Abstract
BackgroundInfertility is a relatively common condition. When patients are confronted with this diagnosis, there are medical, psychological, and financial sequelae. Patients often wonder if there is anything they can do to optimize their natural fertility or increase the effectiveness of infertility treatments.FindingsIf there is a clear impact on fertility, such as with smoking and alcohol, cessation should be advised. Similarly, weight loss should be recommended if the BMI is in the overweight and obese category, and weight gain should be recommended for an underweight BMI. The evidence surrounding other lifestyle modifications is less clear. There are conflicting data regarding an optimal fertility diet and consumption of vitamins and supplements. Antioxidants seem to improve semen parameters in men, but the effect on female fertility is less clear. If conflicting evidence exists, such as with caffeine consumption or exercise, moderation should be emphasized. Finally, the diagnosis of infertility and subsequent fertility treatments are stressful for both partners. The psychological aspects should not be ignored and methods such as yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial.ConclusionContinued research will determine the optimal lifestyle modifications to achieve pregnancy.
Highlights
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of attempting pregnancy
This article will focus on the evidence surrounding common lifestyle factors such as weight, exercise, substance use, diet, vitamin and antioxidant supplementation, and stress and their effects on fertility
Weight Body mass index (BMI) and weight are closely related to reproductive function
Summary
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of attempting pregnancy. An increase in low-fat dairy foods by 1 serving per day (calorie count was held constant) was associated with an 11 % greater risk of ovulatory disorder infertility (95 % CI 2-21 %).
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