How to Protect Your Fertility

Infertility affects both men and women and is caused by a range of reasons. Sometimes, no specific cause can be attributed and it could be termed unexplained infertility. There are some things you can do to ensure that you don’t fall victim to infertility. Most of the suggestions are related to our lifestyles.

• Obesity poses a huge hurdle to your health and causes fertility-related issues. Ovulation is hampered because of overproduction of some hormones. Obesity may lower your ovulation cycles and consequently your chances of getting pregnant.

  

  Obesity and Fertility (Photo Courtesy: http://archives.deccanchronicle.com)

• However, too little weight also means your pregnancy cannot be sustained even if you conceive. Exercising regularly is very important so you can maintain a weight that is ideal.
• Age certainly matters a lot when it comes to fertility. Women and men are at their most fertile in their twenties. Fertility declines with age, and the quality of eggs that are released by the ovaries deteriorates post 35. Women who are over 35 could also have fewer chances of becoming pregnant through fertility treatments such as IVF.

  

  Age and Fertility (Photo Courtesy: http://living.msn.com)

• Women who are on oral contraceptives have a huge advantage when it comes to reducing her risk of getting ovarian cancer or endometriosis. You should however talk to your doctor before doing so.
• Smoking and drinking can affect both men and women. Men who drink over four units of alcohol in a day could risk deterioration of sperm quality. The same applies to smoking. Women who smoke a lot have chances of hitting menopause faster.

  

  Effects of Smoking and Drinking on Fertility (Photo Courtesy: http://www.ovuline.com)

• Stress and depression could come in the way of fertility as well. Hormone production is imbalanced owing to stress. Women experience irregularities in their hormonal and menstrual cycles owing to stress. One of the best ways to protect one’s fertility is to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

  

  Impact of Stress & Depression on Fertility (Photo Courtesy: http://www.medimanage.com)

• For men, protecting fertility could mean keeping the testicles cooler than the rest of the body; hot showers or baths should be avoided and comfortable, loose-fitting inner wear should be used.
• Some factors that affect fertility could be environmental; exposure to harsh chemicals or radiation could affect fertility, so try and live in a pollution-free environment.
• Practicing safe sex is a very important aspect of protecting one’s fertility. If you don’t, chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or infections are high. These infections affect your fertility and general health as well.
• Eating the right food can also help you protect fertility. Your doctor will advise you to avoid junk foods or highly carbonated drinks. Also, having a healthy balanced meal, staying hydrated and not skipping any meal are important. 

  

  Healthy Balanced Diet (Photo Courtesy: http://www.preciseportions.com)

There are some methods by which a woman can protect her fertility, and they include embryo banking wherein your eggs are frozen. You may also be given some medications to boost egg production. If you need more tips on how to protect your fertility, you could contact one of the infertility clinics in Bangalore. Infertility doctors in Bangalore will give you all the requisite information and advice on what affects fertility.

Know How Stress Affects Fertility

So you work the night shift and come back home tired; your sleep cycles are disrupted and you put on weight. You are planning to get pregnant, but you have fertility issues, and no wonder because your lifestyle is one of constant stress. You live a life on the edge, your menstruation is irregular and instead of correcting lifestyle issues, you are worrying about the consequence – infertility. Your focus should be more on curbing stress, although a certain amount of it is natural and even healthy.

Late Night Work & Fertility (Photo Courtesy: http://onaeg.com)

When we are stressed, the hormone called adrenalin that is released sends out a message to our bodies that it is not an ideal situation for conceiving. The adrenalin checks our system from making use of progesterone, which is the hormone that is needed for fertility. The adrenaline that is released also boosts prolactin production which is responsible for infertility.

Hormones and ovulation Flow (Photo Courtesy: http://www.seagrant.umn.edu)

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that checks the principal sex hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone or GnRH, and also checks the sperm count, curbs a woman’s ovulation. If you have chronic condition of stress, it affects sexual desire and a drop in fertility. This is true of both men and women.

Pituitary gland and ovulation

Every month when ovulation occurs, it is the pituitary gland that comes into the picture. The gland sends out hormones that cause the eggs to mature and then cause ovulation. When you are feeling stressed, there are other hormones released in the brain which hampers ovulation. Stressful situations come in the way of the hypothalamus sending the correct messages to the pituitary gland, which doesn’t release the requisite hormones.

Male fertility

There’s been a lot of research in recent times that shows that male fertility is affected by stress as well. A recent study that studied semen samples of males in the 38-49 age group shows a clear correlation between stress and quality of sperm. The study conducted by two researchers, Teresa Janevic from Rutgers School of Public Health and Pam Factor-Litvak from Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia examined concentration of sperm, their swimming ability and structure. The study, published in the journal of Fertility and Sterility, notes that stress hampers the functioning of the neuroendrocrine system which plays a role in fertility.

Male fertility (Photo Courtesy: http://sintomiecura.com)

Importance of circadian rhythms

Yet another Fertility and Sterility study published recently and conducted by Russel J Reiter, researcher and professor at University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio talks about the importance of circadian rhythms in fertility and conception. The study points out that darkness is very important for women who intend getting pregnant, and when there is darkness, the gland in your brain releases melatonin, a hormone important for conception or protection of eggs in women who have already conceived. The hormone has antioxidant qualities and shields egg. Artificial lights hamper the biological clock at night.

Importance of circadian rhythms (Photo Courtesy: http://www.buldumbuldum.com)

If you are trying to conceive and stress is hampering your fertility, you should get in touch with an infertility centre in Bangalore. There are plenty of such centres offering infertility treatment in Bangalore or any city you live in. Simple lifestyle changes often go a long way in treating infertility.