PRESS RELEASE
MAINTAINING YOUR FERTILITY
The Professor of Gynaecology Nikolaos Prapas and the scientific team of the Iakentro medical centre present the factors affecting fertility.
1. Age
Age is an important factor for women, however increasing age certainly also affects fertility in men. In women, fertility gradually declines after the ages of 35-36, and drops sharply after the age of 39. In men – although to a lesser degree – sperm quality is affected after the age of 35.
2. Weight
As analysed extensively in a previous press release (http://www.iakentro.com/), weight also affects fertility, both in women and men. Therefore, one’s body weight must be within the normal range.
3. Smoking, caffeine, alcohol, drugs
Smoking, even passive smoking, can reduce a woman’s fertility by about 40%.
Excessive and frequent doses of caffeine and alcohol also increase infertility, while marijuana is known to have a negative effect on sperm production. Lastly, hard drugs (e.g. morphine, cocaine) can cause chromosomal abnormalities.
4. Nutrition
It is important to have a balanced diet, and not only for reasons of infertility. A balanced diet requires the consumption of fruit and vegetables, which boost the immune system. Large quantities of food supplements can affect one’s health, while excessive vitamin A intake can cause birth defects in foetuses.
5. Medication
Medicine should only be taken when necessary because it can affect fertility. With regard to vaccines, couples must check if they have had the necessary vaccines so as to ensure that they have enough antibodies.
In the area of contraception, contraceptive pills have no negative effects whatsoever on fertility. On the contrary, intrauterine devices increase the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy, especially in women who have not had children. Vaginal douches are generally not recommended since they can reduce fertility.
Lastly, antihistamines can interfere with conception, and antidepressants can, on the one hand, reduce libido and, on the other hand, hinder the production of cervical mucus, which is necessary for fertilisation.
6. Temperature
High temperatures, especially in men, high fevers of over 39 degrees over a certain period of time, working in a foundry, etc. can be destructive to sperm.
7. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STDs such as gonorrhoea (blennorrhoea), chlamydia, trichomoniasis, condylomata and syphilis must be treated in time as they can lead to infertility, both in men and women. One must therefore not forget to use a condom, especially if one does not have a steady partner.
8. Professions, hobbies
Certain professions can pose a risk to fertility, especially among men, by reducing the quality of their sperm. By way of example, coming into contact with large doses of insecticides, X-rays and heavy metals can reduce a man’s sperm count. On the other hand, excessive exercise can reduce the secretion of testosterone, which is why it is best to exercise in moderation.
9. Stress
High stress levels can temporarily reduce one’s chances of conceiving.
10. Severe pain
Severe period pains must be reported to the gynaecologist as they may be caused by endometriosis, thus leading to infertility problems.
How can I assist my fertility?
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, normal body weight and a healthy diet
- Stop smoking
- Do not have intercourse only on your fertile days. The ideal frequency is two to three times a week so as to ensure the highest possible sperm count.
- Men should be very careful with regard to underwear and exposure to risk factors and high temperatures (e.g. sauna, shower)
- Visit the gynaecologist regularly
