Four Environmental Factors That Affect Your Ability to Have Kids

So, you bought a new house and can’t wait to see your kids grow up in it. That’s a dream that many Americans around the country share. Building a family is a beautiful experience, but sometimes certain obstacles can make it hard. Did you know that one in five people are unable to get pregnant even after a year of trying? 

That’s 19% of the population who want kids but aren’t having success. Infertility is a common problem, but the causes aren’t always straightforward. Environmental factors also play a role, and you might be surprised at what they include. In this article, let us look at four factors to be aware of. 

1. Lifestyle Factors

There has been a lot of research and evidence that shows certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and alcohol, cause fertility problems. However, did you know that even your diet plays a role? That’s right. As Healthline states, red meat, trans fats, baked goods, and sweet sodas have all been observed to make getting pregnant difficult. 

Women who also exercise vigorously have also been observed to have a higher incidence of infertility. It also reduces the chance of IVF success, which is something to be aware of. If you wish to exercise while trying to have kids, the best option is to focus on moderate exercise and avoid the vigorous kind.

If you are unsure of the difference, NovaIVF Fertility states that moderate exercise will raise your heart rate, respiration, and body heat, but you should be able to speak without feeling out of breath. In contrast, vigorous activity causes so much exertion that you can only manage a few words and feel out of breath. 

2. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals 

There are many toxic chemicals out there in the environment that can affect fertility. This is particularly true if you or your partner work in a setting that exposes you to chemicals like the PFAS group.  

If you work as a firefighter and have come into contact with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), you have likely been exposed to PFAS chemicals. 

According to TorHoerman Law, there are several instances of people who were exposed to such foam and reported fertility problems. Furthermore, there were also reports of complications during pregnancy and issues with child development. 

As you can imagine, this has triggered a number of AFFF lawsuit cases against companies that manufacture the foam. So, be aware that one possible cause of fertility issues could be chemical exposure.

Remember, PFAS are just one group of chemicals. They get a lot of attention, but there are several other chemicals that can cause issues with pregnancy. Phthalates, bisphenol A, PCBs, glycol ethers, and others, also pose a risk. These are also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. 

3. Air Pollution

If you happen to live in a particularly polluted city or state, there is a chance that air pollution could affect your chances of pregnancy. This occurs due to the presence of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, and high levels of N02 and O3. They trigger oxidative stress, which, in turn, can damage sperm and egg cells. 

Air pollution can also disrupt and cause irregularities in menstrual cycles for women. This can make it difficult to predict the time of ovulation and cause a shorter luteal phase. The luteal phase refers to the time when the uterine lining thickens in anticipation of a fertilized egg. 

Thus, try to find ways to limit your exposure to heavily polluted areas. Consider wearing masks as well as installing air purifiers in your home. These are small steps that can help minimize the dangerous effects of air pollution.  

4. Work Stress, Anxiety, and Poor Mental Health

According to Mayo Clinic, stress can be one of many factors that contribute to infertility. In addition, women who reported a history of depression were found to have infertility rates that were double those who didn’t. 

If you are trying to get pregnant, try to find ways to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. If you work a high-stress job, try to time conception during naturally peaceful times, such as on vacations. 

Stress reduction techniques also help, such as the usual roster of deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and even a bit of yoga. Besides the last one, all these techniques can be practiced almost anywhere and at any time. So, the next time you are feeling overwhelmed at work, take a few minutes to lower your stress levels.

In conclusion, if you are having difficulty getting pregnant, it’s good to know that the problem may not be with you or your partner. It saves a lot of stress and tension when you realize that environmental factors are also at play. 

That said, learning to deal with these factors is a different challenge that you will need to tackle. 

Thankfully, fertility is one area that gets a lot of attention from researchers and the healthcare industry. If you feel like it’s taking more time than you would like to conceive a child, definitely reach out and make use of the many resources available.