8 reasons you may be at a risk for Infertility

Infertility means not being able to conceive or become pregnant. It is a myth that a female is defective so she cannot conceive. Men could also be infertile. Below we have mentioned the triggering factors which could cause infertility in men and women.

Habits: Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and alcohol may give you relief from stress or pleasure but it is injurious to health too. Doctors advise not to smoke or drink when you are pregnant but it is also not advisable when you are trying to get pregnant. This is not only for females to follow but also for males. Smoking negatively affects men too by affecting their sperm counts, sperm shape and sperm motility which is very important factors for conception. Smoking can also lead to erectile dysfunction. In women, smoking can accelerate the process of ovarian aging, bringing on earlier menopause.

Age matters

Chances of infertility increase with age in both men and women. The risk of infertility increases when the age of a female is 35 or above. If women above 35 get pregnant, then the chances of the child having some congenital abnormality increase. A man being infertile is not so uncommon nowadays. The sperm health decreases and the DNA could also be damaged due to unhealthy sperm. This too contributes to increased chances of a miscarriage or a congenital abnormality if a female conceives.

Weight matters

Extremes of weight can increase the chances of infertility in men and women. Being underweight is also a problem and being overweight is also a problem. Underweight men have been found to be suffering from a low sperm count while those who are overweight have lower testosterone levels and low sperm counts. Underweight women take longer to conceive then healthy women. They may suffer from irregular periods or hormonal imbalance which could make them infertile. Overweight women have increased chances of Anovulation and diseases like polycystic ovaries which reduces their chance of becoming pregnant.

Chronic illnesses

Chronic diseases definitely have long term treatments. The side-effects of the medicines used in these treatments can lead to infertility in men as well as women. For example, a person suffering from diabetes or hypothyroidism has enhanced chances of being infertile. Similarly persons on insulin, anti-depressants, etc can be at a risk of infertility. These medicines could reduce sperm production or their ability to fertilize an egg.

History of Cancer

Cancer treatments especially radiation therapy that are given near the genitals and reproductive organs can damage the reproductive organs which can lead to infertility in men and women. Seeking advice from your doctor is highly recommended.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Chlamydia or gonorrhoeal infections which are sexually transmitted are known to cause blockage of the fallopian tubes in females. This is why the females would be infertile. In men it could cause scar tissue in the reproductive tract which could block the path of semen transfer making men infertile.

Intense Heat

Wearing underwear or tight shorts made in a non-breathable material could have a negative impact on the sperms. This could cause infertility in men. Other conditions where the body is exposed to intense heat could cause infertility in men, like hot tub baths or sauna’s, keeping the laptop on the lap, heated seats of the car, working in furnaces, etc. Intense heat can cause the sperm count to become less and can also cause damage to the DNA of the sperm. Stopping the activities could reverse the sperm health back to normal.

Exposure to toxic chemicals at work

A painter, farmer, welder and varnisher are always exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes. This could cause the sperms count to become low and cause infertility in men. Proper protection while working could reduce the chances of being affected by the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.