We all know that one couple who have been married for many years and don’t yet have children. When this happens we often make assumptions the issue lies with the woman. “When are you having a child”? is a question once too often addressed just at the woman.

Society has unfairly placed the blame on women as a result of deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes. The notion that women are solely responsible for having and raising children is a patriarchal idea that has been perpetuated for centuries.

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying to have a baby. While infertility can affect both men and women, it is often a complex and multifaceted issue that can be caused by a range of factors. In approximately 50% of cases, male infertility is a contributing factor, while in the other half it may be caused by female infertility, a combination of male and female infertility, or other unknown causes. It’s important to understand that infertility is not just a woman’s problem and that both partners should be evaluated and treated if necessary.

What are the various causes of infertility?

Male infertility factors:

•        Low sperm count

•         abnormal sperm function

•         blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm to semen

•        Older age (above 40)

•        Genetic problems, undescended testicles, infections, hormonal imbalances etc

Over the past few decades, studies have shown a 52% decline in sperm count and quality among men in the Western world, which has led to a rise in infertility issues.

The number of sperm a man produces can vary, but on average it is around 1.5 million/day. Sperm production is the accumulation of everything a man is exposed to from diet to environment pollutants, and by making certain lifestyle changes, it is possible to improve sperm quality within a relatively short period of time, usually around three months

Female infertility factors:

•        Age (above 35) affecting egg quality and ovarian reserve.

•        Vaginal Microbiome (bad bacteria, fungi, viruses) present in the vagina or uterus

•        Blocked/damaged fallopian tubes

•        Various hormonal issues such as PCOS, irregular cycle

•        Uterine or cervical problems: structural abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, such as fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue, endometriosis .

•        Certain drugs e.g chemotherapy, and prolonged use of contraceptives

Other factors impacting fertility in both men and women:

Toxins

Toxins can come from many sources in our environment and the products we use. They can have harmful effects on our health including our reproductive health. For example, exposure to certain toxins can impact the quality of a woman’s eggs and reduce her chances of having a successful pregnancy.

In the case of men, these chemicals are known to reduce testosterone (male hormones) levels while elevating progesterone (female hormones) levels hence impairing fertility

 Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the sources of toxins ( Make up, shampoo, perfumes, shower gels, detergents etc…) in our lives and make choices that minimize our exposure.

Exposure to heat and radiation:

Carrying electronic devices such as cell phones or laptops close to the testicles (front pockets and lap)can raise concerns about possible damage to sperm production and fertility. The heat generated by these devices can increase the temperature of the testicles, potentially leading to decreased sperm production. Additionally, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by these devices has also been suggested to impact sperm quality.

Frequent use of hot showers, sauna and steam may also have a negative impact on fertility.

Ways to improve fertility

Diet & nutrition

•        Focus on eating a healthy balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants to protect the sperm and the egg.

•        Antioxidants are foods that can help neutralize the exposure of toxins and heavy metals. Eg berries, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale),cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts etc…). Include beans and legumes E.g beans, lentils

Avoid junk foods, processed foods, foods high in sugar and caffeine, alcohol etc…

•        Eat organic, or at least your “Dirty Dozens”. Dirty Dozens are a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that have the highest levels of pesticides residues. E.g strawberries, tomatoes, kale, spinach etc…

Clean environment

•        Avoid products that contain known endocrine disruptors such as BPA, Phthalates, lead, cadmium by using non-toxic personal care and cleaning products.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact fertility by altering hormone levels and affecting the reproductive system. Try to manage stress through breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, physical activity, and spending time in nature etc…

It’s important for both partners to seek help from a healthcare provider or fertility specialist and work together in making changes that support their overall health and fertility.