Head, Reproductive Medicine (IVF), Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram
Part 3 of 8 in IVF with ICSI, IVF with Egg Donor
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Fertility
July 21, 2024
Beyond age, several modifiable lifestyle factors measurably affect fertility, and Dr. Prakash was specific about each of them.
Smoking, alcohol and weight
Smoking accelerates the loss of reproductive function and can advance the timing of menopause by one to four years; it also raises the risk of spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy, and affects semen parameters in men. Alcohol intake above two drinks a day is a risk factor. A BMI above 30, or below the healthy range, also affects fertility.
Diet
A fertility-supportive diet emphasises high consumption of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and low-fat dairy products.
This article is based on a Jivo Masterclass session conducted by Dr. Parul Prakash, Head, Reproductive Medicine (IVF), Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. The article has been summarised with the assistance of an AI tool from the original masterclass recording. Watch the full Masterclass recording
Looking for a fertility or IVF consultation? Get in touch with the Jivo team
This guide is based on a live Jivo Masterclass: Dr. Parul Prakash taught doctors across Africa on July 21, 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does smoking affect fertility?▼
It accelerates loss of reproductive function, can advance menopause by one to four years, raises the risk of spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy, and affects semen parameters in men.
What dietary and weight factors affect fertility?▼
A BMI above 30 (or below the healthy range) is a risk factor. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and low-fat dairy is supportive of fertility.
In This Series: IVF with ICSI, IVF with Egg Donor
- 1.IVF, ICSI and Egg Donation
- 2.Natural Fertility and Why Age Is the Single Biggest Factor
- 3.Lifestyle Factors That Affect Fertility
- 4.Causes of Female Infertility: Tubal Disease, Endometriosis and Fibroids
- 5.Male Infertility: Causes and the Semen Analysis Workup
- 6.When IVF Is Recommended
- 7.The IVF Process: From Ovarian Stimulation to Embryo Transfer
- 8.ICSI: When and How It's Used