Causes of infertility
Cigarettes can lead to infertility
In some studies, the ever-evil cigarette has been shown to nearly double the risk of infertility. Women who smoke may also experience menopause one to four years earlier than those who don't, even through secondhand smoke, possibly because cigarette smoke affects chemicals in the oocytes (a woman's unripe egg cells).
Tobacco has also been shown to increase the rate at which women's eggs are depleted, more rapidly decreasing ovarian reserve. Aside from butting out, Dr. Ken Cadesky, a reproductive gynecologist and director of Toronto's LifeQuest Centre for Reproductive Medicine, recommends limiting yourself to two alcoholic drinks per week if you're trying to get pregnant.
Other health risks affecting fertility
Fibroids and endometriosis, which can jeopardize fertility, develop in women of any age. Some of us can live our entire lives with either or both without any major health complication as a result. However, over time, there's a greater chance of problems occurring, making older women vulnerable.
Although uncommon, large subserosal fibroids, which develop outside the uterus, may compress the Fallopian tubes, blocking sperm and eggs from reaching them. Subserosal fibroids may also make it difficult for the Fallopian tube to capture an egg at the time of ovulation.
Submucosal fibroids, which develop underneath the lining of the uterus, act as "natural IUDs," says Cadesky, describing them as "foreign bodies that sit in the uterus and prevent conception."
Endometriosis is thought to adversely affect an egg's development, as well as sperm binding to the egg, fertilization and the ability of an embryo to implant in the uterus.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can have serious complications that can affect fertility, like pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage the Fallopian tubes, the uterus or the ovaries.
Lastly, Cadesky adds that almost any drug that targets the central nervous system, such as tranquilizers or seizure prevention medications, can affect the ability of the pituitary gland to promote ovulation. These drugs could also affect prolactin, the hormone that stimulates lactation; abnormally high levels of it can restrict ovulation. And taking too much or too little thyroid medication can affect a woman's ovulation hormones.
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Page 3 of 5
In some studies, the ever-evil cigarette has been shown to nearly double the risk of infertility. Women who smoke may also experience menopause one to four years earlier than those who don't, even through secondhand smoke, possibly because cigarette smoke affects chemicals in the oocytes (a woman's unripe egg cells).
Tobacco has also been shown to increase the rate at which women's eggs are depleted, more rapidly decreasing ovarian reserve. Aside from butting out, Dr. Ken Cadesky, a reproductive gynecologist and director of Toronto's LifeQuest Centre for Reproductive Medicine, recommends limiting yourself to two alcoholic drinks per week if you're trying to get pregnant.
Other health risks affecting fertility
Fibroids and endometriosis, which can jeopardize fertility, develop in women of any age. Some of us can live our entire lives with either or both without any major health complication as a result. However, over time, there's a greater chance of problems occurring, making older women vulnerable.
Although uncommon, large subserosal fibroids, which develop outside the uterus, may compress the Fallopian tubes, blocking sperm and eggs from reaching them. Subserosal fibroids may also make it difficult for the Fallopian tube to capture an egg at the time of ovulation.
Submucosal fibroids, which develop underneath the lining of the uterus, act as "natural IUDs," says Cadesky, describing them as "foreign bodies that sit in the uterus and prevent conception."
Endometriosis is thought to adversely affect an egg's development, as well as sperm binding to the egg, fertilization and the ability of an embryo to implant in the uterus.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can have serious complications that can affect fertility, like pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage the Fallopian tubes, the uterus or the ovaries.
Lastly, Cadesky adds that almost any drug that targets the central nervous system, such as tranquilizers or seizure prevention medications, can affect the ability of the pituitary gland to promote ovulation. These drugs could also affect prolactin, the hormone that stimulates lactation; abnormally high levels of it can restrict ovulation. And taking too much or too little thyroid medication can affect a woman's ovulation hormones.
Click to continue...
Page 3 of 5
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