Too little body fat, such as that of athletes, can severely disrupt the menstrual cycle. Too high a percentage of body fat may be linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome , an insidious cause of infertility and related to other health problems. If you're not sure what the optimal weight for your body is, talk to your practitioner. The use of tobacco can effect fertility levels in men and women, and there is some evidence that chemicals in tobacco can lead to early miscarriage. Similarly, it may be the case that even moderate alcohol consumption by women can decrease conception chances , even when her fertility is assumed to be in the normal range.
Excessive caffeine can lead to inappropriately low prolactin levels in women.
Phytoestrogens may inadvertently lengthen the follicular phase of the ovulation cycle , leading to fewer cycles overall, and may possibly have a negative impact on sperm production. At present, it appears that it is at the level of toxicity in which phytoestrogens become hormone disrupters, but more studies are needed . Many such infections develop when women give birth or have an abortion under nonsterile conditions, and others are contracted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Sadly, most sexually transmitted diseases render few, if any, symptoms that would be noticed by females, and sometimes the same can be said for male infections. It is not uncommon for an infertile couple to first learn of any former or current infections during their initial diagnostic workup for infertility.