5 Surprising Lifestyle Choices that can lead to Infertility

"Young people, enjoy your youth. Be happy while you are still young. Do what you want to do, and follow your heart's desire. But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do. Don't let anything worry you or cause you pain. You aren't going to be young very long."
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 

Carefree youth

Sometimes decisions which we make when we are young may have lifelong consequences. Infertility is one of those consequences which leave people in deep regret especially if the cause was influenced by lifestyle decisions when they were younger which could have easily been avoided.

Here is a list of the top 5 lifestyle choices which could lead to infertility:

1. Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Marijuana use affects males by decreasing the sperm count and the quality of the sperm. Heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine use induces similar effects but places the user at increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease and HIV infection. Chronic alcoholism may affect ovulation, therefore impacting fertility. Alcohol use by males interferes with the synthesis of testosterone and has an impact on sperm concentration. Alcoholism may inhibit sexual response and cause impotence. People, cut down on these practises.

2. Delayed Child Bearing

The older a woman becomes the less the probability of getting pregnant each month. Many women are now more focused on academic advancement and their career and put off settling down to raise a family. I'm not saying don't follow your dreams, but if having children is one of your dreams you may want to consider doing it sooner rather than later rather than never at all.

3. Excessive Exercise

Do everything in moderation. That's the bottom line. Research has shown that extremes in working out may alter reproductive function. It has been shown that the release of endorphins in marathon runners affects their hormone production. By all means, keep fit but don't overdo it.

4. Extremes in weight

Inadequate dies leading to extreme weight loss of gain may lead to infertility. Obesity and anorexia both affect the reproductive system. Aim to be within your BMI. So don't pig out on fast-foods day in day out. If not for a more attractive appearance, don't do it for your future babies! 

5. Sexually Transmitted Disease

STD's like gonorrhea if left untreated can damage the fallopian tubes permanently. Many STD's have no symptoms at all! Treatment for infertility is very expensive and has low success rates. So we focus on prevention rather than cure. The two main objectives of preventing sexually transmitted disease are to interrupt the transmission of the infection and to prevent development of its complications. For these objectives to be achieved, exposure to infections in Africa must be reduced through education, liberal use of condoms, screening for frequent sexually transmitted diseases, adequate treatment of cases of sexually transmitted diseases, and use of family planning.

Remember to make wise decisions out there!