Does a couple’s state of health impact their fertility?

IVF experts of the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World share an informative article on health and fertility.

Overall health plays a big role when it comes to fertility. Couples planning to start a family need to be cautious of the physical and lifestyle factors that can impact their fertility. IVF experts of the Gunjan IVF World – the three times winner of North India’s best IVF clinic chain by ET HealthWorld share an informative article about health and fertility. Read the article to know about the factors that impact fertility.

Physical health of the couple

Physical health is a very important factor. “If a woman is underweight or overweight, it can disrupt hormonal balance, which will affect ovulation. Women who are overweight or obese may experience irregular periods, while those who are underweight may stop ovulating altogether. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects hormonal balance, leading to irregular ovulation, which can make it harder to conceive. Endometriosis is another condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing infertility by interfering with ovulation or the fallopian tubes. Age too plays a big role. As women age, their egg quality and quantity decline, which can decrease fertility. After 35, fertility tends to decrease more significantly. Lastly, alcohol consumption and smoking can reduce egg quality, and increase the risk of miscarriage,” stated Dr. Gunjan Gupta, renowned gynaecologist Ghaziabad and the Medical Director & Founder of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF center in Ghaziabad. Gunjan IVF World has three other highly advanced IVF clinics in Janakpuri, Noida and Meerut.

Men too need to be conscious of their health. Healthy sperm are crucial for fertilising an egg. Factors like sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) are all important. Conditions like varicocele (enlargement of veins in the scrotum) or infections can negatively impact sperm quality. Obesity, high-fat diets, and lack of exercise can affect sperm production and quality too. Poor diet can also affect hormone levels and sperm health. While men’s fertility declines more slowly with age than women’s, after 40, sperm quality, including motility and DNA integrity, can decline. Lastly, smoking can lower sperm count and motility, and excessive alcohol can reduce testosterone levels, leading to lower sperm production.

Lifestyle factors

“High levels of stress can affect both partners' hormonal balance, reducing the chances of conception. For women, stress can disrupt ovulation, while in men, it can negatively affect sperm quality. Both excessive and inadequate exercise can affect fertility. Moderate physical activity promotes health, while too much intense exercise can disrupt menstrual cycles in women and reduce sperm quality in men. Poor sleep or irregular sleep patterns can affect hormonal regulation, which in turn may impact fertility for both partners,” mentioned Dr. Garima Sharma, Consultant and Centre In-Charge of a leading IVF clinic in Janakpuri – Gunjan IVF World.

Environmental factors

Both men and women are vulnerable to environmental toxins (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals like BPA found in plastics), which can harm reproductive health. For example, toxins can reduce sperm count or cause egg quality issues. For men, prolonged heat exposure to the testicles (e.g., from hot tubs, tight underwear, or frequent laptop use on the lap) can reduce sperm production.

Chronic health conditions

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause hormonal imbalances that interfere with fertility. In women, high blood sugar can impact egg quality, and in men, diabetes can affect sperm health. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause irregular periods in women and decrease sperm quality in men. Certain infections like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause damage to reproductive organs, affecting fertility in both men and women.

Nutrition and supplements

Deficiencies in certain nutrients (like folic acid, vitamin D, and zinc) can impact fertility. Folic acid, for example, is crucial for women trying to conceive, as it reduces the risk of birth defects and helps with egg development. A diet rich in antioxidants can help improve egg and sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress.

Both partners should consider their individual health and lifestyle habits to improve their chances of conceiving. If fertility issues persist, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider or fertility specialist for further evaluation and guidance.

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