Healthy Living

Your lifestyle may affect your fertility.

Your health may have an affect on your ability conceive. Here are some lifestyle factors that have been shown to impact the fertility in some couples. If you're concerned about any of them, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

The potential risks of smoking.

In addition to potentially causing lung cancer and respiratory disease, smoking may contribute to infertility. For example, smoking has been known to increase the risk of tubal pregnancies, cervical cancer and pelvic infections, and has been linked to sperm problems in men.

You should speak to your healthcare provider about the potential impact of smoking on your ability to conceive. Your healthcare provider may also be able to help you find a program to help you quit smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has several helpful links for smokers who want to quit.

Weight may impact a woman's fertility.

Being overweight or obese may reduce a woman's fertility. A body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30.0 or higher is defined as obese. Being obese may increase the risk of infertility, may cause irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles, and may increase risk of miscarriage. For women who are obese, weight loss of 5 – 10% may dramatically improve ovulation and pregnancy rates.

Being underweight may also have an impact on your fertility. You can calculate your BMI at My Fertility Profile. For more information about weight issues, talk with your healthcare provider.

Alcohol's possible impact on fertility.

Alcohol consumption has been shown to compromise the fertility of both men and women. If you are trying to conceive, you may want to consider reducing or eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle. Your healthcare provider can provide you with more information regarding whether or not your level of alcohol consumption could be impacting your fertility.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Prolonged exposure to high heat from hot baths and steam rooms can lower a man's sperm quality

Consider not using lubricants during intercourse.

Using lubricants such petroleum jelly or vaginal creams may affect a man's sperm quality.

Worrying may impact fertility.

A recent study surveyed 151 women about their concerns and worries while undergoing ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) treatments for infertility. The results showed that women who worry about the medical procedure, their finances, or missing work due to the procedure are likely to produce fewer eggs and have less chance of conceiving than women who don't worry.[1]

Healthy living and acupuncture.

The jury's still out on the overall impact of acupuncture. But there is evidence that acupuncture can reduce stress which can have a positive impact on fertility. There is also some evidence that acupuncture affects the production of endorphins which play a role in the menstrual cycle. There is also some evidence that acupuncture can increase the flow of blood to the uterus.

Limiting the intake of caffeine.

Low to moderate consumption of caffeine (less than 300mg/day or about 3 cups) does not appear to lower a woman's chance of becoming pregnant. Some studies, however, have suggested that higher amounts may make it harder to conceive. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. If you're concerned about caffeine, talk to your healthcare provider.

Be aware of occupational risks.

Exposure to toxic substances on the job, such as pesticides, radioactivity, x-rays, and electromagnetic or microwave emissions may lead to sperm abnormalities. If you've been exposed or if you're concerned about occupational hazards, talk to your healthcare provider.

Check what medications you're taking.

Some drugs for heart disease and high blood pressure may cause infertility in men. If you have questions about your medications, talk to your healthcare provider.