Fertility is the natural ability in women to conceive, give birth to their little ones, and start their family. It is influenced by a wide range of factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, etc. The two main factors that cause challenges in fertility in both men and women are smoking and consuming alcohol. These habits cause problems in conceiving and later on for your offspring as well.
The Role Of Alcohol And Smoking On Female Fertility
Smoking and consuming alcohol both compromise the natural ability of a woman to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Together they increase the chances of infertility. Smoking has a more dangerous effect on pregnancy as it directly affects the ovaries. There are toxic chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, tar, etc that lead to the depletion of the ovarian reserve of women, a pool of finite eggs available for ovulation. Smoking also affects the quality of eggs by causing DNA damage, and it increases the risk of genetic abnormalities. Smoking also disrupts hormonal production that leads to irregular menstrual cycles.
When alcohol is consumed in excess, it plays with the body’s natural processes. It has a bad effect on the balance that is needed for ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. Alcohol impairs the functioning of the glands that causes the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis plays with your menstrual health and your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Moreover, alcohol consumption also leads to miscarriage by affecting the uterine environment.
The Role Of Alcohol And Smoking On Male Fertility
Drinking alcohol and smoking affect male fertility as well by affecting sperm production quality. There are certain abilities of a sperm to fertilize the eggs, such as shape, movement, and count. Due to the harmful chemicals present in the overall smoking procedure, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, etc damage to the sperm DNA is done. In addition to this, smoking also reduces the level of testosterone in the body. Smoking also damages the blood vessels that affect erectile function and causes problems in successful intercourse.
Alcohol, on the other hand, affects male fertility when consumed regularly. Alcohol disrupts the production of testosterone and sperm production. Alcohol is also a major reason behind oxidative stress, which damages sperm cells and leads to DNA fragmentation. Drinking leads to higher risks of developmental issues of the sperm. Heavy drinking reduces the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm.
Steps To Improve Fertility
1. Quit Smoking
Doing this is one of the best ways to keep your fertility health in the right condition. Smoking leads to a reduction in sperm count and egg count. It also causes DNA fragmentation and reduces the chances of natural conception. If you are addicted to it, then the right therapies will help you out.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake
Reducing alcohol consumption is just the right way towards healthy fertility. Alcohol plays with hormones, and these damage the reproductive cells in both men and women. Women who are trying to conceive should completely leave drinking alcohol, as it affects implantation.
3. Healthy Diet
Eating nutritious meals such as fruits and vegetables is very important. Essential nutrients like zinc and omega-3 promote egg and sperm health. You should consult a nutritionist and then go for a tailored diet plan for this purpose.
Smoking and alcohol both have negative effects on the fertility of men and women. It damages the hormonal balance and reduces egg product production in females and sperm count in males. Though all these changes are reversible, you just have to adapt to a healthy lifestyle.