Tubal infections, fibroid tumors and endometriosis are more common in older women and are a common cause for infertility. Excessive drinking, smoking, drug use Research has shown that the excessive consumption of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin and crack, by a potential father prior to pregnancy can be the cause of infertility. Illicit drugs can also reduce the sperm count, damage the sperm, reduce testosterone levels, and change testicular functioning. Heavy drinking can affect a woman s menstrual cycle as well. Note however, that as long as drinking, smoking and drug use have been curtailed before getting pregnant, prior use seems to pose almost no risk to the baby.
Ovulation is a pre-requisite for getting pregnant.
In women with regular menstrual cycles of 28-35 days, ovulation takes place once every cycle. This means that they have fewer chances of getting pregnant not only because they have fewer possible fertile periods, but also because they may not be ovulating in every cycle. The normal sperm count ranges from 20 million to 100 million sperm per cubic centimeter. Counts below 20 million may be a cause for difficulty in conception. Factors such as fatigue, excessive alcohol, smoking or other drug abuse, prostate gland infection, poor diet, or occupational exposure to chemicals can cause a small, temporary decrease in the sperm count.