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10 things that could cause infertility

If you are keen on planning a baby soon, beware of these ten things that could cause infertility and make conceiving difficult for you.

Written by Editorial Team | Published : October 7, 2014 1:58 PM IST

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Sweets 2

Sweets are omnipresent in our country and distributed with joy at every religious festival or happy occasion but eating too many of them is bad for your sperm. The reason for this is while there’s a spike in insulin when you consume sweets, and once the sugar high is gone you feel drained and exhausted. To counter that, our adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol which if stimulated too often can lead to a miscommunication with your endocrine system. Definitely not good for fertility.

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Obesity 2

The list of diseases linked to obesity is long. It is also the leading cause of infertility in both men and women. In men, it can affect the sperm count and in women, it makes miscarriages likelier and also interferes with their menstrual cycle. If you are obese, it is important that you fight the condition and get back in great shape. It may take months of hard work, but will keep you happy for years after. Not only will it make you healthier, it will be great for your self confidence too!  Also Read - Tuberculosis in eyes: Early symptoms and when to seek help

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Laptops

While a laptop may be your go-to device for everything from ordering a meal to earning your salary, scientists have said that keeping a laptop on your thighs can affect your sperm quality and make you infertile. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests that ejaculated sperm (of men working with a laptop) was significantly damaged.

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Smoking

Like obesity, the list of diseases linked to smoking is long. Its harmful effects are well publicized and are prominent in public consciousness. A report by the British Medical Association showed that smokers may have up to a 10-40 percent lower monthly fecundity (a.k.a. fertility) rate. However, smokers continue smoking thinking it wouldn’t happen to them.

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Triclosan Soaps And Deodorants 2

A common antibacterial and antifungal ingredient called triclosan has been linked to infertility and other hormonal conditions in its users. There’s also enough evidence to suggest that the compound doesn’t have greater efficacy than regular soap which would mean it would be a good idea to check your soap and deodorant ingredients the next time you’re at the supermarket!  Also Read - Sleep as an Escape: Why you sleep more when life feels overwhelming

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10 Things That Could Cause Infertility

28-year-old Lokesh was a high flying executive climbing up the corporate ladder at an alarming pace. He also had an active social life outside work. Happy with both his work and relationships, he was always brimming with confidence. A few years went by, and Lokesh got married to Manisha. Even after one year of unprotected sex, when the couple were unable to conceive, they decided to visit a fertility expert and get tested. That’s when they found out about the many innocuous habits that can lead to infertility in both men and women. Here’s a list of things that can affect both male and female fertility:

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Tight Underwear

While ripped men in tight underwear may send the oestrogen levels soaring, there’s enough evidence to suggest that they’re not good for their sperm! The logic behind it is simple – your scrotum is a little below your body because it needs to be cooler than the rest of you but tight underwear raises the temperature which affects sperm production. Even though certain studies have debunked this theory, it is better to be safe than sorry! Also Read - PCOS in young women: Why it’s rising in your 20s? Know early symptoms and ways to manage