Stressful work-life, late working hours and a sedentary lifestyle impacts fertility: Doctors

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Various factors such as high work-related stress, extended working hours, and a lack of physical activity, can affect the fertility of women and men. People need to improve fertility by managing work-related stress, eating healthily despite irregular schedules and late shifts, and doing at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to get rid of sedentary habits.

Prioritising careers can cause delays in marriage and family planning for both, women and men. Many women and men are choosing to postpone marriage and parenthood because of career aspirations and goals. While many tend t to give importance to professional life which is also important, doing so can impact fertility for females and males.

Dr Rupali Tambe, fertility consultant Nova IVF Pune, explains, "In today's fast-paced world, there is cut-throat competition and pressure to succeed in the particular profession that one is a part of. If stress is not effectively managed, it can impact sleep patterns, and eating habits, and lead to reliance on substances like caffeine, alcohol, and drugs - all of which can hinder fertility. High stress levels raise the risk of hormonal imbalances, disrupt the ovulation cycle, and pregnancy issues that can be concerning. Irregular work schedules, late hours at the office, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diet choices are certain factors that can impact a woman's chance of conceiving. Postponing marriage for a career may result in reduced quantity and quality of eggs, necessitating assisted reproductive technologies for conception."

Dr Padma Srivastava, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune adds, "The mounting stress, long working hours, and sedentary lifestyles among today's working population are significantly impacting male fertility. High stress can diminish sperm quality and lower testosterone levels, hindering conception. Irregular sleep patterns and hormone disruptions caused by late working hours can exacerbate these issues. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and low sperm count, further contributing to fertility problems. Approximately 20-30 per cent of infertility cases are attributed to abnormal sperm counts, a trend that seems to be escalating alongside associated medical conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. These health issues are often the result of unhealthy lifestyles. However, adopting a healthier diet, incorporating regular exercise, and effective stress management techniques can help improve sperm count and overall fertility outcomes. Relaxation practices like meditation and yoga, and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining reproductive health."

"Both, females and males will have to be ahead of time by ensuring pregnancy planning with the guidance of a fertility consultant. The couple can choose the option of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and egg freezing after discussing with the expert. Stay stress-free by doing yoga and meditation to help combat work-related stress, open up about your feelings with your family members and friends, practice self-care, and take counseling if required. It will also be imperative for females and males to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes and eat a nutritious diet as the work schedule is hectic and long. The working population should adhere to a healthy lifestyle to be able to conceive without any trouble in later life," concludes Dr Rupali.