How to Prevent Infertility

Infertility is a problem that affects both men and women. In most cases, infertility occurs as the result of a genetic problem. Certain factors, however, can affect your fertility levels and make it harder to conceive a baby. Avoiding these detriments will ensure you are as fertile as possible.

• Eliminate the intake of toxic substances. This can include alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. Even recreational marijuana or alcohol abuse is known to lower sperm count in men. Clear your body of any of these toxins to increase your sperm count. Smoking can affect the fertility levels of both men and women, so both partners should cease smoking when trying to conceive.


• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause scarring in men, and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause women to become barren. Using condoms for casual sex or with an untested partner is essential for protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.


• Stay healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight will ensure your body is properly equipped for conceiving. Women who are overweight or underweight can have cycle issues that reduce or eliminate occurrences of ovulation. Staying in the healthy weight range for your height and age is essential in preventing infertility.


• Avoid anabolic steroids. These muscle-building drugs cause atrophy in the testicles, which can cause a man to become completely sterile.


• Be aware of concerns like x-ray and toxin exposure. Exposure to toxins in a work environment can lead to infertility. Substances like lead, boron and mercury have been shown to cause infertility. Radiation therapy and even routine x-rays can cause decreased fertility.