Infertility and Modern Lifestyle: Causes and Interventions

What is Infertility?

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive and reproduce. The "male factor" is responsible for 30–40% of cases, while the "female factor" accounts for 40–50%, with the remaining percentage attributed to combined factors in the couple.

Modern lifestyle and new habits appear to play a significant role in the increasing number of infertile couples. Common lifestyle-related causes of infertility include: smoking, alcohol use, chronic stress, high levels of pollution and radiation, changes in dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and extensive use of chemicals and plastics.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common component of hard plastics, has been directly linked to low sperm count in men and reduced follicle count in women.

Phthalates are plasticizers used in vinyl products and synthetic fragrances. Perfumes, colognes, deodorants and fabric softeners containing phthalate compounds appear to act as endocrine disruptors. Early embryonic and childhood exposure may have consequences in adult life and normal endocrine function.

Consumption of trans fats and processed red meat may affect the development of testes and ovaries from intrauterine life onwards. Additionally, obesity is associated with endocrine disorders that impede ovulation and sperm production.

Substances such as smoking, alcohol and drugs cause damage to sperm and egg structure, reduced sperm motility, erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.

Stress creates an environment of oxidative stress and free radical production in the body, keeping adrenaline and prolactin at high levels  resulting in reduced endogenous progesterone and inhibition of ovulation.

Modern lifestyle has therefore created significant disruptions in reproductive mechanisms. Targeted interventions are essential and often represent the key to successfully achieving the goal of starting a family.

Stavros Karagounis, M.D.   Obstetrician, Gynaecological Surgeon