Impact of Environment and Lifestyle on Reproductive Health
Many factors can impact our fertility; some are genetic, some are caused by significant medical problems, and others are caused by injuries. Some of the factors are also environmental, which we can manage in order to reduce their negative effect on our reproductive function. Recent research has increasingly demonstrated that lifestyle has a dramatic impact on both our general wellbeing as well as our reproductive health. What we eat, how much fat we carry, how much and how regularly we exercise, how we manage stress, the stories we tell ourselves, the exposure we have to environmental toxins, the recreational drugs that we ingest … all have the potential to impact our reproductive health. Here are some recent research findings:
· Overweight men were 11% more likely to have a low sperm count and 39% more likely to produce no sperm at all, and 81% more likely to be sterile than their normal-weight peers.
· Obesity in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases infertility and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity is also associated with a poor response to infertility treatment and is likely to increase the risk for pregnancy complications, however simply losing 5% of their body weight greatly improves the likelihood of ovulation and successful pregnancy.
· Regular or intermittent use of tobacco, marijuana, heavy alcohol consumption, or illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine can reduce fertility in both men and women.
· Exposure to persistent organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment such as dioxins, bisphenols, and parabens can also affect male and female fertility.
· Opioid use among women who are trying to conceive may be associated with a lower chance of becoming pregnant. Moreover, opioid use in early pregnancy is thought to be associated with a greater chance of pregnancy loss.
· The use of body-building medications or the direct use of androgens such as testosterone can have a negative impact on sperm production and formation.
· Exposure to hexachlorocyclohexane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) can decrease fertility.
· As a woman’s blood levels of hexachlorocyclohexane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) increase, their ability to become pregnant decreases. Women with high levels of PCBs also have up to a 50% decrease in their ability to get pregnant and if they do become pregnant, they are much more likely to miscarry.
· Both animal and human epidemiological studies support the idea that air pollutants cause defects during the development of eggs and sperm leading to a drop in reproductive capacity in exposed populations. Air quality has an impact on overall health as well as on reproductive function.
If you are overweight, eating poorly, drinking heavily, using marijuana, abusing sweets, or not getting enough sleep, you can benefit from lifestyle changes that include better nutrition, increased exercise, and detoxification. Detoxification refers to shedding excess fat and toxins. Reducing body fat, increasing circulation, and rehydrating the body is the first step in any detoxification program. A nutritious diet needs to consist of organic vegetables, healthy protein, and fats which combined with regular moderate exercise can jump start your journey toward improved reproductive health. We urge you to consult with your Tao of Wellness provider to help you create a program that will address your healthcare challenges.
References
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