Being under or over the desired weight for both males and females can disrupt the hormonal balance that is required for normal egg and sperm production.
Women who are excessively overweight or underweight have reduced conception rates and higher miscarriage risks than women of similar ages who are within their ideal weight range.
Smoking has negative effects on a woman's eggs as well as on a man’s sperm. For women under 30, smoking is the same as adding 10 years of age, to your chances of getting pregnant. For men, the toxins in cigarette smoke are toxic to sperm. Stopping smoking is essential for maximizing a couple’s chances of achieving conception and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
Virtually all scientific studies support the conclusion that smoking has an adverse impact on conception. In addition, nearly twice as many IVF attempts are required to conceive in smokers than in non-smokers
It is virtually impossible to quantify stress and thus the effect of stress on fertility. However, it is always desirable to reduce one’s stress level to a livable and functional level.
A couple’s lifestyle may impact on their ability to conceive. The adage "everything in moderation" is appropriate. This includes caffeine, alcohol consumption and a balanced diet combined with regular exercise.
A leading cause of infertility in women is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance - which links it to type 2 diabetes. If you suffer from infertility, you should be checked for signs of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.