in infertility. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress and improves overall health. However, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, a major cause of infertility in women. In men, sedentary lifestyle can lead to reduced sperm motility and quantity due to lower testosterone levels. Therefore, moderate exercise improves reproductive health and increases the chances of conception.
Stress and fertility
Modern life requires us to address the pervasive problem of chronic stress. Chronic stress has a very negative effect on fertility and interferes with the body's reproductive functions. In women, a stressful lifestyle can lead to irregular menstrual periods and anovulation, which means the ovaries do not release eggs. Mindfulness can reduce these effects and improve reproductive health.
Alcohol and tobacco use
Alcohol consumption causes changes in hormone levels, disruption of the menstrual cycle in women, and a decrease in sperm count and motility in men. But tobacco use is even more destructive as it severely damages the DNA of eggs and sperm, increasing the risk of miscarriage and causing early menopause in women. In men, smoking reduces sperm motility and increases DNA fragmentation. It also reduces sperm quality and increases the potential risk of erectile dysfunction. Reducing or avoiding alcohol and tobacco use is an essential factor in successful fertility treatment.
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