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INFERTILITY
Can your lifestyle and health habits affect my ability
to conceive?
· Smoking
In women, smoking may change estrogen levels and deplete
egg production. Nicotine may be toxic to sperm in the cervical mucus.
In men, smoking may lower sperm count, decrease sperm movement and
cause abnormally shaped sperm.
· Alcohol & drugs
Excessive alcohol drinking can lower sperm
count and cause abnormal sperm production. Drugs, such as marijuana
or cocaine affect hormone production in women and lower sperm count
in men.
· Testicular heat
A man’s testicles are normally several degrees
cooler than the rest of his body. When the testicles are too warm,
sperm production decreases. High fever, hot work environments, hot
tubs saunas, and tight pants may raise testicular temperature and
decrease fertility.
· Weight problems
Women who are significantly overweight often have
difficulty getting pregnant. Too much or too little body fat can
affect hormone levels and impair ovulation. In men, excess weight
may raise testicular temperature, decreasing sperm count.
· Strenuous exercise
Frequent strenuous exercise (such as daily long
distance running) can decrease hormone production in women and possibly
in men.
· Other factors
Your doctor may discuss other factors that could
affect fertility. Certain types of lubricants can damage or destroy
sperm. Some medications may decrease sperm count. In some women,
stress and anxiety may inhibit ovulation.
What is involved in having a man evaluated for infertility?
· Medical history
· Physical examination
· Semen analysis
· Other possible tests
What are the treatment options for infertility?
If a problem is found during your evaluation, your doctor will
talk to you about the most effective methods for correcting it.
· Treating infection
· Improving sperm concentration
· Treating sperm antibodies
· Correcting hormone problems
· Surgery
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