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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – October 30, 2013 – There are many factors affecting fertility – quality of the egg and sperm, health of the uterus and fallopian tubes, frequency of intercourse and effectiveness of ovulation, to name a few. However, over the last few years, it has become increasingly apparent that there are several lifestyle factors that influence fertility such as smoking, drinking alcohol and high-level stress. Their total effect on your chance of becoming pregnant and having an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery is very significant.
But did you know that before you even start your workday, there are things you may be doing that lower your fertility?
Burning the Midnight Oil. If your workweek consists of late hours, overnight flights to Hong Kong and long client meetings, a good night’s sleep may be the last thing on your to do list. “Without sufficient sleep, the body’s endocrine system starts to malfunction. Since this system plays an important role in regulating ovulation, your ability to conceive will drastically decrease,” says Dr. Philip Chenette, an internationally recognized Board Certified specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco. “Burning the candle at both ends could therefore have a big impact on whether or not you can conceive.”
Hot Baths. There’s nothing like a nice, long hot bath to kick start your mornings, right? Well, as relaxing as long, steamy baths can be, if you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid becoming overheated. “Some studies show that raising your body temperature above 102°F during early pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, and a 2003 study found that women who used hot tubs, baths or saunas early in pregnancy were twice as likely to miscarry,” says Dr. Chenette. “If you really want to play it safe, skip the long hot baths for now or limit your time to under 10 minutes to the weeks just prior to ovulation. Showers are not known to be a problem.”
Breakfast…Just What the Doctor Ordered. For most busy women, breakfast consists of grabbing a protein bar or a non-fat yogurt while running out the door in the mornings. But a recent study has shown that eating a big, hearty breakfast could combat the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a menstrual problem that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, which is a cause of infertility. “The research demonstrated that consuming more calories earlier in the day reduces some of the problems associated with PCOS,” says Dr. Chenette.
So go ahead, ladies – load up in the morning.
Say No to a Second Cup of Joe. The morning cup of coffee, the mid-day pick-me-up and the afternoon latte – caffeine in all its forms – cappuccino, espresso, macchiato – has become that little shot in the arm that we all rely on to get us over the hump and keep our minds and bodies sharp. However, studies have shown that too much caffeine does impair a women’s fertility. “Caffeine has a strong effect on intestinal movement. After a morning latte,” says Dr. Chenette, “eggs can get caught in the currents. If you have fertility concerns, you might want to consider cutting back on caffeine.”
About Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco
Pacific Fertility Center is all about developing families, one healthy baby at a time.
In helping women conceive healthy babies, Pacific Fertility Center uses the latest technologies of IVF, including time lapse video imaging, blastocyst culture, and comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS), in addition to an outstanding array of fertility treatment options.
Our devoted team of physicians is recognized nationally and internationally for their extensive clinical experience, outstanding academic credentials and research contributions, as well as for their success in treating the most challenging fertility cases.
Each Pacific Fertility Center Partner physician is a Certified Subspecialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our physicians have held faculty positions at leading research universities. Each physician has actively participated in clinical research to advance the safety, success, and affordability of infertility treatments. As a group, our physicians have performed IVF procedures longer than any other program in the Bay Area. For more information: www.pacificfertilitycenter.com
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