Increasing stress and improper routine effecting fertilization in males and females
This evidence-based review focuses on the impact of potentially modifiable, non-communicable lifestyle factors on reproductive performance in the general population and the infertile population undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. The impact of several lifestyle factors including; age, weight, smoking, diet, exercise, psychological stress, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants are included … Read more
Key Takeaways
- Potentially modifiable lifestyle factors like age, weight, and smoking adversely impact reproductive performance and general health in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment.
- Being underweight poses infertility risks for men through lower sperm concentrations, and causes ovarian dysfunction, ovulatory infertility, and preterm birth risks in women.
- Psychological stress and depression in men reduce testosterone, luteinizing hormone pulsing, and spermatogenesis while causing lower concentrations, misshapen sperm, and impaired motility.
- Women experiencing stress with high levels of alpha-amylase face increased difficulty getting pregnant, highlighting the reproductive impact of psychological factors.
- Eating disorders may negatively impact menstruation, fertility, and maternal and fetal well-being across reproductive populations.
This evidence-based review focuses on the impact of potentially modifiable, non-communicable lifestyle factors on reproductive performance in the general population and the infertile population undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. The impact of several lifestyle factors including; age, weight, smoking, diet, exercise, psychological stress, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants are included in the review. The databases of Medline, PubMed, and Cinahl were searched to identify relevant publications. There is strong evidence that age, weight, and smoking impact general health and adversely on reproductive performance.
Obesity is not the only way that weight can affect fertility. There is also a risk of infertility for men who are underweight. Men who are underweight tend to have lower concentrations of sperm compared to those with normal BMI
For women, ovarian dysfunction and infertility are associated with being underweight and having extremely low amounts of body fat. Moreover, for women with a BMI below 17.A meta-analysis of 78 studies, which included 1,025,794 participants, the likelihood of ovulatory infertility rises showed that underweight women had an increased risk of preterm birth. Although relatively rare, eating disorders may have a negative effect on menstruation, fertility, and maternal and fetal well-being. Stress, whether physical, social, or psychological, is a prominent part of any society. “Men who feel stressed are more likely to have lower sperm concentrations in their ejaculate, and the sperm they have are more likely to be misshapen or have impaired motility,” Stress and depression are thought to reduce testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsing, disrupt gonadal function, and ultimately reduce spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. A recent study found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a stress-related enzyme, have a harder time getting pregnant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does psychological stress impact male reproductive health and sperm parameters?+
Stress and depression adversely affect male reproduction by reducing testosterone and luteinizing hormone pulsing, disrupting gonadal function, and ultimately reducing spermatogenesis. Men who feel stressed are more likely to have lower sperm concentrations in their ejaculate, and their sperm are more likely to be misshapen or have impaired motility.
What evidence exists regarding female weight, low BMI, and reproductive risks?+
For women, ovarian dysfunction and infertility are associated with being underweight and having extremely low body fat. A meta-analysis of 78 studies including 1,025,794 participants showed that underweight women had an increased risk of preterm birth, while the likelihood of ovulatory infertility rises for women with a BMI below 17.
How does being underweight affect male fertility according to the review?+
Obesity is not the only way weight affects fertility, as there is also a distinct risk of infertility for men who are underweight. According to the evidence-based review, men who are underweight tend to have lower concentrations of sperm compared to those with a normal body mass index (BMI).
What biological indicator links stress to reduced fertility in women?+
Stress is a prominent part of society that affects female reproduction. A recent study cited in the review found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, which is identified as a stress-related enzyme, have a harder time getting pregnant, showing that stress directly hinders fertilization success in females.
Which modifiable lifestyle factors were reviewed for their impact on ART treatment?+
The evidence-based review searched Medline, PubMed, and Cinahl databases to assess modifiable lifestyle factors impacting ART patients and the general population. Factors evaluated include age, weight, smoking, diet, exercise, psychological stress, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants, with strong evidence that age, weight, and smoking adversely impact reproductive performance.
Written by
I&D Team
Healthcare Consulting Team
The I&D Hospital Solution team helps hospitals across India with empanelment, NABH accreditation, TPA tie-ups, hospital setup and growth consulting.