What are the external factors that directly affect fertility? One of the most common recommendations our doctors make after an initial assisted reproduction consultation at Inebir is to abandon habits that negatively affect fertility, such as alcohol and tobacco, in addition to following a healthy diet and regularly exercising to lose weight.
How does tobacco affect?
Spain is the ninth country in the European Union with the highest percentage of smokers.
In the case of women, virtually all studies agree that smoking has an adverse impact on fertility. Comparing smokers and non-smokers, it is observed that the infertility rate and the time to conceive are higher in smokers. Smoking appears to accelerate the loss of eggs and reproductive function, and can bring forward the onset of menopause by several years.
In men, studies have observed lower sperm counts, reduced motility, and more abnormalities in sperm shape and function. Although the effects of tobacco on male fertility are more difficult to discern, the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on female fertility and evidence that smoking negatively affects sperm quality suggest that smoking in men should be considered a risk factor for infertility.
Active smoking by either partner has adverse effects, and the impact of passive exposure to cigarette smoke is only slightly less than that of active smoking.
How does alcohol affect you?
We are seeing a growing body of research establishing a link between fertility and alcohol consumption in both men and women. According to various studies, significant alcohol consumption can lead to lower sperm counts, reduced testosterone levels, and increased estrogen levels. In women, alcohol consumption can cause irregular menstrual cycles and anovulatory periods.
How does weight affect fertility?
In both men and women, a weight outside the healthy range can negatively affect fertility.
In women, being overweight or underweight can cause pauses or changes in menstrual cycles, problems with ovulation, or irregular periods, which can lead to infertility. Gaining weight to achieve a BMI within a healthy range will regulate menstruation in most women.
In men, weight changes can lead to impaired sperm production and male infertility.
EIn this regard, the Inebir medical team encourages all its patients to correct their bad habits before starting fertility treatment. Although the decrease in ovarian reserve is not reversible, some of the negative effects it causes These external agents affecting reproductive capacity cann decrease If tobacco and alcohol consumption is abandoned for a prolonged period and weight is stabilized within a healthy range.