What factors are related to fertility
It is estimated that more than 70 million couples worldwide struggle to conceive. However, far from being intimidating, this figure should offer hope. Thanks to appropriate assisted reproductive technologies , 70% of these couples will achieve their dream within five years or less. This percentage increases considerably if egg donation is used.
Causes that influence fertility and promote sterility
The main cause of the increase in infertile couples is the trend of having children at an increasingly older age . As you may already know, a woman's fertility declines with age. So, when the decision to become pregnant is postponed, for example, from age 30 to 35, the chances of conceiving decrease by 9%. Furthermore, the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies will be reduced and will only compensate for this decrease by 4%.
On the other hand, some studies seem to indicate that the passage of time also affects male fertility . However, the results are controversial, and this factor certainly has a much smaller, practically insignificant , influence on the increase in infertility in recent decades.
However, beyond this cause, which many of you will consider the most relevant, there is another trigger for infertility that deserves close attention. Lifestyle can significantly either facilitate or hinder conception.
What habits affect fertility and, therefore, hinder pregnancy?
Sedentary lifestyle
Regular exercise offers countless benefits, not only physical but also psychological. It also has a positive impact on all the body's systems, including the reproductive system. However, it's important not to become obsessed and exceed the recommended amount of physical activity. Exercising moderately for three hours a week can boost fertility , while engaging in more than four hours of intense exercise can decrease the chances of pregnancy by 40%.
On the other hand, in the case of men , it should be noted that cycling for more than 5 hours per week is not recommended . This could affect sperm concentration and motility.
Obesity
Body weight has a much greater impact on fertility than many of you might initially imagine. In fact, the miscarriage rate is higher among obese women; even patients with morbid obesity are advised against pregnancy. However, the consequences of obesity, even if not extreme, go far beyond this. It can alter ovulation, oocyte quality, and the endometrium, as well as worsen the results of assisted reproduction techniques.
You may be interested to know that the most favorable body mass index (BMI) for achieving pregnancy is between 20 and 25. Furthermore, it should not exceed 30.
Being overweight also affects male fertility.
Extreme thinness
We've mentioned obesity, but extreme thinness also negatively impacts fertility. It can cause ovulation problems, loss of menstrual cycles with amenorrhea, and lower implantation rates when undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
Just as it is not recommended to have a BMI higher than 30, it should not be lower than 20.
Smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and other toxic habits
In this case, there are no exceptions. It is recommended to stop smoking and consuming alcohol or any toxic substance, such as cannabis or cocaine, if you are trying to conceive. The consequences can be very harmful, both during gestation and during pregnancy or childbirth.
Regarding caffeine, moderate consumption should not impair reproductive capacity. However, it is not recommended to consume more than 3 cups of coffee per day (300 mg).
Environmental and psychological factors
Egg quality may be altered due to certain substances (lead, herbicides, pesticides, dioxins…) contained in tobacco or certain contaminated foods.
Of course, emotional stability is also crucial for achieving pregnancy. Stress affects the success of assisted reproductive technologies . For this reason, at the Women's Unit we have specialists who will support you throughout this complex process and help you overcome any emotional ups and downs.
Practices such as yoga or acupuncture could also help you enhance self-control and relaxation.
Nutrition, vitamin supplements, trace elements and antioxidants
Following a healthy, balanced diet can have a very positive impact on fertility in both women and men. This diet should be based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables , as well as foods rich in fiber , and on reducing the intake of fats, animal proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
However, there are no studies that provide reliable data on the positive impact of certain micronutrients, beyond folic acid , iodine or omega 3 , on fertility.
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized department in this area. You can request more information by calling 91 387 51 72/73/74 or schedule an in-person appointment with top specialists.