Fertility Risk Factors

There are many risk factors that may affect your fertility. Sometimes you can make changes today that may have an effect later down the line.  The physicians at Laurel Fertility Care are happy to discuss these options with you.

Fertility Risk Factors for Women

Age A woman’s fertility starts to decline in her late twenties.

Endometriosis Endometriosis can cause cysts to develop, lesions or scar tissue that can cause infertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women with PCOS can have irregular periods or no periods at all, and months when they do not ovulate.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Untreated STDs can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes and changes in the cervix.

Smoking Smoking may have an affect on the ovaries, causing a depletion of eggs. Smoking may also increase your risk of miscarriage.

Heredity Women whose mothers or sisters had trouble conceiving may also experience difficulty.

Cancer Radiation and chemotherapy treatments may cause a diminished ovarian reserve.

Fertility Risk Factors for Men

Age After age 35, a man’s fertility starts to decline.

Prolonged exposure to heat Prolonged exposure to heat impairs sperm production and motility. This includes regular use of hot tubs or even types of exercise, such as bicycling.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Untreated STDs may affect the organs that transport sperm.

Smoking Smoking of tobacco products, including those used for recreation, may lower sperm count and effect fertility and may cause sperm to be abnormally shaped.

Prescription drug use Some prescription drugs, such as those used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure, may cause infertility.

Exposure to chemicals Pesticides and industrial solvents may impair sperm production and motility.

Cancer Radiation and chemotherapy treatments may damage sperm.