Infertility is defined as the reduced ability of a woman or a man to achieve conception after at least one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. This disorder affects 7% to 8% of women, strongly affecting their psychological health.
There are about 40 ways to treat infertility. About 90% of patients treat it with conventional methods, such as advice on the timing of intercourse, drug therapy or surgery to repair the reproductive organs.
Approximately 3% of patients undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Although infertility treatments are safe and common, many couples resort to simple lifestyle changes that have been studied to increase the chances of pregnancy. Some of the most important factors, such as age and genes, cannot be modified. However, some other factors, such as alcohol and cigarettes, have been proven to damage fertility in both sexes. Can couples increase their fertility by changing habits alone?
What affects a woman's fertility in her everyday life?
Diet
Can diet affect a woman's ability to get pregnant? After researching over 100,000 women, it was found that those who followed a diet with the following characteristics had a 60% greater chance of fertility.
Their diet is characterized by:
- low consumption of trans fats (fried foods, ready meals, etc.)
- high consumption of monounsaturated fats (avocado, raw olive oil, some nuts, etc.)
- less animal and more vegetable protein
- more high-fiber carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (rice, pasta, whole wheat bread , etc.)
- high-fat dairy products
- use of multivitamins
Alcohol
Several studies confirm that drinking alcohol while trying to conceive significantly reduces the chances of success. Specifically, compared to women who do not drink, those who consume 10 or more drinks per week have significantly reduced chances of conceiving.
Cigarette
Smoking has been shown repeatedly to have a devastating effect on female fertility. Toxic components of cigarette smoke such as cadmium have been found in the ovarian fluid of women who either smoke or are passive smokers. Controlling for other factors such as age, ethnicity, body weight and alcohol consumption, smokers appear to take about 12 months longer to conceive than non-smokers. The effect of passive smoking on fertility is only slightly less than that of active smoking.
Weight (Body Mass Index)
Both very low and very high body weight can have negative effects on fertility and pregnancy success. After research in America, it was found that 12% of ovarian infertility can be attributed to low weight (BMI < 20) and 25% to overweight (BMI > 25).
Calculate your BMI here .
Gymnastics
Research shows that vigorous exercise on a daily basis significantly reduces a woman's fertility. Compared to women who don't exercise, those who exercise every day are 3 times more likely to have problems conceiving. This doesn't mean that a woman trying to conceive shouldn't exercise, but she should make sure to exercise moderately.
Cosmetics and hygiene products
More and more consumers are learning that the use of conventional cosmetics and period products can have negative effects on their health. Most sanitary napkins in the supermarket contain substances known to be harmful to the body such as phthalates, which are often used as plasticizers. These chemicals can affect and alter the functioning of the hormonal system, affecting the smooth development of the body and reproduction. The environment in which we live and the products we use can dramatically affect our health and the conception process , so it is important to replace sanitary napkins, creams, soaps and other cosmetics with organic and pure products.
Stress
Research examining the relationship between stress and infertility is still inconclusive . However, it has been shown that women who live with high levels of stress have a reduced chance of conceiving as well as a higher chance of depression. However, since research has not concluded any undeniable connection, it is important that parents do not burden themselves with the additional anxiety of the influence of stress on conception.
The psychological challenges of infertility and sterility can be overwhelming and can forever affect prospective parents whether they succeed in having a child or not. Since many factors that affect fertility are beyond a couple's control, it is best to focus on those that can be changed and may improve their chances of conceiving.
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