Female fertility: These lifestyle factors can affect your chances of getting pregnant
Speaking of age, a woman’s fertility usually starts to decline from the age of 30 onwards. However, beyond uncontrollable aging, there are certain lifestyle factors that can be monitored to make sure you’re not at risk of infertility.
Overweight or underweight
A woman’s weight can affect her chances of getting pregnant. You must be at your ideal weight, appropriate for your age and height. Being underweight or overweight can both negatively affect your fertility.
Being overweight (body mass index 30 or higher) is also associated with a higher chance of miscarriage and complications in pregnancy. pregnancy and delivery. Being underweight has been linked to ovarian dysfunction and infertility. The risk is increased in women with a BMI of less than 17. A meta-analysis of 78 studies including 1,025,794 women found that women with low birth weight were at greater risk of preterm birth.
Too much or too little exercise
For obese women, physical activity has a protective effect on fertility when coupled with weight loss. However, too much exercise can lead to fertility problems for women. Losing too much body fat from excessive exercise can affect ovulation and menstruation. Excessive physical activity reduces the production of the hormone progesterone.
Smoking or taking drugs
Smoking and taking amphetamines are known to have a negative impact on a woman’s chances of conceiving. Regular smoking reduces ovarian function and decreases ovarian reserve by causing premature ovulation. Recreational drugs can even cause stillbirth. The same applies to male fertility, as smoking and taking drugs can reduce sperm quality.
Drinking too much
Women who drink a lot of alcohol have a higher risk of infertility than those who drink less. Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to ovulation disorders. If you’re trying to conceive, avoid alcohol altogether. Should abstain from conception and during pregnancy for a healthy fetus.
Stress and mental health
Stress can also affect a woman’s fertility. Research shows that women who are employed and work more than 32 hours a week have a longer time to conceive, compared to women who work fewer (16 to 32) hours a week. Another study found that an anxiety disorder or depression affects up to 30% of women who visit infertility clinics, but it can also occur in part as a result of infertility diagnosis and treatment.