Fertility Woes

Lack of information,along with the misconception that the age of fertility is unlimited,needs to be addressed immediately,says Dr Umesh Jindal,a gynaecologist. “A correct lifestyle choice is in our hands,” says Jindal,an IVF expert.

Smoking,alcohol consumption,excessive intake of caffeine,obesity and stress form a disastrous concoction affecting women’s fertility,says Dr Pooja Mehta,consultant gynecologist and infertility expert at Fortis Bloom IVF Centre,Mohali,speaking at a seminar on the impact of lifestyle on women’s fertility. Age,she says,is a major factor,and with more and more women choosing to marry late,the chances of infertility rise as hormonal imbalance sets in. “Till 28,a woman’s fertility is at its peak and the quality of eggs goes down after 30. Healthy living,at least seven hours of sleep,30 minutes of exercise,fresh fruits and veggies are a must. We have to keep stress at bay,” adds Dr Swapna Misra of Fortis,Mohali.

Fertility,adds Dr Jindal,starts rapidly declining after 35. “Obesity is a major factor too,as it leads to an irregular menstrual cycle,diabetes,hypertension and polycystic ovaries. We need to remember that fertility is not forever,” he adds.

Smoking and drinking alcohol damage the cervix and fallopian tubes,age ovaries and depletes eggs prematurely,warns Dr Pooja Gandhi,consultant gynecologist. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes also interfere with estrogen production and cause eggs to be more prone to genetic abnormalities.

Junk and artificially enriched foods,bacterial infections,the stress of coping with both work and home,says Dr Rs Bedi,an IVF specialist,can cause poor egg formation. “As men and women age,both the sperm and the eggs are less able to form an embryo that can implant and form a normal offspring,” says Dr Bedi. The cardinal rules that work for overall health work for fertility too,says Dr Sandeep Jassal,lifestyle consultant. “After 30,fertility goes down and immobility,bad diet,excessive weight can cause harm,” he adds. A simple,fuss-free lifestyle works well for everyone.