So you’ve decided it’s time to create a tiny human. Good for you! You start doing all the necessary research on how to prep your body for conception – fertility diets, exercise regimes, supplements, detox etc. You’ve even research various assisted reproductive techniques (ART) just in case – IVF and IVF with egg donation. Armed to the teeth with all these plans, research and knowledge you think you’ve upped your chances of getting that bun in the oven. But have you considered the following things that could affect your fertility? Read on to find out four surprising things that can affect your chances of getting pregnant.
Working Nights
A recent Harvard University study found that women who worked the night shift had more potential for infertility issues than women who worked non-antisocial hours. The study claimed that women who worked nights had a 28% reduction in eggs compared to those who work during the day. This may be due to the disruption of a woman’s circadian rhythm, which is the result of irregular work shift schedules.
Artificial Nighttime Light
We’ve all heard how the blue light from our phone or tablet screens can disrupt our sleep cycles because it suppresses our melatonin levels. However, did you also know that a study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that exposure to this artificial nighttime light can also harm your ability to conceive and the development of a fetus? Melatonin helps eggs block damaging free radicals while lowered melatonin levels can affect the internal clock of a developing fetus, which can lead to future long-term problems. It’s something to think about the next time you’re lying in bed with your nose glued to your phone’s screen.
Oral Health
Having a perfect, sparkly white smile has more than just aesthetic benefits. A study in the Journal of Peridontology found that women who sought fertility assisted treatments had higher levels of bleeding gums and inflammation in comparison with women who successfully conceived naturally. Other studies have also backed this hypothesis on women’s oral health being linked to their reproductive chances so if you’re looking to conceive, don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day!
Heavy Lifting
A Harvard University study found that women whose jobs frequently involved heavy lifting had increased chances of fertility issues. Harvard researchers implied that women whose job required heavy lifting produced 14% fewer eggs than women who did not and that the eggs that they did produce were of a lower quality. Researchers think the reason for this is because the lifting of heavy objects puts a strain on a female’s body and affects its ability to reproduce.
In conclusion, if you’re thinking about conceiving or are trying to conceive, you might want to factor in how your daily and common habits at home and at work can affect your fertility and adjust accordingly. Also, if you’re thinking of seeking fertility treatments abroad, why not Czech out IVF in Prague or egg donation in the Czech Republic?
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