Being Overweight: Just a small increase of 10 to 15 percent over your normal BMI can really mess with your estrogen levels. Increased body weight has been associated with elevated estrogen levels, which can lead to anovulation and menstrual irregularities, ultimately negatively impacting your reproductive health [1].
Hormonal Imbalances: Our reproductive system relies on a delicate balance of hormones. When things get out of whack, it can disrupt ovulation in women. Research indicates that hormonal dysregulation can directly affect fertility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hormonal equilibrium for reproductive success [3].
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis can also play a significant role in infertility issues. Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has been linked to unexplained infertility, as it disrupts immune homeostasis in the endometrium, potentially leading to implantation failures [1]. Similarly, autoimmune mechanisms can influence reproductive health, contributing to both infertility and pregnancy loss [3].
Medications: Some medications, including painkillers and antidepressants, can lead to temporary infertility. Certain treatments for chronic conditions may also affect fertility, highlighting the need for careful management and consultation with healthcare providers regarding medication impacts on reproductive health [2].
Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Smoking and drinking? They could seriously hinder fertility, especially for women. In fact, excessive alcohol consumption can affect both men and women, leading to decreased fertility and potential complications during pregnancy [5].
Exposure to Environmental Hazards: Long-term stress and exposure to things like radiation or high temperatures can contribute to infertility. Research has shown that even electromagnetic emissions can have detrimental effects on reproductive health, necessitating caution regarding environmental exposures [2].
Certain Medical Conditions: Men with scrotal varicose veins (varicocele), undescended testicles, or who've had mumps post-puberty often see a decrease in fertility. These conditions can lead to impaired sperm production and quality, underscoring the importance of addressing any reproductive health issues early [4].
Heat Exposure to Genitals: Believe it or not, even minor heat sources like hot baths or saunas can lower sperm counts in men. Research suggests that elevated temperatures can adversely affect spermatogenesis, making it wise to consider cooler alternatives if you enjoy hot baths [4].
If you have questions about fertility or need personalized advice, why not consider an online doctor consultation? You can actually talk to a doctor online and get insights from an AI doctor or even a chat doctor to explore your concerns further.
References:
- Jilai Xie, Aiyuan Gu, Huangyi He, Qiaohang Zhao, Ya Yu, Jian Chen, Zhangliang Cheng, Ping Zhou, Qi Zhou, Min Jin. Autoimmune thyroid disease disrupts immune homeostasis in the endometrium of unexplained infertility women-a single-cell RNA transcriptome study during the implantation window.. PubMed. 2023.
- Irene Fernández-Buhigas. Obstetric management of the most common autoimmune diseases: A narrative review.. PubMed. 2022.
- Howard J A Carp, Carlo Selmi, Yehuda Shoenfeld. The autoimmune bases of infertility and pregnancy loss.. PubMed. 2012.
- Rajeshwari Parida. Human MOSPD2: A bacterial Lmb mimicked auto-antigen is involved in immune infertility.. PubMed. 2019.
- Vânia Vieira Borba, Gisele Zandman-Goddard, Yehuda Shoenfeld. Exacerbations of autoimmune diseases during pregnancy and postpartum.. PubMed. 2019.