Age is the strongest predictor of female fertility. After about age 32, a woman's
fertility potential declines. A woman does not renew her oocytes (eggs). Not only
is the number of eggs decreased but also their quality in terms of their fertilizing
ability. There is also a 50% increase in the rate of abortions. There is no one
special point when fertility declines - it's a gradual transition. Although men
do not have such a cut off age, fertility in men declines too in the form of poor
sperm parameters.
Stress Research has shown that women undergoing treatment for Infertility have a
similar, and often higher, level of stress than women dealing with say cancer and
heart disease. This can change hormone levels and cause irregular ovulation. In
men too this may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm.
Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc and folate may contribute
to infertility.
Extremes in body mass - either too high (body mass index, or BMI, of greater than
25.0) or too low (BMI of lower than 20.0) - may affect ovulation and increase the
risk of infertility as well as cause abnormal sperm counts in men.
Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs can elevate the core body temperature. This may
impair the sperm production and lower the sperm count.
Cocaine or heavy marijuana use may temporarily reduce the number and quality of
your sperm.
Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. Women
who smoke tobacco may reduce their chances of becoming pregnant and the possible
benefit of fertility treatment. Miscarriages are more frequent in women who smoke.
Some reports even suggest that men who keep cell phones in their trouser pockets
or attached to their belts have upto a 30% reduction in semen count.
Alcohol or drug dependency can be associated with general ill health and reduced
fertility. The use of certain drugs also can contribute to infertility. Anabolic
steroids, for example, which are taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth,
can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. There's no certain
level of safe alcohol use during conception or pregnancy.
Both radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer can impair sperm production,
sometimes severely. The closer radiation treatment is to the testicles, the higher
the risk of infertility. Removal of one or both testicles due to cancer also may
affect male fertility. You may want to consider freezing (cryopreserving) your sperm
before cancer treatment to ensure future fertility.
A severe injury or major surgery can affect male fertility. Certain diseases or
conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, HIV/AIDS, Cushing's syndrome, anemia,
heart attack, and liver or kidney failure, may be associated with infertility.