When it comes to trying to get pregnant, there are a lot of factors that can affect your fertility. Some are obvious, like age and general health, while others may surprise you. Here are 30 surprising things that can hurt your fertility:.
1. Stress
When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with ovulation and reduce sperm count and motility.
2. Lack of sleep
Not getting enough sleep can cause hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to lower sperm counts in men.
3. Excessive exercise
While regular exercise is generally good for fertility, excessive exercise – especially when combined with low body fat – can cause hormonal imbalances that may make it harder to get pregnant.
4. Alcohol
Heavy alcohol consumption can affect both male and female fertility. It can reduce sperm count and motility in men, and interfere with ovulation and implantation in women.
5. Smoking
Smoking can decrease fertility in both men and women. It can damage sperm and reduce sperm count in men, and interfere with ovulation and damage eggs in women.
6. Environmental toxins
Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins – like pesticides, lead, and mercury – can harm fertility in both men and women.
7. Hot tubs and saunas
Spending too much time in hot tubs or saunas can raise body temperature and reduce sperm count in men, and interfere with implantation in women.
8. Certain medications
Some medications – like chemotherapy drugs and certain antidepressants – can interfere with fertility by damaging reproductive organs or causing hormonal imbalances.
9. Weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect fertility in both men and women. It can cause hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation and sperm production, and reduce sperm count in men.
10. Sexually transmitted infections
Some STIs – like chlamydia and gonorrhea – can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage the reproductive organs and interfere with fertility.
11. Age
As women age, their fertility declines. This is because the number and quality of eggs decreases over time. Men also experience a decline in fertility as they age, as sperm counts and motility decrease.
12. Poor diet
A poor diet can interfere with fertility by causing hormonal imbalances and affecting egg and sperm quality. It can also lead to obesity, which can further affect fertility.
13. Too much caffeine
While some studies have suggested that moderate caffeine consumption is safe for fertility, excessive caffeine – more than 300mg per day – may interfere with ovulation and sperm production.
14. Excessive sugar intake
Excessive sugar intake can cause insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances that can interfere with fertility.
15. Too little or too much sex
While having sex too infrequently can reduce the chances of getting pregnant, having sex too often – especially during a fertile window – can reduce sperm count and motility in men.
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16. Lack of antioxidants
Antioxidants – like vitamins C and E, and selenium – help protect sperm and eggs from damage. A lack of antioxidants in the diet may reduce fertility.
17. Stressful jobs
Jobs that are physically or mentally demanding can cause stress, which can interfere with fertility. Certain chemicals and toxins present in some workplace environments may also reduce fertility.
18. Excessive use of lubricants
While some lubricants can enhance sex and make it more enjoyable, excessive use of lubricants – especially those that contain spermicide – can interfere with sperm motility and reduce fertility.
19. Frequent exposure to electronic devices
Exposure to high levels of electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices – like laptops, phones, and tablets – may interfere with sperm production and reduce fertility in men.
20. Late-night eating
Eating late at night can affect hormone production and disrupt sleep, which can interfere with fertility.
21. Tight clothing
Clothing that is too tight – especially around the genital area – can raise body temperature and reduce sperm production in men.
22. Thyroid conditions
Thyroid disorders – like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism – can interfere with ovulation and reduce fertility in women.
23. Low vitamin D levels
Vitamin D helps regulate hormone production and support reproductive health. Low vitamin D levels may reduce fertility in both men and women.
24. Chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the body – often caused by a poor diet, stress, or autoimmune disorders – can interfere with fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.
25. Poor sleep habits
Not getting enough sleep, sleeping at irregular times, or having sleep disorders can all affect fertility by disrupting hormone production and decreasing sperm counts.
26. Sitting for long periods
Sitting for long periods of time – like in an office job or during long car trips – can raise body temperature and reduce sperm production in men.
27. Tight-fitting bike shorts
Bike shorts that are too tight can increase body temperature and reduce sperm production in men.
28. Genetic factors
Some genetic factors – like chromosomal abnormalities and inherited conditions – can interfere with fertility or increase the risk of miscarriage.
29. Emotional stress
Emotional stress – like anxiety, depression, or grief – can interfere with fertility by causing hormonal imbalances or disrupting ovulation.
30. Excessive use of soy products
While soy products can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, excessive consumption – especially of soy supplements – may interfere with hormone production and reduce fertility.
