Looking after your reproductive health should be on your priority list. While you are doing your bit, following all the right dietary habits, making certain lifestyle changes, taking in all the supplements, etc., do you have to wonder about environmental factors? Environmental factors are becoming an essential point to be considered when it comes to infertility. Due to this reason, many couples are unable to conceive even after trying for a long time.
This blog will help you understand the environmental factors that can severely affect your fertility, cause long-term effects, and certain solutions that can be beneficial for fertility protection. So keep reading.
What are the environmental factors that are harmful to your fertility?
There are different environmental factors that are linked with fertility issues, such as:
- Air pollution: Air pollution is becoming a major threat to the people living in metropolis cities. There has been much evidence that severe air pollution can be a cause of various health issues and serious diseases. It can even cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even fertility problems. An individual being exposed to air pollution can lead to low numbers of sperm and can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Pesticides: Another environmental factor that can hamper fertility is the involvement of pesticides. It is used in large quantities, especially in agricultural areas. There have been studies that show pesticides can lead to sperm abnormalities, male-child deficiency, birth malformations, low fertility, and much more.
- Harmful chemicals: Unknowingly, people have been using products like cosmetics or cleaning products that involve phthalates or parabens, which are linked to causing reproductive health problems. Parabens can easily mimic estrogen, the body’s essential hormone. They are known to disrupt the normal hormone activity while influencing the functioning of the male as well as female reproductive systems, birth issues, etc. Whereas, phthalates are interlinked with the puberty changes, testicular dysgenesis syndrome development, reproductive issues, and a lot more.
All of these issues can be concerning, and extreme environmental exposures can lead to fertility problems.
What can be done to prevent infertility in men and women?
There are certain things that can be done to prevent infertility in men and women, such as:
- Opt for a healthy lifestyle: Having a healthy and balanced meal, opting to exercise daily, and ditching the use of harmful substances like alcohol, smoking, etc. can be helpful in preserving your fertility. Opting for a healthy lifestyle can change the entire game.
- Manage your chronic health issues: People facing chronic conditions like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid issues, etc. can lead to infertility. This is why it is essential to manage chronic health problems by inculcating medication, making some necessary lifestyle changes, etc. All of it can be beneficial in enhancing your conception chances.
- Avoid toxin exposure: Another thing to take care of is minimising the exposure to toxins. For instance, lead, pesticides, etc., should be avoided at all costs so that you can maintain your fertility.
- Opt for safe sex: Sexually transmitted infections can even lead to issues with the reproductive organs and further cause infertility. This is why it is essential to practice safe sex. Also, ensure that you are getting STI screenings, which can be beneficial in preventing infertility.
- Get professional medical advice: If you are bothered about your fertility, then it is better to get in touch with a medical practitioner or a fertility specialist. Getting everything detected early can lead you to follow the right treatments and enhance your chances of getting pregnant.
- Ditch the products that have phthalates and parabens: Another tip that can help in protecting your fertility is the use of personal care products. Ensure that the products that you are using are free of phthalates or parabens, as they are connected with the issue of infertility in the long run.
- Ditch the use of plastic: It is better to avoid using containers that are made of plastic or plastic wraps. These plastic containers have endocrine-distrupting chemicals in them, which can lead to infertility problems.
How can food help in enhancing or improving your fertility?
If you are willing to enhance your fertility, then there are some nutrients that can be beneficial in enhancing your reproductive health. Here are the points that you should follow:
- Opt for food items rich in antioxidants: Antioxidants can be helpful for fertility. They safeguard the reproductive cells from vicarious free radicals. This is why it is essential to consume fruits and vegetables that are antioxidant-rich. This way, the quality of your eggs or sperm can improve.
- Opt for more fiber: Fiber is not only essential for your gut health but also for your hormone regulation. So, try consuming whole grains like brown rice, oats, etc. They are high in fiber and offer hormonal balance for optimal fertility.
- Consume high-fat dairy: It is essential that you consume full-fat dairy products as they contain fat-soluble vitamins. This can further help in supporting reproductive health.
- Consume a high-protein diet: Protein is essential for your fertility health as well. Try to consume lean protein sources which can be beneficial for your reproductive health and overall health. They can benefit from developing healthy eggs and sperm, and enhance reproductive functioning.
- Opt for a multivitamin: It is essential to get the essential nutrients from the food items, but multivitamins can be beneficial in meeting your nutritional needs. Try getting vitamin D, prenatal vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, etc.
Conclusion
With changing times, fertility health is also falling down the line. People are living an unhealthy lifestyle, which is causing troubles in conceiving. Environmental factors play a huge role in the diminishing fertility rate. Following the above-mentioned guide can be helpful in enhancing your fertility. Plus, it can help you follow the right food regimen to boost reproductive health. However, if you are still facing fertility issues and having trouble conceiving, then it is better to get in contact with Dr Sumita Sofat Hospital. We provide the best IVF treatment for couples who are facing fertility issues, along with other treatment options.
