Today I’m sharing 8 surprising things that can impact fertility. While some factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many other things that may be affecting your fertility without you even realizing it from a Garden Grove Newborn Photographer

Before we dive in, I just wanted to offer a quick friendly reminder that while this blog post provides helpful information, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re having fertility issues. This blog post is meant to be helpful and informative but it’s definitely not a substitute for medical advice. 

Okay, now let’s get started!

1. Stress:

Turns out that the daily stressors of adulting can actually impact your fertility. Stress can mess with ovulation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, and even decrease sperm count in men.

Think about finding fun ways to reduce your stress levels, such as meditation, yoga,  therapy, going to the beach and listening to the waves.

According to a study, women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a biomarker for stress, were found to have a lower chance of getting pregnant compared to women with lower levels of the biomarker (Lynch et al., 2014). 

2. Lack of Sleep:

Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health, and it also plays a significant role in fertility. A lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods.

A 2022 study found that women who slept for less than six hours per night had a higher risk of infertility compared to women who slept for seven to eight hours per night (Poli et al., 2018). 

If you’re struggling to get enough sleep right now due to maybe having a new baby or your work schedule, try blackout shades or a white noise machine.

3. Poor Diet:

I love fast food as much as the next person, but….

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for your fertility. Foods that are high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats can interfere with hormonal balance and decrease sperm count. 

An easy way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet is to buy them frozen. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as buying them fresh, but they don’t go bad as quickly.

Additionally, many grocery stores now offer pre-chopped or pre-washed produce options that make healthy eating even easier!

My favorite way to get in my daily greens is adding spinach to my protein shake that way I don’t taste them. 

4. Environmental Toxins:

Turns out, the environment we live in is full of toxins that can mess with our baby-making abilities. From nasty pesticides to harmful phthalates, these sneaky little devils can affect both men and women. But hey, don’t sweat it! Just opt for organic produce, natural cleaning products, and say goodbye to those plastic containers with BPA. Easy peasy, right?

Here are natural cleaning products I use and my friend Joelle can help you figure it all out here. 

You can read more on this study here, it’s quite interesting! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396757/

5. Alcohol:

While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, heavy drinking can have a significant impact on fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption can decrease sperm count, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase the risk of miscarriage. 

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/

6. Over-Exercising:

I see you, you Lulu wearing Pelaton enthusiast. 😉  

Sure, exercise is great for your overall health, but did you know that too much of it can actually be harmful to your fertility?  Over-exercising can mess with your hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods in women. So, don’t go overboard with your fitness routine. Aim for a moderate exercise routine that includes a mix of cardio and strength training. 

7. Poor dental health

As if we didn’t have enough reasons to go to the dentist regularly, now we can add “helping with fertility” to the list!

Poor dental health and gum disease have been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can affect fertility.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8812457/

8. Vitamin D deficiency

This sunshine vitamin is a big player with fertility, regulating hormone levels and making sure those little eggs and swimmers develop healthily. If you’re lacking in vitamin D, your fertility might suffer!

So, get out there and soak up some sun or take a supplement.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22275473/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/

Fertility is a complex issue, and there are many factors that can impact your ability to conceive. By being aware of these 8 lesser known things that can affect your fertility, you can take steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant. 

Check out this blog post if your pregnant so you know what to ask your doctor when that time comes.

I hope reading 8 Surprising Ways Your Lifestyle Can Affect Your Fertility | Garden Grove Newborn Photographer has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a  Garden Grove Newborn Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of maternity and newborn images.