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IS YOUR LIFESTYLE FERTILE?

1 in 6 British couples are infertile, and next to age, lifestyle is widely to blame. Dr. Jaya Parikh, a Fertility Specialist at the world- class private health establishment, The Lister Fertility Clinic, talked to Eden about influential lifestyle factors worth considering when planning a pregnancy.

Nutrition

Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, fiber, folate as well as consuming fruit and vegetables correlates will improve semen quality. Consuming antioxidants plays a very important role in the body to get rid of reactive oxygen species (ROS); abundance of ROS may compromise sperm function enormously. A woman’s diet may also affect her fertility, particularly ovulation. She should take a well-balanced diet and regular intake of folic acid at least 3 months prior to trying for a pregnancy.

Weight

Extremes of weight have an impact on the outcome as well. Obesity with BMI over 30 or weight with BMI less than 19 can both affect the chances of conceiving for the couple. BMI over 30 also increases the risk of miscarriage for a woman. Having a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain the BMI within the normal range will reduce the negative effects on fertility.

Psychological stress

This is unfortunately a problem of the modern age living and can affect the fertility by affecting the semen parameters for the men and ovulation for the women. High level of stress can also reduce the chances of implantation or cause an increased risk of a miscarriage. It is difficult to cut the stress completely out of the life but having a healthy work life balance will certainly help.

Smoking

Smoking affects the semen parameters and is one of the most important lifestyle factors to address. For the woman, smoking decreases ovarian function and causes reduced egg reserve. Cutting smoking completely prior to starting trying therefore is recommended.

Illegal drugs

These are known to affect the spermatogenesis (production of sperm) as well as the important parameters for men. It affects the movement of the egg down the fallopian tubes, placental and fetal development for the women besides increasing the risk of a still birth. It is advisable not to consume any drugs when trying to conceive.

Alcohol

Consumption has been linked with reducing libido, decreasing sperm count and increasing sperm abnormality. It also increases the DNA fragmentation of the sperm which affects natural conception as well as the outcome following assisted conception. Alcohol consumption should be minimal for the men and should stop completely for the women.

Caffeine

Increasing intake of caffeine (coffee/cola) can increase the time taken to conceive as well as increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labour and stillbirth for the woman. Caffeine consumption should be less than 200mg to improve the chances of conceiving. A can of coke could have approximately 50mg of caffeine there could be as high as 330mg of caffeine per cup of coffee.

April 11, 2017

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