Infertility

Preventive measures for infertility

By Michael Russell

Preventive measures for infertility are important. Many couples are not aware of the gravity of infertility until it’s too late. Knowing more about infertility and preventive measures will go a long way for a couple planning for a family. Here are some preventive facts to help a man or woman overcome infertility.

Smoking can rather seriously affect a person’s fertility. In fact, smoking has been shown to harm a woman’s ovaries. Harmful toxins such as nicotine can stifle estrogen development, which regulates ovulation. In this case, the woman’s eggs are susceptible to abnormalities. By stopping smoking, a woman can help prevent future damage on her ovaries.

Weight is another concern for infertility. Weight issues could cause too much estrogen to be produced. Increase in estrogen production will act as a birth control for a woman. Conversely, excessive dieting will make a woman less capable of producing estrogen, making it hard for her menstrual cycle to continue. This is very common with women who suffer anorexia nervosa. To avoid irregularities, woman should set a goal to maintain normal weight.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be a big detriment to fertility. All of the STIs have some effect on the reproductive tract in men and women. It’s important to know the risks associated with STIs and not engage in practice that might increase the chance for a transmitted disease. (See our section on safer sex for more information.)

Drugs and alcohol may affect reproduction functions as well. Alcohol, in particular, hampers sperm and egg production. Studies have shown that drinking beverages such as beer, wine, and hard liquor reduces sperm count. Harmful drugs such as cocaine and marijuana will also destroy and lessen sperm and eggs.

For men, it’s about protecting sperm count. Tight trousers or underwear may decrease the production of sperm. The sperm count is reliant on a colder environment than the rest of the body. This is why the testicles are much cooler. Interestingly, x-rays on the groin area will harm sperm production like tight trousers. Men should wear some kind of lead shielding to protect one’s self.

Today, men and women are foregoing childbearing due to financial and educational commitments. The social pressures to delay child bearing has people not even thinking about producing children at the moment. As such, many do not realize that age has a bearing on fertility. For women, there are only a finite number of eggs that can be produced. Additionally, egg quality decline with age. The best time to conceive should be in one’s 20s or early 30s. With medical technology advancing, the ability to bear children later is increasing. Nonetheless, it’s important to factor age into one’s decision to bear children.

One needs to worry about occupational hazards as well. Work environments that have radiation, lead, pesticide DBCP, and other harmful chemicals may harm sperm production. Avoid working in such environments to prevent long-term damage to the reproductive system.

Infertility can be prevented with knowledge and changes in our lifestyle. Start early and know that there are plenty of preventive measures to increase your success with conception.