Conveniently located in Woburn, MA and Wilmington, MA

4 Lifestyle Habits That Can Affect Fertility

4 Lifestyle Habits That Can Affect Fertility

No one ever thinks they'll have trouble getting pregnant, but infertility is a real issue for many couples. While sometimes it's unavoidable due to medical problems, your lifestyle choices also affect your fertility.

If you're experiencing fertility problems, the New England Women's Healthcare team can help. Our practice comprises eight specialized and board-certified OB/GYN doctors who help you resolve your fertility issues.

Understanding fertility

Fertility is the ability to have children on your own. Hormones, egg quality, and ovulation play roles in a woman’s fertility. Sperm quality, sperm count, and hormones are significant factors for men.

Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of having regular, unprotected intercourse. Many factors affect your fertility, including your age and overall health.

Habits that affect your fertility

Various factors affect both your fertility and your partner's. Some medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual cycles can interfere with your fertility, but so can your lifestyle choices.

When you're experiencing fertility issues, it's good to look into your everyday life to pinpoint such problems as the following:

1. Exercising excessively

While some exercise is excellent for your health, too much can inhibit your chances of getting pregnant. Long periods of vigorous exercise reduce the production of progesterone and may keep you from ovulating.

2. Smoking

Smoking is detrimental to various aspects of your health, including your fertility. Smoking significantly affects your odds of getting pregnant by aging your ovaries prematurely and depleting your healthy eggs.

3. Drinking too much

Many people partake in alcohol after a long day, but too much makes it difficult for you to conceive naturally. If you're planning on getting pregnant, reduce your intake of alcohol or stop drinking altogether.

4. Exposing yourself to toxins

Unfortunately, toxins are everywhere: in the foods you eat, the makeup you use, and even air fresheners around the house. Reduce your exposure to these toxins to improve your odds of getting pregnant.

Simple ways to increase your fertility

Although you can't change all fertility problems, the first step is to look at what you can change. Your lifestyle plays a significant role in your fertility, and these additional steps may get you pregnant sooner:

If you're not sure what else you can change in your life to bump up your odds of pregnancy, our team provides you with other tips and fertility testing to ease your mind and promote fertility in you and your partner.

When to seek help for infertility

If you have infertility, it's never too soon to seek help. If you're in your 20s and have been trying for over a year without success, don't hesitate to contact our team for a fertility evaluation.

Your odds of conceiving naturally decrease as you age, especially when you're a woman over 35. If you're having trouble in your mid-30s, you should seek help after failing to get pregnant for six months.

However, these are simply guidelines, and everyone is different. If you want to become pregnant and you're experiencing difficulty, seek help from our team at any time during the process.

Call the New England Women's Healthcare team today or request an appointment online for infertility at one of our conveniently located offices in Wilmington and Woburn, Massachusetts.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Are My PMS Symptoms Getting Worse With Age?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) arises in the weeks leading up to your period and can have significant impacts on your life, especially as you age. Take a moment to discover why PMS symptoms worsen with age, and what you can do for relief.
 What to do About a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

 What to do About a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst that ruptures is a painful problem — but what's the next step in treatment? Take a moment to discover what to do when you’re dealing with a ruptured ovarian cyst and what to expect from treatment.
Why Some Women Go Into Menopause Early

Why Some Women Go Into Menopause Early

Menopause usually occurs in the late 40s to early 50s and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years — but what if it starts too early? Take a moment to learn why menopause strikes early for some women and what to do next.
Signs Your Period is Irregular

Signs Your Period is Irregular

Women's menstrual cycles are supposed to be a monthly occurrence that signals their body hasn't conceived a child. However, periods can become irregular for many reasons. Discover what symptoms signal a problem with your period.
Breast Care Hacks You May Not Have Known About

Breast Care Hacks You May Not Have Known About

Your breasts are a vital aspect of your health, and keeping an eye on them is the best way to prevent breast cancer and feel your best. Learn about several breast care hacks that can help you to get a happy and healthy chest.