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Infertility Prevention

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There are a surprising number of lifestyle factors that couples can change which may improve their reproductive health and ability to have children. Changing into a helathy lifestyle and healthy fertility diet. Simply reducing or abstaining from caffeine and alcohol and not smoking can have a beneficial impact on a couple’s ability to conceive.For women, factors such as maintaining an appropriate weight and participating in moderate exercise can help improve menstrual regularity and overall health. Women who have suffered from anoxeria nervosa, bulimia, or severe obesity may have altered thyroid and other hormonal imbalances which can lead to irregular menstrual patterns and other problems. 

Competitive athletes practicing intense training regimens may suffer from similar difficulties with irregular menses. Making time for leisure and enjoyment with your partner is healthy step to take to lower stress levels and improve your mental and emotional health. This will help you deal better with the stresses of infertility.

Precautions for Infertility

Both men and women should also practice “Safe Sex”, since sexually transmitted diseases can lead to blockage of fallopian tubes, prostatitis and other problems that reduce fertility.

Workplace hazards can contribute significantly to infertility. Common toxins such as lead, mercury, PCB’s, DDT, and other chemical compounds can be metabolized into secondary products which adversely affect the reproductive tract. Dioxin pollutants common to the paper industry have been shown to decrease fertility.

For men, abstinence from alcohol, smoking, caffeine, and other drug use can help improve sperm quality. Men with low sperm quality should also avoid excessive heat to the testicles such as hot-tubs.

If lifestyle adjustments have not resulted in a pregnancy for you and your partner, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist to determine if there are other causes for your difficulty conceiving.

Authored by Dr. Nirmal Krishnan