Advice is always unsolicited – from parents, friends, colleagues and everyone around us. In today’s times when the entire internet is bombarded with information, it can get intimidating to find the best advice from the most trusted source, especially for fertility related issues which is one of the most sought after treatments today.
Dr Shwetha Y Baratikkae of Janisthaa Fertility and IVF Centre, one of the leading fertility specialists, a laparoscopic surgeon, a consultant for high-risk pregnancies, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist provides insights below on how modern lifestyle is a misfortune on fertility.
Causes of any disease or disorder can broadly be classified as biological and environmental. More often than not, illness is as a result of an interplay of both biology and environment. One often influences the other and has an effect on each other.
The same applies to fertility issues as well!
Infertility in a couple can be due to many factors
Both male and female fertility issues are a result of biological causes such as
- hormonal imbalance
- chronic health problems
- physiological defects
- seminal issues in case of males and
- issues of the ovaries in case of females….
Similarly, environmental causes are plenty that often provokes the underlying biological factors.
- Long Working Hours – As mentioned above, the stress in itself is a huge factor that has cascading effects on fertility. Studies have proven that in women with high levels of stress, often associated with an enzyme – alpha-amylase, tend to be affected more. Other hormones such as cortisol and increased blood pressure levels due to stress also play a role. Similarly, the stress in men, affects the quality of sperm, sperm count, sperm motility (movement) and testosterone levels. Often the stress of not being able to conceive is in itself a cause.
- Fast Food Culture – People, especially in the urban areas, due to the stress of long working hours and living conditions fail to concentrate on nutrition, exercise and weight. Fast food culture deprives people of the right amount of nutritious intake. Studies have shown a greater correlation between obesity and infertility in women and men Obesity affects fertility in men as well as women.
- Substance Abuse – Substance abuse or in colloquial terms, heavy intake of alcohol, tobacco and drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and even medical drugs (without consulting the doctor) affect fertility rates. In men, yet again, semen parameters such as sperm count, motility, morphology and concentration are affected due to alcohol intake. Levels of testosterone decrease and cause difficulties in attaining an erection. With regards to cigarette smoking, the chemicals in cigarettes damage the sperms and eggs, hormone production, fertilized eggs ability to reach the uterus and the uterus’s environment itself.
- Others – Another important cause of infertility, in the modern era, is the environmental and occupational exposures to hazardous substances. Chemicals used in processed foods, pesticides used in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits alter the hormonal system. Cosmetics, other preservatives, cleaning materials, heavy metals, and free-radicals are all toxins that are known to be related to infertility.
Fortunately, a solution to deal with the above factors is being offered now and this needs to come from a trusted source. As quoted, a visit to Janisthaa Fertility and IVF Centre, Basveshwarnagar, Bengaluru can aid couples struggling with issues of fertility, find their peace.
Schedule a free consultation and one can be assured to receive the best advice from highly skilled and experienced doctors who are equipped to support the journey of fertility and to unravel the dreams of parenthood for every couple.
